2014 World Cup Golden Boot Winner James Rodríguez Retires from International Football
Sports Desk
১৬-৯-২০২৬ দুপুর ১২:৪১
2014 World Cup Golden Boot Winner James Rodríguez Retires from International Football
Twelve years after announcing his arrival on football's biggest stage, Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez has officially retired from international football, drawing the curtain on a 15-year career with the national team.
The 35-year-old midfielder announced his decision via social media on Tuesday. "Today I want to speak to you from the heart," Rodríguez wrote. "After many years, many matches, and moments of both immense joy and hardship, the time has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team."
Rodríguez made his senior debut for Colombia in October 2011 against Bolivia, scoring the winning goal. He went on to represent his country at three FIFA World Cups—2014, 2018, and 2026—missing only the 2022 tournament in Qatar when Colombia failed to qualify.
His defining international moment came during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he captured the Golden Boot with six goals in five matches. His iconic chest-and-volley strike against Uruguay in the Round of 16 won the Puskás Award and earned him a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid shortly after the tournament.
"Wearing this jersey was both a dream and a massive responsibility," Rodríguez reflected. "Every time I stepped onto the pitch, I knew I was playing for my family, my teammates, and millions of Colombians. Having the honor to wear the number 10 shirt and the captain's armband was something I approached with utmost respect."
Following his announcement, Colombia's World Cup Round of 16 penalty shootout loss to Switzerland on July 7 stands as his final international appearance. Rodríguez concludes his international career with 131 caps, 31 goals, and 43 assists. Under his captaincy, Colombia reached the final of the 2024 Copa América, finishing as runners-up to Argentina.
Rodríguez recently signed with Colombian club Atlético Nacional, choosing to focus exclusively on club football in the final chapter of his career. "I leave with a peaceful heart, knowing that I gave everything I had," he added. "Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia."
Sports Desk
১৬-৯-২০২৬ দুপুর ১২:৪১
Twelve years after announcing his arrival on football's biggest stage, Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez has officially retired from international football, drawing the curtain on a 15-year career with the national team.
The 35-year-old midfielder announced his decision via social media on Tuesday. "Today I want to speak to you from the heart," Rodríguez wrote. "After many years, many matches, and moments of both immense joy and hardship, the time has come to close one of the most important chapters of my life: my journey with the Colombian national team."
Rodríguez made his senior debut for Colombia in October 2011 against Bolivia, scoring the winning goal. He went on to represent his country at three FIFA World Cups—2014, 2018, and 2026—missing only the 2022 tournament in Qatar when Colombia failed to qualify.
His defining international moment came during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he captured the Golden Boot with six goals in five matches. His iconic chest-and-volley strike against Uruguay in the Round of 16 won the Puskás Award and earned him a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid shortly after the tournament.
"Wearing this jersey was both a dream and a massive responsibility," Rodríguez reflected. "Every time I stepped onto the pitch, I knew I was playing for my family, my teammates, and millions of Colombians. Having the honor to wear the number 10 shirt and the captain's armband was something I approached with utmost respect."
Following his announcement, Colombia's World Cup Round of 16 penalty shootout loss to Switzerland on July 7 stands as his final international appearance. Rodríguez concludes his international career with 131 caps, 31 goals, and 43 assists. Under his captaincy, Colombia reached the final of the 2024 Copa América, finishing as runners-up to Argentina.
Rodríguez recently signed with Colombian club Atlético Nacional, choosing to focus exclusively on club football in the final chapter of his career. "I leave with a peaceful heart, knowing that I gave everything I had," he added. "Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia."
