Marcelo Allende says continued Chile snubs are ‘a little bit sad’

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende says he is hurt by his continued omission from the Chile national team, despite establishing himself in domestic and international club football.

The 27-year-old joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2022 from Uruguayan club Montevideo City Torque and has made 95 appearances for the South African side, scoring 11 goals.

Allende has not been selected for Chile since moving to Mamelodi Sundowns, even though he has won three league titles and played in club competitions outside South Africa during every season with the club.

His latest success came last season, when Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Champions League. The club also recently claimed the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli 2-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Despite those achievements, Allende remains outside the Chile squad.

The midfielder previously represented his country at youth level. He captained the Chilean U-17 national team at the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup and finished as Chile’s leading scorer in the tournament with two goals.

He later progressed to the Chile U20 side, for whom he has 11 caps. Allende has also made one appearance for the Chile senior team, earning that cap in 2021 before his move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Speaking to the media, Allende said the lack of international recognition was difficult because of the importance he places on representing his country.

“It’s something that makes me a little bit sad because I am really proud of where I come from,” he said.

“I really like to represent my country but it’s life, it’s football continue and I will always do my best.

“And I want to play my best football.”