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Playwright and actor
Novelist
Writer and poet
Volleyball player
Italian-Peruvian naturalist and geographer
Singer and percussionist
Last Inca emperor
Politician, former prime Minister
Journalist and TV host
Poet
Inca warrior
Actor and comedian
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Doctor and researcher
Businessman, Interbank group
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Poet and writer
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Film director, Berlin Golden Bear winner
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Afro-Peruvian music singer
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Indigenous chronicler
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National hero, military leader
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Indigenous Peruvian chronicler
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Former national team captain
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Inca princess
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Former UN secretary-general
Chef, known for fusion cuisine
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Peruvian aviation pioneer
Poet and artist
Marxist philosopher and writer
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Cardinal of Lima
Peruvian tennis player
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Leader of the indigenous rebellion
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The youngest mother in history
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Politician and founder of the Christian Democratic Party
Founder of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae
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Writer, Nobel Prize in Literature, Politician
Revolutionary leader
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Leader of the indigenous rebellion
Musician from Gaia band
War hero
Military leader and politician
Chef, known for Nikkei cuisine
Volleyball coach and former player
Environmental activist
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Epidemiologist and former health Minister
Inventor and aerospace pioneer
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Rock singer
Chef and co-owner of Central restaurant
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Football player
TV presenter and actress
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Writer and historian
Journalist and lawyer
Archaeologist, founder of Caral site
Monk and Saint
Saint, patron of Latin America
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World champion surfer
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Oncologist
Singer, Latin Grammy winner
Former mayor of Lima
Singer
Actress
Former football player
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Former football player
Painter
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Archbishop, saint
Leader of the indigenous rebellion
Revolutionary indigenous leader
Diplomat and intellectual
Sculptor and painter
Political leader, founder of APRA
Lawyer and Former prime minister
Chef of Central restaurant
Former head of secret services
Popular singer
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Exotic music singer
Teófilo Cubillas grew up in a humble neighborhood of Lima, where football was an integral part of everyday life. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional talent for football, quickly catching the attention of local clubs. At just 16, Cubillas joined Alianza Lima, one of the most prestigious clubs in Peru. It was there that he began to build his legend, standing out for his technique, vision of the game, and his ability to score important goals.
In 1966, at the age of 17, Cubillas made his professional debut with Alianza Lima. From his first appearances, he impressed with his intelligence on the field and his maturity despite his youth. His versatility, playing both as a midfielder and forward, allowed him to quickly establish himself as one of the best young talents in Peruvian football.
In 1968, at just 19 years old, Cubillas made his debut with the Peruvian national team. At that time, Peruvian football was starting to gain prominence in South America, and Cubillas quickly emerged as the rising star of the team. His first major international tournament was the 1970 FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico.
The 1970 World Cup was a turning point in Cubillas' career. He played a crucial role in leading Peru to an impressive performance, reaching the quarterfinals. Cubillas scored five goals during the tournament, becoming one of the top scorers and drawing global attention. His performance helped Peru establish itself on the international football stage, and Cubillas quickly became a national icon.
After the 1970 World Cup, Teófilo Cubillas returned to Alianza Lima, where he continued to impress with his performances. With the club, he won several Peruvian league titles and became one of the most admired and respected players in the local championship. His ability to score spectacular goals and provide decisive assists made him a feared player by opposing defenses.
In addition to his domestic success, Cubillas helped Alianza Lima achieve notable performances in the Copa Libertadores, South America's most prestigious continental competition. His influence on Peruvian football continued to grow, and he quickly became a role model for young players aspiring to succeed in the world of football.
Cubillas' exceptional talent was not limited to Peruvian football. In 1973, he signed with FC Basel in Switzerland, where he played briefly before joining FC Porto in Portugal. With Porto, Cubillas continued to shine as a key figure in the midfield, drawing attention with his consistent performances and elegant style of play.
After his time in Europe, Cubillas moved to the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the United States, where he played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. In this new environment, Cubillas quickly adapted and displayed his immense talent. Despite fierce international competition, he left a lasting mark on North American football, being regarded as one of the best foreign players to have played in the NASL.
Although the 1970 World Cup was a key moment in Teófilo Cubillas' career, it was during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina that he reached the peak of his international career. At 29 years old, Cubillas led Peru to another remarkable performance, reaching the second stage of the tournament.
During this competition, Cubillas scored five goals, including a hat-trick against Scotland in a memorable group stage match. His stunning free kick against the Scottish team is remembered as one of the most beautiful goals in World Cup history. Cubillas became one of the few players to have scored five or more goals in two consecutive World Cups, a feat that highlights his immense talent.
Teófilo Cubillas retired from international football in 1982 after participating in his third World Cup, making him one of the few Peruvian players to have played in three editions of this prestigious tournament. With 26 goals in 81 appearances for the national team, he remains one of the top scorers in Peruvian football history.
Beyond his impressive statistics, Cubillas' legacy is also symbolized by his influence on Peruvian football. His playing style, both elegant and technical, inspired generations of Peruvian footballers. He is often compared to South American football legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona for his impact on his country and the continent. Cubillas was also recognized internationally, being named among FIFA's 100 greatest players of all time in 2004.
After retiring as a player, Teófilo Cubillas remained active in the world of football as an ambassador and advisor. He played an important role in the development of football in Peru, working with young players and promoting initiatives to improve sports infrastructure in his home country.
As an ambassador for Peruvian football, Cubillas has often represented Peru at international events and has been a passionate advocate for the development of football in Latin America. He has also played a key role in the management of Alianza Lima, contributing to the improvement of youth training programs and strengthening the club's structure.
Teófilo Cubillas is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers Peru has ever produced. His incredible talent, his ability to score decisive goals, and his charisma have left a permanent mark on Peruvian and South American football history. His career, filled with unforgettable moments, especially his World Cup performances, has earned him a place among the legends of world football.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Cubillas' legacy as a football ambassador and role model for new generations remains a shining example. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Peruvian sports, and he will continue to inspire future generations of footballers to dream big and proudly represent their country's colors.