Landon Donovan vs Cuauhtémoc Blanco: Stats Compared
Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016) · Forward, Mexico (born 1973, retired 2014)
The Landon Donovan–Cuauhtémoc Blanco comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Landon Donovan finishes with 190 career goals from 550 games — a 0.35 strike rate — against Cuauhtémoc Blanco's 250 from 700 at 0.36 per match. Creativity tells a story too: 145 assists for Landon Donovan against 100 for Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Trophy counts give Landon Donovan 9 and Cuauhtémoc Blanco 4, with 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014) and 3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005) the standout honours respectively. As a forward Landon Donovan bent the role to a ruthless template; as a forward, Cuauhtémoc Blanco redefined it with mercurial authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Landon Donovan reaching his representative peak around 2010 across San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy and Cuauhtémoc Blanco doing so around 1998 with América, Chicago Fire, Puebla FC. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
169 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
The USA's all-time leading scorer for club and country until his retirement, Donovan was the face of American soccer through three World Cups, capped by his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Algeria in 2010.
“A quick, clever forward whose intelligent movement and clinical finishing made him the USA's most decorated attacking player.”
A flamboyant Mexican playmaker famed for inventing the 'Cuauhtemiña' skill move, Blanco starred at three World Cups across a 20-year career.
“A stocky, combative forward with outrageous flair, best remembered for hopping the ball between two defenders in a signature dribble.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014)
- 3× CONCACAF Gold Cup (2002, 2005, 2007)
- 3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005)
- 1× CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1992)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2001 Professional debut for San Jose Earthquakes
- 2001 Won MLS Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2002 Won CONCACAF Gold Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at LA Galaxy
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at LA Galaxy
- Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours. Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours.
- 1992 Professional debut for América
- 1992 Won Liga MX with América
- 1992 Won CONCACAF Champions' Cup with América
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at América
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Puebla FC
- Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Landon Donovan the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Landon Donovan edges it (a narrow margin)
