Sebastián "Chucky" Blanco appeared in 176 matches for the Timbers across seven seasons, contributing 41 goals and 51 assists – both among the top five all-time in club history.
Editor's Note: In honor of the Portland Timbers' 50th anniversary, the club is recognizing an All-Time XI collection of the best players from across all eras of the team's history as voted on by you, the fans. The XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
Each day between now and the team's 50th anniversary celebration on July 19 – when the Timbers host Minnesota United FC (7:30pm PT, TICKETS, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV) – the club will unveil one player from the All-Time XI followed by a special recognition of the group on the evening of July 19th.
Not tall, very feisty, creatively ruthless and a terror in attack, Portland Timbers All-Time XI member Sebastián Blanco arrived in the Rose City from his native Buenos Aires having acquired a very particular horror film-inspired nickname of “Chucky” from the “Child’s Play” series.
In the team’s 100th all-time meeting with Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC on May 18, 2018, “Chucky” came to play. That afternoon, Blanco struck for the game-winning goal, lifting the Timbers to a 1-0 win. Immediately after scoring, the midfielder sped to the endboards where he had hidden a rubber “Chucky ” mask that he quickly put on and celebrated alongside his teammates.
Child's Play: How Sebastián Blanco hid his Chucky mask
Playing in the Rose City from 2017-23, Blanco was acquired as a Designated Player from Argentine Primera División side Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro. He appeared in 176 matches for the Timbers across seven seasons, contributing 41 goals and 51 assists – both among the top five all-time in club history.
An inspired playmaker who was a dangerous shooter with both feet, Blanco led the team in assists in 2019 (10), 2021 (6) and 2022 (7) while scoring a career high in goals in 2018 (10) which tied for the team lead alongside teammate Diego Valeri. The iconic pair had a long history together as the two had been teammates prior to Portland in Argentina with Club Atlético Lanús and continued their devastating attacking play in the Rose City.
Blanco started all six matches of the club’s 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring three goals. His greatest of that postseason was a 35-yard swerving missile of a strike on the road against Sporting Kansas City on Nov. 29, 2018 in the deciding second leg of the Western Conference Finals, which helped lift the team to their second Western Conference Championship. He famously posted on Instagram following the match with a caption that said “CELEBRATE THANKS” which became a catchphrase for the charismatic Timber.
Blanco's 2018 playoff golazo against SKC
In a COVID-affected 2020 campaign, Blanco had one of his best runs of form with the Green and Gold. Playing in a closed-door “bubble” in Orlando, Blanco helped the Timbers to the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament championship with the midfielder contributing three goals and tying for a tournament-leading five assists on his way to being named the MLS is Back Player of the Tournament and a Best XI selection. Notably, he was directly involved in eight of the team’s 14 goals at the tournament.
The Best of Blanco at the MLS is Back Tournament
Despite a torn ACL injury in 2020 following the tournament, Blanco worked tirelessly in the offseason to return in 2021 to tally seven goals. He appeared in all four of the club’s 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs matches that year and scored a second-half brace in a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Minnesota United FC on Nov. 21 in the Round One Match. His contributions helped the club to claim the 2021 Western Conference Championship – the team’s third – and host the 2021 MLS Cup final.
From the Archives
- READ: Sebastián Blanco on his blast against Sporting that he thought almost missed the mark: “I just kick”
- READ: Blanco captains Team Yellow in PTFC for Peace charity match to raise funds for UNICEF and Ukrainian relief efforts
- READ: Sebastián Blanco's recovery came full circle with his goal in Seattle
Join us for the presentation of the Timbers All-Time XI on July 19 when the Timbers host Minnesota United!
Celebrating 50 years of the Timbers
Celebrating 50 years as a club, the Timbers honor the fan-vote, All-Time XI, Ring of Honor members and alumni from all eras. The match features a crossbody bag giveaway.
All-Time XI Eligibility:
The Timbers All-Time XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
To be considered, fans voted on the 50 eligible players who met established criteria based upon career achievements as a Timbers player and were selected by a panel. Players had to meet one of the following criteria:
- Play a minimum of 100 league games for the club for field players; 50 league games for goalkeepers.
- Inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor.
- Rank in the Top 5 (by era) in a career statistical category (games played, goals, assists, wins, shutouts, etc.) for the club.
- Be a key contributor in winning a championship or trophy.
- Receive league honors (All-League, Best XI, MVP, All-Star, Golden Boot, Rookie of the Year, etc.) as a member of the club.
