Cuauhtémoc Blanco is one of the most creative players Mexico has ever produced. The Club América legend was famous for doing the unexpected: the “Cuauhtemiña” (or “Blanco hop”), where he trapped the ball between his feet and jumped between two defenders, and a cheeky pass with his backside that he pulled off in MLS long before Neymar tried it at PSG.
Here’s a look at Blanco’s playing style, his signature skills, and what young players can learn from his fearless creativity.
Who Is Cuauhtémoc Blanco?
Blanco was a forward and attacking midfielder who became a hero at Club América and with Mexico’s national team, appearing at three World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2010). Later in his career he played in MLS for the Chicago Fire, where his skill and personality made him a fan favorite. He wasn’t the fastest or the strongest player, but he was one of the smartest and most inventive.
The Cuauhtemiña: The Blanco Hop
Blanco introduced his most famous trick to the world at the 1998 World Cup in France, against South Korea. Surrounded by two defenders, he trapped the ball between his feet and jumped between them, landing on the other side with the ball. The move became known as the Cuauhtemiña, or the “Blanco hop.”
Learn more in our post on the Cuauhtémoc Blanco bunny hop.
How the Blanco hop works
- Wait until two defenders close in from both sides.
- Squeeze the ball between the insides of both feet.
- Jump, lifting the ball with your feet as you go between the defenders.
- Release the ball as you land and move away.
It’s mostly a showpiece, but it worked because defenders had never seen anything like it.
Blanco’s Butt Pass
While playing in MLS, Blanco found the ball arriving behind him with no time to turn. So he redirected it to a teammate with his backside. Years later, Neymar did something similar for PSG. Read about Neymar’s butt pass.
Blanco’s Playing Style
- Creativity: he always looked for the unexpected solution.
- Vision: he was a gifted passer who created chances for teammates.
- Composure: a calm finisher and a dangerous free-kick taker.
- Personality: he played with swagger and enjoyed the big stage.
What Young Players Can Learn From Blanco
Blanco shows that creativity can be as valuable as speed or strength. Young players can develop that creativity by:
- Spending lots of time with the ball, through juggling, ball mastery and free play.
- Playing small-sided games where there’s freedom to try things.
- Learning several solutions for the same problem: pass, dribble, turn or shoot.
- Not being afraid of mistakes.
Creativity Drill: Two-Defender Escape
- Set up a 10-yard channel with two defenders at the far end, standing side by side.
- The attacker dribbles in and must get past both defenders using any legal skill.
- Defenders start passive, then become more active.
- Award extra points for creative solutions.
Creativity Starts With Ball Mastery
Every creative player, from Blanco to Ronaldinho to Neymar, is built on a foundation of ball mastery. At Coerver Coaching we start every player with thousands of touches because that comfort with the ball is what gives players the confidence to invent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cuauhtemiña?
Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s trick of trapping the ball between his feet and jumping between two defenders, first seen at the 1998 World Cup.
Which MLS team did Blanco play for?
The Chicago Fire.
How many World Cups did Blanco play in?
Three: 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Want to pull off moves like these?
Coerver Moves breaks down the 1v1 moves the world’s best players use, step by step on video, so you can practise them at home and use them in games.
