Over the course of the history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a number of players who have played for the club at one point or another have also represented their country at the FIFA World Cup. As we approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we will feature players of years’ past who made it to soccer’s pinnacle event.
BLAS PÉREZ
Blas Pérez has played for 18 different clubs in 10 different countries, including: his native Panama, Uruguay, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, United States, Canada, Bolivia, and Guatemala.
For club
After spending his first four years in MLS with Western Conference rivals FC Dallas, Pérez joined Whitecaps FC for the 2016 season. In his lone year with the ‘Caps he started six of his 27 total appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and one assist.
His most memorable moment came on May 11 when he scored twice versus Chicago Fire at BC Place, including a late bicycle kick winner.
For country
Pérez is currently tied as the all-time leading goalscorer for the Panamanian national team with Luis Tejada at 43 goals.
The 37-year-old helped lead Los Canaleros (The Canal Men) to the FIFA World Cup for the very first time, as he gets set to play in Russia.
FUN FACT: Pérez celebrates every goal with a horns celebration above his head. It is a tribute to his late father, Blas “El Toro” Pérez.
