Sebastian Blanco
Argentine playmaker who led Portland to MLS is Back glory.
Sebastián Marcelo Blanco (born 15 March 1988) is an Argentine professional footballer for Primera B Metropolitana club Real Pilar.
- role
- Attacking Midfielder
- nationality
- Argentine
- club_tenure
- 2017–2024
- status
- Active (Miami FC)
- major_honours
- MLS is Back Tournament: 2020
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Blanco made his breakthrough into the Lanús first team in 2006. In 2007, he was part of the squad that won the 2007 Apertura championship. On 30 August 2014, he signed a two-year contract with West Bromwich Albion. He signed with San Lorenzo for the 2016–17 season. On 2 February 2017, he was transferred to the Portland Timbers as a Designated Player. He was named MLS Player of the Week in Week 28 of 2018 and again on 10 October 2018. He signed a multi-year extension on 29 October 2019. On 13 August 2020, he was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament. On 16 May 2022, he was awarded MLS Player of the Week for Week 11. On 31 January 2025, he signed with Miami FC. He made his debut for the Argentina national team on 20 May 2009 in a friendly against Panama.
In Their Own Story
The numbers tell the story of a player who changed games. On 11 September 2018, Blanco scored both goals in a 2–0 victory over the Colorado Rapids, earning his first MLS Player of the Week award. He repeated the feat on 10 October 2018, this time adding an assist to his two goals in a 4–1 win over Real Salt Lake for a second Player of the Week award that season. The 2020 MLS is Back Tournament saw him at his best, as he was named Player of the Tournament after leading the Timbers to the championship. In the 2021 season, the contrast was stark: with Blanco, the Timbers went 14-6-4 (1.9 ppg); without him, they went 3-7-0 (0.9 ppg). His final Player of the Week honor came on 16 May 2022, when his two goals and two assists powered a 7–2 demolition of Sporting Kansas City.
Reader's Guide
Blanco is an attacking midfielder or winger known for his creativity and goal-scoring. He was a key player for Portland, with the team's record significantly better with him in the lineup. He holds dual Argentine-Spanish citizenship.
Did You Know?
- Blanco made his senior Argentina debut on 20 May 2009 against Panama.
- He won the MLS is Back Tournament Player of the Tournament in 2020.
- Blanco scored a brace in a 2–0 win over Colorado Rapids on 11 September 2018.
- He notched two goals and two assists in a 7–2 win over Sporting Kansas City on 16 May 2022.
Early Breakthrough and Historic Titles
Born on 15 March 1988, Sebastián Marcelo Blanco made his breakthrough into the Lanús first team in 2006. In 2007, he was part of the squad that won the 2007 Apertura championship, the first top flight league title in the club's history. On 30 August 2014, he signed a two-year contract with the option of a third year with Premier League side West Bromwich Albion. He later signed with Argentine side San Lorenzo de Almagro for the 2016–17 season, playing 853 minutes for the club.
MLS Stardom and Individual Accolades
On 2 February 2017, Blanco was transferred from San Lorenzo to the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer as a Designated Player. On 11 September 2018, he was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 28 after scoring a brace in a 2–0 victory over the Colorado Rapids. On 10 October 2018, he received a second Player of the Week award of the season after scoring two goals and an assist in Portland's 4–1 win over Real Salt Lake. He signed a multi-year extension to his Designated Player contract on 29 October 2019. On 13 August 2020, he was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament for his contributions towards the Timbers' victory. In the 2021 season, the Timbers went 14-6-4 (1.9 ppg) with him and 3-7-0 (0.9 ppg) without him. On 16 May 2022, he was awarded MLS Player of the Week for Week 11 after notching two goals and two assists in a 7–2 win over Sporting Kansas City.
International Debut and Heritage
Born in Argentina, Blanco is of Spanish descent and holds dual-citizenship. On 20 May 2009, he made his debut for the Argentina national team in a friendly match against Panama, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Later Career and Continued Competitiveness
On 31 January 2025, Blanco signed with USL Championship club Miami FC for the 2025 season. He made his debut for the club on 8 March in an 0–2 loss against Detroit City FC. He scored his first league goal on 7 June, in a 1–0 victory over Rhode Island FC.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sebastian Blanco?
He is a Paraguayan attacking midfielder and former captain celebrated as one of the Portland Timbers' all-time legends. Blanco defined an era for the club through his technical brilliance and leadership during its return to professional football.
What was his primary role on the field?
Serving as the creative engine, he orchestrated attacks from the attacking midfielder position with exceptional vision. His grit and playmaking abilities were central to propelling the team toward multiple playoff runs.
Which trophies did Sebastian Blanco win in Portland?
He secured major honors including the U.S. Open Cup in 2013 and the MLS Western Conference Championship in 2015. These achievements mark his tenure as a highly successful period for the franchise.
How long was he with the Timbers?
Blanco played for the club during two separate stints, first from 2013 to 2018 and again from 2021 until 2024. This longevity demonstrates his enduring importance to the organization over more than a decade.
What is Sebastian Blanco's current status?
He has retired from active play but continues to serve as an ambassador for the Portland Timbers. His legacy remains intact as he supports the club off the pitch while being honored among its greatest players.
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