Cuauhtémoc Blanco vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Forward, Mexico (born 1973, retired 2014) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
When Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Teófilo Cubillas are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Where pure finishing is concerned, this is a shootout between two of the most feared marksmen of their time. On production alone, Cuauhtémoc Blanco posted 250 goals across 700 appearances while Teófilo Cubillas managed 220 across 500. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Cuauhtémoc Blanco is listed at 100 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours Cuauhtémoc Blanco with 4 major trophies (3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005)) against Teófilo Cubillas's 4 (4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Cuauhtémoc Blanco explosive, Teófilo Cubillas intelligent. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Cuauhtémoc Blanco's landmark level arrived around 1998 with a career spanning América, Chicago Fire, Puebla FC; Teófilo Cubillas's came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
180 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
A flamboyant Mexican playmaker famed for inventing the 'Cuauhtemiña' skill move, Blanco starred at three World Cups across a 20-year career.
“A stocky, combative forward with outrageous flair, best remembered for hopping the ball between two defenders in a signature dribble.”
Peru's greatest ever player, Cubillas remains the only man to score five goals across two separate World Cups, inspiring Peru's celebrated 1978 side.
“A quick, two-footed attacking midfielder renowned for a ferocious long-range shot and clever dribbling in tight spaces.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005)
- 1× CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1992)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1992 Professional debut for América
- 1992 Won Liga MX with América
- 1992 Won CONCACAF Champions' Cup with América
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at América
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Puebla FC
- Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours.
- 1966 Professional debut for Alianza Lima
- 1967 Won Peruvian Primera División with Alianza Lima
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Alianza Lima
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at Alianza Lima
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production, silverware and profile, the two finish within a whisker of each other. Call it a respectful draw — greatness of this calibre resists a single winner.
Too close to call — a respectful draw
