Colombia to Hand No. 10 Shirt to James Rodriguez Successor
Colombia will not retire the No. 10 shirt following James Rodríguez’s international retirement on September 15, with coach Néstor Lorenzo confirming that the country’s most symbolic attacking number will pass straight to a new player.
Colombia keep the No. 10 tradition alive
James brought a 131-cap international career to an end after serving as Colombia captain, prompting immediate debate over whether his shirt should be withdrawn temporarily. Lorenzo has ruled that out, arguing that the number must remain part of the national side’s identity rather than becoming a memorial to one era.
At his latest squad announcement, the Argentine coach joked that he had considered recalling Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama. His point was clear: the No. 10 carries major status in Colombia, but it remains a role for players who can earn it through their performances.
Lorenzo believes his current group contains the technical quality required to produce another creative focal point. He said the next No. 10 would have to win supporters over in the same way Colombia’s previous playmakers have done.
The succession after James and Quintero
The decision comes at a significant moment for Colombia’s attacking midfield options. Juan Fernando Quintero has also stepped away from international football, leaving Lorenzo to establish a new creative core without two established figures.
Yaser Asprilla is among the leading candidates to take on greater responsibility. The energetic young midfielder is joined in the pool by the more experienced Jhon Arias and newcomer Juan Manuel Rengifo, with the final choice for the shirt due to be announced when the squad convenes for its next training camp.
- September 15: James Rodríguez ends his Colombia career after 131 appearances.
- Debate follows over whether the No. 10 should be held back or retired.
- Lorenzo confirms that the shirt will remain available for selection.
- Colombia’s next camp will reveal the player chosen to wear it.
- Friendlies against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru will test the side’s new attacking balance.
Friendlies offer Lorenzo an early test
Colombia’s upcoming exhibition schedule provides Lorenzo with an immediate opportunity to assess how his side functions after James. Matches against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru are set to give the selected playmaker a first chance to operate outside the former captain’s shadow.
The coach will use the camp to settle his midfield combinations and identify who can provide the imagination and control expected from Colombia’s No. 10 before competitive commitments return.
Key takeaways
- Colombia’s No. 10 shirt will stay in circulation after James Rodríguez’s retirement.
- James ended his international career on September 15 with 131 caps.
- Juan Fernando Quintero’s departure from international duty has widened the contest for the creative role.
- Yaser Asprilla, Jhon Arias and Juan Manuel Rengifo are among the midfielders in contention.
- Mexico, Paraguay and Peru will provide the first tests of Colombia’s post-James attacking structure.
