Zambrano breaks his silence after a string of expulsions
Peru’s veteran central defender Carlos Zambrano has spoken out after a period of mounting disciplinary trouble for Alianza Lima. With the club eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana and a recent red card in the Clausura 2025, Zambrano addressed fans and media in an interview with RPP’s Fútbol como Cancha. He acknowledged the consequences and urged a focus on the team’s next steps.
During the discussion, Zambrano apologized for leaving Alianza with ten men against Cienciano in Cusco, a match played at altitude that he described as a factor in the decision. “Yes, I spoke with Franco and Franquito Navarro, and I’m going to receive a financial sanction, it’s fair,” Zambrano said. He also underscored that he agrees with the sanction while accepting personal responsibility for his actions. “I’m not going to be upset because I harmed the team in that last match, which was played at altitude, and it’s a double effort,” added the 36-year-old defender who has been with the club since 2023.
Fans and analysts have been tracking Zambrano’s disciplinary record as he also faced a red card in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana against Universidad de Chile. That sequence—coupled with the latest dismissal—has pushed his tally to six expulsions in 2025, highlighting a troubling trend for a player who remains a key figure for both Alianza Lima and the Peru national team.
A closer look at Zambrano’s 2025 disciplinary record
The defender’s season has seen discipline overshadowing performance. The red card against Cienciano in Cusco was a high-profile incident, given the altitude and the pressure surrounding Alianza Lima’s campaign on multiple fronts. Earlier in the year, Zambrano’s sending-off versus Universidad de Chile in the Copa Sudamericana added to the concerns about his on-field decision-making under tense circumstances. With six expulsions already in 2025, questions have arisen about whether adjustments in preparation, leadership responsibilities, or on-field temperament are needed to secure his contribution without compromising the team.
What this means for Alianza Lima and the Peru national team
Alianza Lima now faces a delicate balancing act: leveraging Zambrano’s vast experience while mitigating risk of further suspensions. The club must manage the defensive line and leadership while navigating a congested schedule in the Clausura and the remaining cup ties. For Zambrano, the sanctions and the emphasis on discipline could serve as a catalyst to channel his intensity in a more constructive way, especially at 36 years of age when physical and mental endurance are crucial.
On the national side, Zambrano remains a central defender for Peru, and this run of red cards could affect his availability for the national team’s fixtures. The coaching staff may reinforce boundaries and accountability to preserve his role as a leader while reducing red-card risks on international duty.
Looking ahead: restoring balance and form
Analysts suggest Zambrano’s next moves will be pivotal not only for his club’s fortunes but also his own legacy. Controlling emotions, sticking to game plans, and maintaining composure during high-pressure moments will be essential. If he can translate his experience into disciplined leadership, Zambrano could help steer Alianza Lima through a challenging phase and remain a trusted option for the Peru national team despite recent setbacks.
Bottom line
As Zambrano accepts consequences, the broader conversation centers on how he refines his approach on the field. With six red cards already in 2025, the defender’s ability to rebound will shape Alianza Lima’s prospects in the Clausura and its continental ambitions, while also testing his continued importance for Peru’s national squad.
