James Rodriguez dismisses retirement rumors, saying reports were to 'get likes'

James Rodriguez might be leaving MLS, but he's not ending his soccer career.

The Colombia international signed a short-term deal with Minnesota United before the MLS season, but has failed to impress. At least, he had failed to impress until May 10, when he registered a pair of assists and helped the Loons to a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.

The 2026 World Cup always has been part of Rodriguez's plans after he turned back the clock in the 2024 Copa América and helped Colombia to the final against Argentina. While the Cafeteros finished as runners-up, Rodriguez was named the tournament's best player.

Now 34, reports over the weekend indicated he might be planning to hang up his boots after the 2026 World Cup, but Rodriguez said he sees himself playing longer and has no plans to retire.

"I don’t know who said that. I think it was in Colombia to get views, to get likes. But I think they should inform themselves a bit more about all these things," he said in a post-match interview with MLS's Spanish-language broadcast. "The only person who will know how long I want to play, I think, is me.

"I’m going to say with plenty of time in advance, but right now I think I have a couple more years. All those things they’re saying, I think are false. I think it’s bad for the whole country, for fans because they believe things that aren’t true, and for me, of course. I’ve never said that."

When will James Rodriguez join the Colombia national team?

Some recent chatter in the press about Rodriguez, however, proved to be accurate.

A report from Apple TV indicated Rodriguez would leave Minnesota United after the club's May 13 match against the Colorado Rapids to join up with the national team early ahead of the World Cup.

"The 17th. Next week, I’ll be with them," Rodriguez said. "Obviously, I want to think in what’s coming up. I'm at a certain age, and I have to think about everything that is coming, which I think will be good. Day to day, I train well. I take good care of my body, and if they give me 30, 40 minutes or the whole match, I have to be ready."

Colombia will play a May 29 preparation friendly against Costa Rica in Bogota and a June 7 game against Jordan in San Diego before its June 17 World Cup opener against Uzbekistan in Mexico City.

With World Cup qualifying now complete, national teams around the globe are turning their attention toward soccer’s biggest tournament.

These are 12 incredible players to watch as they represent their countries on the World Cup stage.

Above, Sweden’s Alexander Isak plays for his national team. The forward is set to be one of the key figures for Sweden at the World Cup as he continues his role leading the attack for club and country.

Sweden’s forward Viktor Gyokeres, right.

Arda Guler of Turkey, right.

Hakan Calhanoglu of Turkey

Turkey’s forward Kenan Yildiz

Patrik Schick of Czechia, top.

Czechia’s midfielder Tomas Soucek.

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s forward Edin Dzeko, left.

Ermedin Demirovic of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Iraq’s forward Ayman Hussein, left.

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