James Rodríguez announced his retirement from the Colombia national football team on September 15, 2026, concluding a 15-year international career that began with his debut in La Paz, Bolivia, in October 2011 during the qualifiers for the Brazil World Cup.
Following the announcement, the departure of the team's number 10 prompted a widespread wave of farewell messages from former teammates, fellow footballers, artists, and content creators. These tributes highlighted his athletic contributions and leadership during his tenure with the squad, often referred to as the Tricolor or the Cafeteros.
Media coverage also reflected on previous chapters of his international career, including instances when former coach Reinaldo Rueda sidelined him from the squad.
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