Davinson Sánchez named Colombia captain following James Rodríguez retirement

Following the retirement of James Rodríguez from the Colombia national football team, manager Néstor Lorenzo has appointed defender Davinson Sánchez as the new team captain. Lorenzo cited Sánchez’s extensive experience and leadership within the squad as the primary reasons for the decision.

The appointment marks the beginning of a generational transition for the team as they prepare for a new cycle targeting the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. The squad is undergoing significant changes, including new selections for the left-back position, with Álvaro Angulo and Samuel Velásquez being called up to replace Johan Mojica and Déiver Machado.

Colombia is scheduled to begin this new phase with a friendly match against Mexico on September 26 in Baltimore, United States. Subsequent matches in this FIFA window include friendlies against Paraguay on October 2 and Peru on October 6, both to be held in the United States.