Why was James Rodriguez absent from Colombia squad for Chile friendly
Colombia's veteran midfielder, who retired from international soccer in September, is not in the squad for the Friday friendly against Chile.
James Rodriguez was not part of Colombia's squad for Friday's 2026 friendly against Chile in Cali.
Rodriguez is absent because he retired from international soccer, ending a 15-year career with Los Cafeteros.
He announced his retirement on Sept. 15, and the decision came after Colombia was eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo said Rodriguez had told him of his intentions after the Switzerland match, and that he respected the decision and let the player choose when to make it public.
In a farewell message, Rodriguez said wearing the national team jersey had always been a dream and that he was leaving satisfied he had given everything for his country.
He also acknowledged that a new generation of players was ready to take over.
Rodriguez finished his international career with 131 appearances, 31 goals and 43 assists, making him Colombia's most-capped player and its second-highest scorer behind Radamel Falcao.
His best-known achievement came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals.
He had also represented Colombia at the 2018 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America before his final appearance at the 2026 tournament.
Lorenzo said Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez is his leading candidate to succeed Rodriguez as captain.
The coach said Sanchez has spent considerable time with the national team, taken part in major international competitions and shown the attitude needed to lead the group.
Sanchez is included in Colombia's 26-man squad for the November friendlies against Chile.
