The end of a defining era for South American football has come, as Colombian great James Rodriguez has called time on his international career.

The former FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner has announced the end of his 15-year stint with Los Cafeteros, the senior men's national team of Colombia.

In a poignant personal video shared across social media, James Rodriguez expressed his gratitude for representing his country the way he did.

He enjoyed an impressive summer in which he rolled back the years for his country at the World Cup aged 35.

JAMES RODRIGUEZ SENDS FAREWELL MESSAGE WITH RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

James Rodriguez took to social media to announce his retirement with a heartfelt message which he read directly on camera.

The video featured clips from his early days with the national team in the 2010s to captaining his country this summer.

The former Real Madrid man described wearing the yellow shirt as "a huge responsibility" while thanking teammates, coaches, and supporters for every shared moment across 15 years.

"Today, I want to talk to you from the heart.

"After many years, many games and joys, and difficult moments, it's time to close one of the most important chapters in my life: my journey with the Colombian national team.

"Wearing this shirt was a dream, but also a huge responsibility.

"Every time I entered a pitch, I understood that he didn't play just for me. I played for my family, teammates, thousands of Colombians who dreamed of all of us.

"I had the honor of wearing the No. 10 shirt and also the captain's armband.

"I always tried to do it with respect, responsibility and understanding what it meant to represent Colombia. I had good days and very difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colors.

"I'm leaving calmly because I gave everything. Thank you for every moment, thank you Colombia," he said in the video.

His departure marks the end of a decorated era for Colombian football, leaving behind an indelible mark as one of the country's greatest-ever sporting icons.

GOLDEN BOOT MAGIC TO COPA AMERICA FINALS: A STORIED COLOMBIA CAREER

James Rodriguez made his international debut for Colombia in an October 2011 match against Bolivia, scoring the winner and providing a glimpse of what was to come from him.

He shot to international superstardom at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with six goals to earn the FIFA Golden Boot and leading Colombia to their first-ever quarter-final appearance.

His unforgettable chest-and-volley strike against Uruguay in the round of 16 won the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year, and his World Cup outing earned him a dream move to Real Madrid.

After 2014, he played in the 2018 and 2026 World Cups, with Colombia having failed to qualify in 2022.

James played 131 times for Colombia, scoring 31 goals and providing 43 assists, and is tied with Carlos Valderrama and Freddy Rincón for the most appearances in major tournaments by Colombian players.

He was Colombia's captain at the 2024 Copa America and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez as he led his country to a first final appearance for 23 years.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD: CONTINUING CLUB FOOTBALL WITH ATLETICO NACIONAL

James has not had the best of times in club football, with his career at club level resembling that of a journeyman.

The former Everton, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid man has recently pitched his tent with Colombian powerhouse Atletico Nacional, the 14th different club of his career, after leaving MLS outfit Minnesota United.

He will now focus entirely on his club duties and will hope to pass on some of his knowledge to the younger generation, such as future Liverpool starlet Samuel Martinez.

He signed a one-year deal until June 2027, and it includes a clause to extend the deal by an additional year if both parties are pleased with the arrangement.