James Rodríguez in action for Minnesota United
/ MUFC
The future of James Rodríguez continues to keep Colombian football in suspense. After several days filled with speculation about a possible retirement following the 2026 World Cup, the Colombian playmaker stepped forward to deny any immediate plans to end his career. The national team captain insisted he still feels strong enough to compete and dismissed reports of an imminent farewell as false.
Rumors had intensified amid a complicated situation for the midfielder, whose stint with Minnesota United FC appears to have ended earlier than expected.
James Rodríguez, captain of the Colombian national team
/ WILL OLIVER / EFE
Rodríguez had signed a short-term deal with the MLS side to play the first half of the season, but his involvement has been far less than anticipated due to physical issues and a lack of continuity. Following the 2-2 draw against Austin FC — a match in which he provided two assists and flashed moments of his quality — the Colombian took the opportunity to directly address the retirement talk.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star stated that only he will decide when it’s time to leave professional football. “I don’t know who said that just to get views… the only one who knows how long I want to play is me. I think I still have a couple of years left, and all those things being said are false,” the Cafetero told club media.
James Rodríguez at his presentation with Minnesota United
/ MNUFC
Everything points to his final match with Minnesota being the upcoming game against Colorado Rapids, as the club has no plans to extend the contract that expires at the end of June. That would bring a brief North American chapter to a close, allowing Rodríguez to fully focus on the main goal on his calendar: the 2026 World Cup.
Colombia will begin preparations for the tournament in the coming days, and the midfielder hopes to join Néstor Lorenzo’s squad as soon as possible. The coaching staff intends to design a specific plan to get their captain back to peak physical condition, aware that he arrives with little competitive rhythm after months of limited game time.
Colombia faces a tough group stage, taking on Portugal, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before the World Cup kicks off, the Cafetero side will play friendly matches against Costa Rica and Jordan.