 |
Blas PerezPanamanian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 13.03.1981
Country:  Panama |
Content:
- Early Career
- Colombian Success
- European and Mexican Adventures
- MLS and Later Career
- International Career
- Attack on Pérez
- Personal Life
Early Career
Blas Pérez, a renowned Panamanian footballer, began his career with Panama Viejo. He debuted in the senior team in 1998, scoring 27 goals in 56 appearances. In 2001/02, he played for Arabe Unido before a brief stint with Uruguay's Nacional in 2002.
Colombian Success
Pérez relocated to Colombia, where he showcased his impressive goalscoring abilities with Envigado, Centauros Villavicencio, Deportivo Cali, and Cúcuta Deportivo over five years. In 2004, he became the second division's top scorer with Centauros, netting 29 goals. With Cúcuta, he won the Colombian league title in 2006.
European and Mexican Adventures
In 2007, Pérez made his debut in the Copa Libertadores with Cúcuta, scoring 8 goals and finishing second in the tournament's top scorer rankings. On May 29, 2007, Spanish club Hércules acquired half of his rights for $2.7 million, signing him for four years. Pérez spent one season in Spain, scoring 4 goals in 16 appearances.
In January 2008, he moved to Mexico's UANL Tigres. After one season, Pérez was loaned out to various clubs. In 2009, he debuted for Pachuca, scoring in his debut match. He continued to score regularly for Pachuca, but finished second in the top scorer rankings to Miguel Sabah.
MLS and Later Career
After an impressive display at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Pérez was loaned to Al-Wasl in Dubai. He returned to Mexico shortly after, playing for San Luis, León, and Indios. In 2012, he signed with MLS club Dallas. Pérez joined Vancouver Whitecaps in 2016, returning to his original club Arabe Unido in 2017. He then had brief spells with Bolivian club Blooming and Guatemalan club Municipal before retiring in 2019.
International Career
Pérez made his international debut for Panama in 2001 against Guatemala, scoring his first goal later that year. He participated in 62 matches for his country, scoring 43 goals. Pérez represented Panama in five CONCACAF Gold Cups and one Copa América tournament. He helped Panama reach the final of the 2013 Gold Cup and won bronze in 2015.
Attack on Pérez
In 2009, Pérez's car was attacked by two vehicles on a highway near La Chorrera. The attackers rammed Pérez's car, forcing him to stop, but he managed to escape unharmed.
Personal Life
Pérez is close friends with fellow national team players Gabriel Gómez and Felipe Baloy.
