With David Beckham sidelined by injury, there is no doubt who is the best international player in Major League Soccer — Chicago Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
The 34-year-old Mexico City native has almost single-handedly boosted the team into playoff contention with three goals and five assists in nine games since joining the Fire midseason.
Last month, ESPN Deportes La Revista, ESPN’s Spanish-language monthly magazine, named Blanco the top Latino athlete in the U.S., ahead of baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez and boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Next month he will be on the magazine’s cover.
Asked whether he thinks the list is accurate, Blanco answered humbly and indirectly.
“I’m very honored,” he said through an interpreter in an interview with RedEye. “I’ve always worked hard for all of my teams, and it is great to be recognized for that.”
Blanco told RedEye he has enjoyed playing with his new team and exploring the city.
How do you like Chicago so far?
I love living in Chicago. It’s a great city with great restaurants, a beautiful skyline and great people. The reception has been great by the fans in Chicago.
You saw your first Bears game Sunday. What did you think?
It was my first American football game, and I really liked it. I’ve also been to baseball games and basketball games here.
Who is the best soccer player in the world?
[Brazilian striker] Ronaldinho.Who is your favorite American athlete?
Michael Jordan. Even though he is retired now, he is still my favorite.
You were recently grand marshal of the Little Village Mexican Independence Day Parade. What is more fun: being grand marshal of a parade or scoring a goal?
They’re both fun. I really like scoring goals, and it’s also great to represent the Mexican population in Chicago.
What is a Spanish word everyone should know?
In Mexico, we use the word “guey,” which means friend. I tried to use that word in Spain, and nobody knew what I was talking about.
Do you have any predictions for this season?
We’re focusing on the rest of our games and making the playoffs. We want to win a championship.
ON THE LIST
To mark its two-year anniversary, ESPN Deportes La Revista released two lists in August. Here’s a look at magazine’s top five Latino athletes in the U.S.
1. Cuauhtemoc Blanco
2. Oscar de la Hoya
3. Alex Rodriguez
4. David Ortiz
5. Manu Ginobili
