Universitario de Deportes and Alianza Lima will face each other in a new classic, this time at the home of the cremas. The walls of the stadiums that hosted these matches hold many anecdotes, some good, some bad, but always under the watchful eye of that fan, the one who, thanks to the passion that each player put into their team, began to love and identify with the defenders of their shirt, turning them into idols.
But, what is an idol? According to the Real Academia de la Lengua Española, an idol is a person loved or admired with exaltation. In football, love is reflected in the passion with which fans support their team, while admiration is transferred to the players, those who leave their soul, life, and heart on and off the field in every match.
Throughout the history of Universitario and Alianza Lima, fans have transferred that admiration and identification to their players, whom they have seen as references for their teams, even after they have finished their time at these clubs. It is the affection they had for their shirt that makes them idols today.
How to become a football idol in the 21st century?
If there is one thing that former players from Universitario and Alianza Lima agree on, it is that to become an idol it is necessary to work with humility, sacrifice, and never lose simplicity. "You have to love the shirt and be a professional, on and off the field," said Germán Leguía, former crema player.
On the other hand, Waldir Sáenz considers it important to work in the best possible way alongside the family, not only because they are an important support, but also because they bring you back down to earth. "Thanks to the family and friends, always in the moments when I wanted to make a mistake, they were the ones who reminded me of the opportunity I had and that I had to make the most of it," explained the blanquiazul idol.
For his part, one of the great icons of Universitario, José Luis 'el Puma' Carranza, explained that it is not enough to work hard, but also to keep your word as a professional and defend the colors of the shirt on and off the field, not only because you are a reference for the team, but out of respect for those who follow and admire you.
What does it take for players of this generation to become idols for their teams?
"There are many who are satisfied with what they have achieved. I have always said that the easiest part is getting there, the hardest part is staying. This profession implies sacrifice, perseverance, rationality, patience, and, above all, realizing that there are people behind you," explained Sáenz.
The 'Puma', on the other hand, states that the ambition you have, not for material things, but for striving and working to achieve more as a professional, will make a big difference. "People like Roberto Chale and I have worked so that those who follow us remain humble, but always wanting more and working hard for it," he said.
Football brings good and bad moments, but as stated by Germán Leguía, what matters is knowing how to face them and move forward. "If you fall, you must know that in football there is always a chance for revenge," he concluded.
Universitario de Deportes recibe a Alianza Lima en el estadio Monumental. (América TV)
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