Peruvian · Lima, Peru · Born 8 March 1949Peru's greatest footballer and one of the finest players of the 1970s — scored 10 World Cup goals across two tournaments.
Teófilo Juan Cubillas Arizaga was born on 8 March 1949 in Lima, Peru, and joined the youth ranks of Alianza Lima, one of the country's most storied clubs, making his professional debut as a teenager and quickly earning the nickname "El Nene" (The Kid). Blessed with exceptional technique, powerful shooting, and a devastating free-kick ability, Cubillas emerged as the finest player Peruvian football has ever produced. Cubillas announced himself on the world stage at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, helping Peru reach the quarter-finals and scoring five goals — form so impressive that Pelé himself identified the young Peruvian as his eventual successor. He went on to play at three World Cups in total, in 1970, 1978, and 1982, and remains one of only a handful of players to score five or more goals across multiple World Cup tournaments. After a spell with Swiss club Basel, Cubillas moved to Portugal's Porto in 1974, where he spent three prolific seasons, scoring 65 goals in 108 appearances and further establishing his reputation across European football. He returned to Alianza Lima before moving to the United States in 1979, becoming one of the North American Soccer League's most popular imports with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Cubillas helped Peru win the 1975 Copa América, the country's second continental title, and remains Peru's all-time leading scorer in both league and international football. He was later named the best Peruvian player of the 20th century and included among FIFA's list of the finest players ever to grace the World Cup, a lasting testament to a career that brought Peruvian football its greatest individual glory.
Being the star of Peru's golden generation and scoring in three World Cups
He is the only player to be named in the All-Star Team at two different World Cups.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling, vision, and long-range shooting ability
Lasting Impact
Considered Peru's greatest ever player and one of South America's finest attacking midfielders
Career Honours
- World Cup All-Star Team 1970 and 1978
- 81 Peru caps, 26 goals
- Copa América 1975
- World Cup Golden Boot 1970
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alianza Lima | 1966–1972 | 175 | 117 | #10 |
| Basel | 1973–1973 | 10 | 3 | — |
| Porto | 1974–1977 | 85 | 48 | — |
| Alianza Lima | 1977–1978 | 47 | 35 | #10 |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 1979–1983 | 139 | 65 | — |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers (indoor) | 1983–1983 | 9 | 9 | — |
| Alianza Lima | 1984–1984 | 4 | 4 | #10 |
| South Florida Sun | 1984–1985 | 7 | 5 | — |
| Alianza Lima | 1987–1988 | 13 | 3 | #10 |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 1988–1988 | 12 | 7 | — |
| Miami Sharks | 1989–1989 | 8 | 1 | — |
 Peru | — | 81 | 26 | — |
Peruvian Athletes