The State of Peruvian Football: A Crisis of Development and a Glimmer of Hope
Peruvian football is at a crossroads. The statistics paint a grim picture: last in the World Cup qualifiers, last in the South American Sub 20 tournament, and last in the pre-Olympic qualifiers. With only 25 players plying their trade abroad, the perception of Peruvian footballers on the global stage is far from favorable.
The recent case of Joao Grimaldo, a talented footballer with a unique dribbling style, highlights the challenges. Despite his potential, Grimaldo is one of the few Peruvian players who has managed to make a mark internationally. As former Peruvian star Claudio Farfán aptly put it, “In Peruvian football, many players do not believe it, and when someone does, thay think it is left over or enlarged, but it has nothing to do. You have to create it.”
Though, the focus should not be on blaming players or coaches. The root of the problem lies in the lack of a defined development process. The future of Peruvian football hinges on addressing all phases of player training. Until this is achieved, the national team, affectionately known as the ‘Sele,’ faces an uphill battle in the 2027 and 2031 World Cup qualifiers.
Ángel Commizzo, a potential candidate for the senior team’s coaching role, offered a sobering viewpoint: “We will not go to the 30th World Cup, we will go to 34.” This statement, made during the podcast ‘Between Eyebrow and Eyebrow,’ underscores the long road ahead for Peruvian football.
The Youth Development dilemma
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The Peruvian sub 20 team, led by Chemo del Solar, recently concluded the South american tournament without a single point. This dismal performance is a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing youth development.
Daniel Ahmed, former head of the Technical Unit of Minors at the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), highlighted a critical issue: “One of the big problems that we always talk about in Peru is that there are no minors, there are only in Lima. And that does not vary, and not varying, there is no growth. We were 36 years old without going to a World Cup, just for that little development.”
This lack of widespread youth development programs outside Lima has stunted the growth of Peruvian football. Without a robust pipeline of talent, the national team struggles to compete on the international stage.
A Path Forward
The future of Peruvian football lies in overhauling its development system. This includes expanding youth programs beyond Lima, investing in grassroots initiatives, and fostering a culture of belief and ambition among players.
As the nation looks ahead to the 2027 and 2031 qualifiers, the focus must shift from short-term fixes to long-term solutions. Only by addressing these foundational issues can Peruvian football hope to reclaim its place on the global stage.
| Key Challenges in Peruvian Football | Potential Solutions |
|—————————————–|————————–|
| Limited youth development outside Lima | Expand grassroots programs nationwide |
| Lack of players abroad | Enhance scouting and international partnerships |
| Poor performance in youth tournaments | Invest in coaching and infrastructure for youth teams |
The road ahead is long, but with a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Peruvian football can rise from its current struggles and build a brighter future.peru’s National Team Faces Critical Transition as Veteran Players Urge Youth Integration
Peru’s national football team is at a crossroads, grappling with the need to balance experience and youth as they navigate the challenging 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With 15 goals conceded so far,the team’s defensive vulnerabilities have sparked debates about the future of its core players and the urgency to integrate emerging talent.
Key figures like Pedro Gallese, Luis Advíncula, Miguel Trauco, and Renato Tapia remain indispensable due to their leadership and experience. As one analyst noted,“For now,it’s Gallese,Advíncula,Trauco,and Tapia until they say no more. Not only as they are the most challenging to replace,but becuase they guarantee a share of experience and leadership to the team.” However, the time has come to give international exposure to younger players like Anderson Cabrera, Bernardo Cuesta, and Jairo Concha, who have shown promise but remain underutilized.
Carlos Zambrano, a veteran defender, echoed this sentiment during a recent press conference in Buenos Aires. “We need more players to come out. I said it a few months ago, I would like to be on the bench and have other colleagues take the baton and take responsibility. To this day, I will continue to face challenges until my body can no longer handle it,” Zambrano stated, highlighting the team’s urgent need for fresh talent.The call for youth integration extends to players like Alejandro duarte, Jhilmar Lora, and Bryan Reyna, who have yet to receive consistent opportunities. The scouting team is also under pressure to identify new talents, weather from Liga 1 or abroad, to bolster the squad’s depth and competitiveness.
Key Players and Their Roles
| Player | Role | Status |
|———————|————————-|——————————–|
| Pedro Gallese | goalkeeper | Indispensable, leadership |
| Luis Advíncula | Defender | Core player, difficult to replace |
| Renato Tapia | Midfielder | Experienced, key contributor |
| Anderson Cabrera | Defender | Emerging talent, underutilized |
| Jairo Concha | Midfielder | Promising, needs more exposure |
The team’s current predicament underscores the importance of strategic planning and player development. As the qualifiers progress, the integration of younger players will be crucial to ensuring long-term success.
For now, the focus remains on leveraging the experience of veterans while gradually introducing fresh faces. As one observer aptly put it, “One or two may miss out, but this is what we have, waiting for a new figure in Liga 1 or the scouting team to find talent abroad.”
Peru’s football future hinges on this delicate balance, and the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the team’s trajectory.
Stay updated on Peru’s World Cup qualifiers journey and player developments by following our coverage.
Peruvian Football Struggles to Develop Young Talent After Elimination of “Bag of Minutes”
Peruvian football is at a crossroads. The elimination of the “bag of minutes” system, wich once ensured young players received playing time, has left the country struggling to develop its next generation of talent. As its removal, Peru has failed to secure a single point in the South American tournaments of 2023 and 2025. This stark decline highlights the urgent need for structural changes in the nation’s football development system.
Daniel Ahmed, former head of the Technical Unit of Minors at the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), emphasizes the importance of nurturing young players.“The bag of minutes is proportionally tied to the development of minors. I cannot ask for a bag of minutes, but the development of minors, because, who am I going to give minutes to if I do not have minors?” Ahmed warns.
Unlike other South American countries,where clubs regularly sell players to international markets,Peru’s clubs struggle to produce and retain talent. This has created a gap in the pipeline of young players ready to compete at higher levels.
The Case for Youth Development
The “bag of minutes” system, which required clubs to allocate a certain amount of playing time to young players, was once a cornerstone of Peruvian football. Its elimination has left clubs without a clear incentive to invest in youth development. Ahmed’s concerns are echoed by many in the football community, who argue that without a structured approach, the future of Peruvian football remains uncertain.
One potential solution is to mandate the inclusion of at least two U20 players in each team’s roster for the championship.Another approach could be to adopt a model similar to Germany’s Bundesliga, where clubs are financially rewarded for fielding more U23 players.
The Data Speaks for Itself
The numbers are clear. Since the removal of the “bag of minutes,” Peru’s performance in youth tournaments has plummeted. The lack of a structured system to promote young talent has left the country lagging behind its regional counterparts.
| Key Issue | Impact |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————|
| Elimination of “bag of minutes” | No points secured in South American tournaments (2023, 2025) |
| Lack of youth development | Fewer players ready for international markets |
| Need for structural reforms | Potential solutions include mandatory U20 players or financial incentives |
A Glimmer of Hope
despite the challenges, there are signs of potential. juan Pablo Goicochea, a young forward, is one of the few players with a promising future. His development could serve as a blueprint for how Peru can rebuild its football pipeline.
However, without systemic changes, players like Goicochea may remain the exception rather than the rule. The FPF and clubs must work together to create a lasting model that prioritizes youth development.
the Path Forward
Peruvian football must act swiftly to address its youth development crisis. Whether through reinstating the “bag of minutes,” mandating U20 players, or adopting financial incentives, the time for action is now. The future of Peruvian football depends on its ability to nurture and retain young talent.
As Ahmed aptly puts it, “Who am I going to give minutes to if I do not have minors?” The question remains unanswered, but the solution lies in a collective effort to rebuild Peru’s football foundation.
What do you think should be done to revive Peruvian football? Share your thoughts in the comments below.The State of Youth Football in Peru: A call for investment in the Future
Peru’s football landscape is at a crossroads. While countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia have long reaped the benefits of robust youth development programs, Peru lags behind. According to Daniel Ahmed, former head of the Technical Unit of Minors of the Peruvian football Federation (FPF), only six to seven clubs in Peru have structured youth projects. The rest? They’re missing out on a golden opportunity.
“In Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, etc., thousands of soccer players trained from base soccer with youth football processes to the First Division arrive for years. In Peru, they arrive 100 and in other countries 1000 arrive,” says ahmed. This stark contrast highlights a systemic issue: the lack of investment in youth football development.
The Problem: A Missed Opportunity
Youth football is more than just a training ground for future stars; it’s a pathway to profitability for clubs. Yet, many Peruvian clubs fail to see the long-term benefits.Ahmed poses a critical question: How to convince the rest that players are a future profitability to club? The answer isn’t straightforward, but the urgency is clear.
Without a structured approach to nurturing young talent, Peru risks falling further behind its south American counterparts. The numbers speak for themselves. While neighboring countries produce thousands of professional players annually, Peru’s output is a fraction of that.
The Solution: A Call to Action
The time to act is now. Clubs must recognize the value of investing in youth football. This isn’t just about developing players; it’s about building a sustainable future for Peruvian football.
Here’s a breakdown of the key challenges and potential solutions:
| Challenge | Potential Solution |
|————————————|——————————————–|
| Limited youth projects in clubs | Increase funding for youth academies |
| Lack of long-term vision | Educate clubs on profitability of youth development |
| Low player output compared to peers| Implement nationwide youth football programs |
The Road Ahead
the future of Peruvian football hinges on its ability to nurture young talent. As Ahmed emphasizes, it is today. From here on, what do we do? The answer lies in collective action.Clubs, the FPF, and stakeholders must come together to create a unified strategy for youth development.
By investing in youth football, Peru can not only produce more professional players but also strengthen its position on the international stage. The journey won’t be easy, but the rewards are worth it.
Let’s not wait for another generation to pass. The time to build a brighter future for peruvian football is now.
What are your thoughts on the state of youth football in Peru? Share your insights and join the conversation.
Teh state of Youth Football in peru: A Call for Investment in the future
Peru’s football landscape is at a crossroads. While countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia have long reaped the benefits of robust youth development programs, Peru lags behind. According to Daniel Ahmed, former head of the Technical Unit of minors of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), only six to seven clubs in Peru have structured youth projects. The rest? They’re missing out on a golden possibility.
“In Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, etc., thousands of soccer players trained from base soccer with youth football processes to the Frist Division arrive for years. In peru, they arrive 100 and in other countries 1000 arrive,” says Ahmed. This stark contrast highlights a systemic issue: the lack of investment in youth football development.
The Problem: A Missed Opportunity
Youth football is more than just a training ground for future stars; it’s a pathway to profitability for clubs. Yet, many Peruvian clubs fail to see the long-term benefits. Ahmed poses a critical question: How to convince the rest that players are a future profitability to club? The answer isn’t straightforward, but the urgency is clear.
Without a structured approach to nurturing young talent, Peru risks falling further behind its South American counterparts.The numbers speak for themselves. While neighboring countries produce thousands of professional players annually, peru’s output is a fraction of that.
The Solution: A Call to Action
The time to act is now.Clubs must recognize the value of investing in youth football.This isn’t just about developing players; it’s about building a enduring future for Peruvian football.
| Challenge | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| limited youth projects in clubs | Increase funding for youth academies |
| Lack of long-term vision | Educate clubs on profitability of youth development |
| Low player output compared to peers | Implement nationwide youth football programs |
The Road Ahead
The future of Peruvian football hinges on its ability to nurture young talent. as Ahmed emphasizes, it is today.From here on, what do we do? The answer lies in collective action. Clubs, the FPF, and stakeholders must come together to create a unified strategy for youth development.
By investing in youth football,Peru can not only produce more professional players but also strengthen its position on the international stage. The journey won’t be easy, but the rewards are worth it.
Let’s not wait for another generation to pass. The time to build a brighter future for Peruvian football is now.
What are your thoughts on the state of youth football in Peru? Share your insights and join the conversation.