A standard bearer for Peru’s golden generation of the 1970s and an inspiration behind their 1975 Copa America triumph, Teofilo Cubillas also made a major impact at the highest level, scoring ten goals for his country in his three appearances at the FIFA World Cup™ finals.

Regarded as an idol at Alianza Lima, the club he coached in the twilight of his playing career in 1987, Cubillas is Peru’s all-time top scorer with 26 goals in 81 appearances. During his club career he hit the small matter of 268 goals in 469 matches, a higher strike rate than that achieved by fellow midfield marvels Diego Maradona and Michel Platini.

His FIFA World Cup debut came at Mexico 1970, where Pele identified him as his successor. “It was one of the most exciting moments of my career,” recalled Cubillas. He also formed part of the Peru sides that reached Argentina 1978 and Spain 1982, the last time La Blanquirroja qualified for the world finals.

A member of The FIFA 100 and the CONMEBOL Hall of Fame, Cubillas is still actively involved in the world of football as a FIFA instructor and an ambassador for the Special Olympics. He joined FIFA’s Technical Study Group seven years ago, his first TSG assignment coming at the FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003.

Playing career:

. 1966-1972: Alianza Lima
. 1973: Basel (SUI)
. 1974-1976: Porto (POR)
. 1977-1978: Alianza Lima
. 1979-1983: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (USA)
. 1984: Alianza Lima
. 1985: Miami South Florida (USA)
. 1987: Alianza Lima
. 1988: Ft Lauderdale Strikers (USA)
. 1989: Miami Sharks (USA) 

Coaching career:

. 1987: Alianza Lima