Christian Alberto Cueva Bravo, born in Trujillo on 23 November 1991, established a career as a professional football midfielder spanning multiple continents. His journey through professional leagues began in 2008 and has since seen him navigate diverse roles across clubs in South America, Europe, and Asia, while representing Peru in numerous international tournaments.
Early Career in Peru
Cueva began playing for Instituto Pedagógico Nacional Monterrico at age 14. By August 2007, he moved to the under-20 side of Universidad San Martín. His senior professional debut occurred on 12 April 2008 in a match against Universidad César Vallejo. Over his tenure with Universidad San Martín, he contributed to titles in the 2008 and 2010 Torneo Descentralizado seasons, eventually recording 20 goals across 121 league appearances. A brief move to Universidad César Vallejo in 2012 ended prematurely following contractual issues.
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His career expanded to Chile with Unión Española in 2013, winning a league title. A loan to La Liga club Rayo Vallecano followed, where he played for the B-team in the Tercera División. Upon returning to Peru, he played for Alianza Lima before embarking on stints in Mexico with Toluca and Pachuca, Brazil with São Paulo and Santos, Russia with FC Krasnodar, Turkey with Yeni Malatyaspor, and Saudi Arabia with Al-Fateh. Further domestic moves included returns to Alianza Lima in 2023, a period at Cienciano, a brief stay at Emelec, and joining Juan Pablo II College in December 2025.
International Representation
Cueva made his full international debut on 1 June 2011 against Japan. He became a fixture for Peru, contributing to a third-place finish at the 2015 Copa América and a runner-up spot at the 2019 tournament. He participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, aiding the team's qualification after a 36-year absence. During the 2024 Copa América, he reached his 100th international cap in a group stage match against Argentina.
Technical Profile
Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder through the centre of the pitch, Cueva is noted for his dribbling and agility in confined spaces. While frequently deployed in central roles for the national team, he often shifted to the left flank for clubs such as Toluca. His playstyle has drawn historical comparisons to the Brazilian playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 November 1991, Trujillo, Peru
- International Debut: 1 June 2011
- First Professional Club: Universidad San Martín
- World Cup Participation: 2018
- 100th International Cap: 29 June 2024
- Primary Position: Attacking midfielder
- Citizenship: Peru
Questions readers ask
Which international tournaments has Cueva participated in?
He has played in the 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024 Copa América tournaments, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
What is his current club?
As of December 2025, he is signed to Juan Pablo II College to compete in the 2026 Peruvian championship.
