Sebastian Blanco
The Argentine playmaker who powered Portland's attack as a Designated Player and tournament MVP.
via Wikipedia: Sebastián Blanco · see source
Sebastián Marcelo Blanco is an Argentine professional footballer who played for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. Born on 15 March 1988, Blanco joined the Timbers on 2 February 2017 as a Designated Player after transferring from San Lorenzo. During his time in Portland, he earned multiple MLS Player of the Week awards and was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament in 2020 after the Timbers' victory. His impact on the team was significant, with the Timbers posting a 14-6-4 record with him in the 2021 season compared to a 3-7-0 record without him.
- 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's arrival in Portland on 2 February 2017 came with the weight of a Designated Player contract, and he quickly justified the investment. 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. Just a month later, on 10 October 2018, he received a second Player of the Week award that season after scoring two goals and an assist in Portland's 4–1 win over Real Salt Lake. The Timbers recognized his value by signing him to a multi-year extension on 29 October 2019. His finest moment came on 13 August 2020, when he was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament for his contributions to the Timbers' victory in that competition. The 2021 season further demonstrated his importance: the team went 14-6-4 (1.9 ppg) with him and just 3-7-0 (0.9 ppg) without him. On 16 May 2022, he earned yet another MLS Player of the Week award for Week 11 after notching two goals and two assists in a 7–2 win over Sporting Kansas City.
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
Sebastián Blanco's career with the Portland Timbers is defined by specific, measurable achievements. He was signed as a Designated Player on 2 February 2017 and remained with the club through the 2021 season and beyond. His individual honors include three MLS Player of the Week awards: Week 28 of 2018 (two goals vs Colorado Rapids), Week 30 of 2018 (two goals, one assist vs Real Salt Lake), and Week 11 of 2022 (two goals, two assists vs Sporting Kansas City). He was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament on 13 August 2020. The 2021 season provides the clearest evidence of his value: the Timbers' record with him was 14-6-4 (1.9 points per game) compared to 3-7-0 (0.9 points per game) without him. After his time in Portland, he signed with Miami FC of the USL Championship on 31 January 2025, making his debut on 8 March and scoring his first goal for the club on 7 June 2025.
Did You Know?
- Blanco was named MLS Player of the Week twice in the 2018 season, first on 11 September after a brace against Colorado Rapids and again on 10 October after two goals and an assist against Real Salt Lake.
- In the 2021 season, the Portland Timbers went 14-6-4 (1.9 ppg) with Blanco and 3-7-0 (0.9 ppg) without him.
- Blanco was named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament on 13 August 2020 after leading the Timbers to victory in that competition.
- Blanco represented Argentina at the U20 level, but he was never capped by the senior Argentina national team.
- Blanco was part of the Lanús squad that won the 2007 Apertura championship, the first top flight league title in the club's history.
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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