Bogotá, Colombia – Jhon Jáder Durán has vehemently denied allegations of a rift with his Colombia national team teammates, responding to recent comments made by national team legend Carlos Valderrama. The Zenit Saint Petersburg forward addressed the claims in a lengthy statement posted on social media Wednesday, pushing back against assertions that his behavior led to his exclusion from the squad.
Valderrama, speaking on ESPN, suggested that Durán’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad were slim, stating, “Durán, I think, is for the next World Cup, he won’t reach this one. He removed himself, he removed himself… because he fought with the group and you know he fought with the group. Whoever fights with the group removes himself.”
Durán’s Firm Rebuttal
Durán, currently playing for Zenit in Russia, responded with a detailed message on his social media accounts, expressing frustration with what he called “rumors” surrounding an alleged incident during the June 6, 2025, World Cup qualifying match against Peru in Barranquilla. Following that match, Durán left the team’s concentration, with the Colombian Football Federation citing a back injury.
“Enough is enough with so many things; I have never been and will never be someone who speaks just to speak or to appear a certain way,” Durán wrote. “But enough with the bad energy, bad words and so much gossip that only denigrates and damages a person’s image.”
“THE TRUTH: I did not fight with any player, nor with any member of the coaching staff of the Colombian national team. That is FALSE!!! And if it happens, I myself will approach forward and say it publicly, because I am a person who always tells the truth, even if many of you don’t like it or believe it,” he added.
Durán, although not directly naming Valderrama, issued a pointed critique of those making unsubstantiated claims, demanding evidence to support the allegations of a dressing room conflict. “It’s so easy to deceive you with false humility, that’s why I always prefer to say things as they are and not cover up or falsify anything to look good with anyone. And finally, I want to say that one, as a journalist or much less as a ‘retired’ player, cannot start talking without knowing what is happening in reality, without even verifying, because they lose credibility and damage their own image, right?”
Jhon Durán Photo:@fczenit_en ·
“Whoever has proof that I had an issue with any player or member of the coaching staff, let them present it, let’s see who ends up being the liar and defamer. We see very compromising to speak without speaking, if you have a microphone and a camera; your mission is to inform and convey the truth, NOT to misinform and much less lie, to the detriment of the dignity and image of a person you don’t even know,” he concluded.
Durán’s statement on Instagram Photo:Instagram
Durán’s International Status
Durán has not been called up to the Colombian national team since the match against Peru in June 2025. He was playing for Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia at that time and has since transferred twice, first to Fenerbahçe in Turkey and then to Zenit in January.
The situation raises questions about Durán’s future with Los Cafeteros as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded 48-team format of the tournament could potentially open doors for players who might have been on the fringes of contention in previous cycles, but Durán will need to rebuild trust with the coaching staff and his teammates.
The controversy also highlights the importance of team cohesion and internal harmony within national team setups. While individual talent is crucial, a united dressing room is often seen as a key ingredient for success on the international stage. The incident serves as a reminder that off-field issues can have a significant impact on a player’s chances of representing their country.
The Colombian national team will face [insert next confirmed opponent and date here – *verification needed*] as they continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Fans will be watching closely to see if Durán can resolve the issues and earn a recall to the squad.
Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
