André Carrillo and the dilemma between love for the shirt and economic opportunities.

The situation of André Carrillo, a player who has been a fundamental part of the Peruvian national team, has become a hot topic in football debates. At 33 years old, Carrillo is without a team following his stint at Al Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia, and his recent statements have rekindled the discussion about the true value of playing for the national team. While many fans see this opportunity as an act of love for the jersey, the economic and professional background is much more complex. The significance of a footballer's international status is undeniable. The market valuation model used by entities such as the CIES Football Observatory and Transfermarkt includes performance in the national team as one of its key parameters. This implies that, for players from undervalued leagues, such as the Peruvian league, the national team can become a springboard to more attractive contracts and international visibility. Carrillo is a clear example of this; his time with the national team has allowed him to shine abroad, but it has also brought criticism and pressure. In a YouTube program, Carrillo expressed his discontent with the demands of playing for the national team, mentioning the reduction of his vacation time and the public pressure he faces. These statements have been interpreted in various ways. Some see a lack of commitment in his words, while others believe they reflect the emotional and professional burden that high-performance athletes face. One of the most discussed points is the impact of the national team on a player's career. Luis Carrillo Pinto, an expert in sports and business, argues that the exposure provided by the national team positively influences a player's market value. "Playing for the national team is what allows a player to be revalued," he states, emphasizing that brands seek to associate with figures who represent their country. On the other hand, Víctor Zaferson, a recognized scout, questions the logic behind certain comments from Carrillo, suggesting that most players who achieve international success do so thanks to their participation in the national team. Zaferson also mentions that the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) has failed to find suitable replacements, which has perpetuated the presence of players like Carrillo in the team despite decreasing performance. The perception of commitment and sacrifice in football is a recurring theme. Sergio Villavicencio, director of the agency Media & PR Service, argues that personal sacrifice is part of the profession, and that players who reach the status of being selectable not only gain recognition but also the possibility of significantly improving their financial situation in the future. However, the context is not the same for all players. Carrillo is aware that staying in the national team is crucial, especially for those who have not managed to make the leap to more prestigious leagues. Access to international competitions, such as the World Cups, provides a platform that can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. The dilemma lies in the fact that, while playing for the national team can be a lucrative business, it also entails an emotional and professional burden that not all players are willing to bear. The constant pressure to meet the expectations of fans and the media can be overwhelming, especially when performance is not as expected. Carrillo's situation reflects a broader phenomenon in Peruvian football: the interaction between love for the jersey and the pursuit of economic opportunities. While for some players the national team represents a dream and a source of pride, for others it can become a weight that limits their professional career. Thus, the debate over whether one plays for love of the jersey or for the opportunity to propel a career continues to be a topic of discussion in the football world. Ultimately, Carrillo's story invites us to reflect on the true meaning of representing a country in football: an honor that can also be a business. The duality of this experience is what makes it so intriguing and yet so complex, and only time will tell how this narrative will unfold in the future of Peruvian sport.