Honduran midfielder Kervin Arriaga requested not to be called up to the national team for upcoming matches against the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, citing personal reasons that he said would prevent him from giving his full commitment, Diez reported.
The 23-year-old, known as “El Misilito,” made the announcement on his social media platforms shortly after being left off the roster for the upcoming FIFA window, which begins next week. His statement comes just days after he delivered a strong performance in the UEFA Champions League.
Arriaga’s Champions League Performance
Arriaga’s form on the pitch remains high, as evidenced by his recent appearance for AEK Athens. On November 4, 2026, the midfielder started and played the full 90 minutes in a 2-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, futbolcentroamerica.com reported.
🇪🇺 Kervin Arriaga es TITULAR ante Manchester City en la UEFA Champions League. pic.twitter.com/KfHw2XLsQh
Álvaro de la Rocha, a prominent football commentator, praised Arriaga’s performance against the Spanish giants. In a post on X, de la Rocha described the Honduran’s display, stating, “The hondureño fought, battled, and did not falter for a moment against the King of Europe.” He added that the match represented “the biggest stage for any footballer.”
During the match, Arriaga was deployed as a central midfielder in AEK’s 4-4-2 formation. He recorded five clearances and committed three fouls, receiving a yellow card in the 34th minute for a protest to the referee. He did not score, provide an assist, or take a shot on goal.
Personal Reasons and National Team Status
The decision to step away from the national team is linked to personal matters. Arriaga explained to coach José Francisco Molina that these issues would not allow him to be at 100% with the team, according to Diez. This follows a controversial period for the player during the CONCACAF Nations League.
Arriaga’s absence has caused concern within the Honduran football community. As a captain and key figure for the national team, known as the “Bicolor,” his unavailability is a notable loss. Fans and coaching staff hope he can resolve his personal situation soon to return to the national team.
Coach Molina has not provided a timeline for Arriaga’s potential return to the national team. Elheraldo.hn reported that Molina previously commented on the situation, stating, “I’m not interested in a player who is not committed.”
Arriaga’s Reflection on the Situation
In the wake of his exclusion from the national team, Arriaga shared a reflective message on his social media accounts. He wrote, “Life has taught me that you must always look for the good and positive side of things. Remember that everything happens for a reason and that no bad thing comes without a good one.”
Although Arriaga did not explicitly mention Molina or his national team situation in the post, the timing of the message has led to speculation among fans. Elheraldo.hn noted that while the midfielder did not name the coach directly, his post is widely believed to be a response to his current status with the national team.
He has not offered further explanation for his statement. The message has fueled debate among followers of the Honduran national team, who are questioning the relationship between the player and the coaching staff.
Next Steps for Arriaga and Honduras
The immediate focus for the Honduran national team is the upcoming matches against the United Arab Emirates on November 13 and Kuwait on November 16. These games are part of an international FIFA match window and will be crucial for the team’s preparations and rankings.
For Kervin Arriaga, the priority is his personal situation. His professional status with AEK Athens appears stable, as evidenced by his recent starting role in a high-profile Champions League fixture. The club continues to rely on his physical presence and battling qualities in midfield.
There is no confirmed information on when Arriaga might be available for national team duty. The door for his return remains open, but it depends on the resolution of his personal matters and his commitment to the national team moving forward.
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