Christian Cueva
A Peruvian midfield magician whose dribbling flair and creative genius became the heartbeat of the national team's historic revival.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Peruvian footballer·Birthday: November 23·Millennials
Biography
Christian Cueva, nicknamed 'Aladino' for his magical touch, embodies the unpredictable spark that can define Peruvian football. Emerging from local club Universidad San Martín, his low center of gravity and audacious dribbling made him an instant standout. His career path took him across South America and to Mexico, marked by moments of sublime skill and occasional inconsistency. But for Peru, he was indispensable. As the central playmaker in Ricardo Gareca's transformative era, Cueva's vision and daring were key to ending a 36-year World Cup drought. His penalty against New Zealand sealed qualification for the 2018 tournament, and his performances in Russia, including a masterful assist against Australia, cemented his place in modern Peruvian lore. He played with a street-footballer's joy, making him a beloved, if mercurial, symbol of a football-crazed nation's return to the global stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Christian was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Christian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Christian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a pivotal role as attacking midfielder in Peru's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in 36 years.
- Scored the decisive penalty kick against New Zealand in the 2017 intercontinental playoff to secure Peru's World Cup spot.
- Provided a brilliant assist for André Carrillo's goal in Peru's 2-0 victory over Australia at the 2018 World Cup.
- Won the Peruvian Primera División championship with Universidad San Martín in his debut professional season (2009).
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Aladino' (Aladdin) references his ability to 'magically' dribble past defenders.
He has played for clubs in five different countries: Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2019, he famously celebrated a goal for Santos in Brazil by taking a selfie with a fan's phone on the pitch.
He is known for his distinctive hairstyles, often featuring dyed blond streaks or braids.
“On the pitch, I play with the joy of the neighborhood lot.”
