´I have a few more years´ – James Rodriguez rubbishes retirement rumours

James Rodriguez believes he has “a few more years” left of his playing career as he rubbished talks of retirement following the 2026 World Cup.

The Colombia star is currently playing for Minnesota United in MLS, following a short spell with Leon in Mexico.

James came off the bench and provided two assists in the Loons’ 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday, which marked his fifth MLS appearance for the club.

The 34-year-old’s short-term contract with the MLS club expires before the World Cup, and despite the club’s option to extend until the end of the year, the former Real Madrid man is not expected to return after the tournament.

Those reports sparked rumours of a potential retirement for James, which he denied after Minnesota’s draw with Austin.

“I don’t know who said that,” he told Apple TV. “I think it was in Colombia to get views, to get likes.

Magic from Joaquín and James pic.twitter.com/bfmHr30dDT

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) May 11, 2026

“I think they should inform themselves a bit more about all these things. 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 few 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.”

Rodriguez led the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in assists, with seven, as he is set to feature in his third finals.

He won the Golden Boot at the 2014 edition in Brazil, scoring six goals in five games as Colombia reached the quarter-finals for the first time and only time in their history.