Sport
The greatest Cuban footballers in history
There are fewer enigmas in the Western world quite like Cuba. The Caribbean nation has long been isolated from its neighbours in many areas but they have still maintained a presence in the world of football. This has included regular appearances in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as even reaching the FIFA World Cup in 1938 where they reached the quarter finals. Despite this rich pedigree, few Cuban footballers have made the headlines – much of this down to the fact that footballers in Cuba were not allowed to become professionals. This has started to change down the years and has seen some talents emerge to put Cuba on the footballing map. So who are some of the greatest Cuban footballers of all time?
Juan Tunas
Perhaps the biggest star of the 1938 World Cup squad, Juan Tunas is one of the footballers who enjoyed a career in the sport during this time. The prolific striker made a name for himself by having a particular powerful shot making it difficult for keepers to get hold of the ball. Tunas made a name for himself by scoring the winning goal against Romania in the 1938 World Cup securing them a spot in the last eight. It was also enough to earn him a move to Mexican side Real Club Espana in 1941 where he won two Mexican Liga Mayor titles in 1942 and 1945. This was the first real time a Cuban footballer shone on the foreign stage.
Yenier Marquez
Despite never playing outside of the Caribbean, few players have been more dedicated to their national side than Yenier Marquez. The defender was a regular for the Caribbean Lions from 2000-2015 showcasing his skills whenever the opportunity arose. It was why he earned over 126 caps for his nation claiming the national record when he retired in 2015. During his club career, Marquez spent most of his time with domestic side Villa Clara and was named 2014 Cuban Footballer of the Year for his efforts. He also spent a brief time in Antigua with Hoppers FC showcasing that he could shine outside of his homeland when the opportunity arose.
Lester More
Within Cuban football, there have been few goalscorers with an eye for goal quite like Lester More. Showcasing an excellent ability to find the net, More could score with ease for both club or country. He proved this with ease when playing local side Ciego De Avila where he scored 123 for the club over 11 years. This was highlighted in the 2002-03 season where he netted a record 32 goals that season for his club. He backed this up by scoring 30 times for the Cuban national side in 62 games breaking the record for the national side as well. However, More was isolated by his homeland after moving to the USA in 2007 with NASL side Charleston Battery ending his links to Cuban football. More still featured for sides in Puerto Rico and the USA before retiring permanently in 2010.
Onel Hernandez
When it comes to Cuban players in Europe, winger Onel Hernandez has been by far the most recognisable figure to emerge in Cuba. Despite being born in Cuba, Hernandez moved to Germany as a young kid where he was raised by his father and gained interest in football. After emerging with Arminia Bielefeld, Hernandez’s speed brought him to the eye of English side Norwich City who signed him from Eintracht Braunschweig in 2018. Since then, Hernandez has been a regular for The Canaries and in the process becoming the first Cuban to play and score in the English Premier League. Having made over 130 appearances for Norwich, it is clear to say that Hernandez is one of the most successful Cuban footballers of all-time.
Osvaldo Alonso
Despite the USA’s frosty nature with Cuba, the MLS has seen several Cuban players emerge and find success in their domestic league. None have been more prominent though than Osvaldo Alonso. Alonso turned his back on Cuban football in 2007 leaving Pinar Del Rio to join NASL side Charleston Battery. From here, he was picked up by MLS side Seattle Sounders in 2009 who were impressed by his tenacious tackling and excellent long-range passes. Since then, Alonso has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the league being named an MLS All-Star on 4 different occasions. This has also come with him winning the MLS title in 2016 with Seattle showcasing his all-round success. These rich accolades have showcased what Cuban footballers can do and why Osvaldo Alonso is one of the best to emerge from his country.
