Christian Cueva

Early career

Born in Trujillo, Cueva started his career playing for amateurs Instituto Pedagógico Nacional Monterrico, at the age of 14. In August 2007, he played for a Huamachuco representative side in a friendly against Universidad San Martín, impressing enough to secure a subsequent move to the club's under-20 side.

Universidad San Martín

On 12 April 2008, aged only 16, Cueva made his first team – and Torneo Descentralizado – debut, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–1 away loss against Universidad César Vallejo. Cueva finished his first senior season with two goals in 18 appearances, as his side was crowned champions. He only became a regular starter for the side from the 2010 season onwards, and finished his spell at the club with 20 goals in 121 league appearances. With Universidad San Martín, he won the 2008 and 2010 Torneo Descentralizado.

Universidad César Vallejo

On 3 August 2012, Cueva moved to fellow first division side César Vallejo. In November, however, his contract was rescinded by the club after a series of indiscipline problems.

Unión Española

On 24 January 2013, after being linked to a move to Ponte Preta, he was announced at Chilean Primera División side Unión Española. He won the Chilean First Division in 2013 with Unión Española.

Rayo Vallecano (loan)

On 13 August 2013, Cueva joined La Liga club Rayo Vallecano on a one-year loan deal. On 1 March 2014, after being rarely used by manager Paco…

Cueva represented Peru at under-20 level in the 2011 South American Youth Championship. He made his full international debut on 1 June 2011, starting in a 0–0 draw against Japan, for the year's Kirin Cup. Cueva was included in Peru's squad for the 2015 Copa América, and scored the team's opening goal of the tournament in a 2–1 loss to Brazil. He was an undisputed starter during the tournament, helping his side finish in the third place and being named one of the best midfielders of the competition. Cueva was also named in Ricardo Gareca's squad for the Copa América Centenario, and scored the opening goal in an eventual 2–2 draw against Ecuador at University of Phoenix Stadium on 8 June 2016. However, in the quarter-finals against Colombia, the match went to a penalty shoot-out, and Cueva missed his spot kick as his side were eliminated 4–2 as a result of this. He was also a first-choice during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, helping his side qualify to the final stage after a 36-year absence. On 4 June 2018, Cueva was named in Peru's provisional 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia. On 30 May 2019, he was selected in the Peruvian squad for the 2019 Copa América. He featured in the tournament's final which resulted in a 3–1 defeat against the host nation Brazil. On 10 June 2021, he was called up for the 2021 Copa América, where his country managed to reach the semi-finals of the competition. On 15 June 2024, he was included in the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa…

With Peru, Cueva usually plays in an offensive midfield role through the centre of the pitch, for his club sides, such as Toluca, he plays more frequently on the flank, mainly on the left wing. A good dribbler, he is known for his change of pace over short distances and his ability to manage himself well in tight spaces. His playing style has drawn comparisons with that of Brazilian playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso, who plays for Sevilla, as Cueva occupies a similar function for São Paulo, in the way that he tends to move more through the pitch, making attacking runs into the rival area, scoring goals, and occasionally also helping out defensively by marking opponents. In his side's 4–0 victory against rivals Corinthians on 5 November 2016, Cueva demonstrated his great talent by netting a goal and providing three assists for his teammates David Neres, Chávez and Luiz Araújo.

Club

As of 6 December 2025

International

As of match played 29 June 2024

As of match played 27 September 2022 Scores and results list Peru's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cueva goal.