Ismael Blanco
{{short description|Argentine footballer (born 1983)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ismael Blanco
| image = Ismael Blanco 2009.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Blanco with AEK in 2009.
| fullname = Ismael Alfonso Blanco
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|1|19|df=y}}
| birth_place = Santa Elena, Argentina
| height = 1.78 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| years1 = 2002–2007
| clubs1 = Colón
| caps1 = 52
| goals1 = 13
| years2 = 2005
| clubs2 = → Libertad (loan)
| caps2 = 21
| goals2 = 7
| years3 = 2005–2007
| clubs3 = → Olimpo (loan)
| caps3 = 62
| goals3 = 33
| years4 = 2007–2008
| clubs4 = → AEK Athens (loan)
| caps4 = 34
| goals4 = 20
| years5 = 2008–2011
| clubs5 = AEK Athens
| caps5 = 95
| goals5 = 35
| years6 = 2011–2012
| clubs6 = San Luis
| caps6 = 13
| goals6 = 2
| years7 = 2012
| clubs7 = → Legia Warsaw (loan)
| caps7 = 10
| goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2012–2013
| clubs8 = 1860 Munich
| caps8 = 15
| goals8 = 2
| years9 = 2013
| clubs9 = → Lanús (loan)
| caps9 = 16
| goals9 = 5
| years10 = 2013–2014
| clubs10 = Lanús
| caps10 = 40
| goals10 = 6
| years11 = 2014–2016
| clubs11 = Barcelona SC
| caps11 = 81
| goals11 = 29
| years12 = 2016–2017
| clubs12 = Colón
| caps12 = 22
| goals12 = 6
| years13 = 2017–2018
| clubs13 = Atlético Tucumán
| caps13 = 22
| goals13 = 3
| years14 = 2018–2019
| clubs14 = Club Atlético Mitre
| caps14 = 30
| goals14 = 7
| years15 = 2020
| clubs15 = Egaleo
| caps15 = 2
| goals15 = 0
| years16 = 2020–2021
| clubs16 = Panarkadikos
| caps16 = 5
| goals16 = 1
| years17 = 2021–2022
| clubs17 = Ialysos
| caps17 = 7
| goals17 = 5
| years18 = 2022–2023
| clubs18 = Club Ciudad de Bolívar
| caps18 = 13
| goals18 = 2
| club-update = 10 April 2022
}}
Ismael Blanco (born 19 January 1983) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as a forward.{{cite web|url=https://www.diarioeltiempo.com.ar/nota-ismael-blanco-volvio-al-futbol-argentino-para-jugar-en-ciudad-de-bolivar--del-federal-a-184898|title=Ismael Blanco volvió al fútbol argentino para jugar en Ciudad de Bolívar, del Federal A|website=diarioeltiempo.com.ar|access-date=10 April 2022|location=|language=es}}
Club career
=Argentina=
Blanco started his career with Colón in 2002. He suffered a serious knee injury (cruciate ligament) in 2004.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}}
Having lost his place on the first team, after his rehabilitation he was loaned out in January 2005 to Club Libertad of Paraguay, where he had the opportunity to participate in the Copa Libertadores 2005, scoring twice during his team's unsuccessful effort in Group 1.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
After his loan spell in Club Libertad, he returned in June 2005 to Argentina, to play on loan for Olimpo de Bahía Blanca, a Primera B Nacional team. During his stay there he managed to score 46 times in 90 games, helping his team win the Primera B Nacional and the promotion to Primera División and being the top scorer in both the Apertura 2006 (18 goals) and the Clausura 2007 (11 goals).{{citation needed|date=May 2016}} In the summer of 2007, he rejoined Colón.
=AEK Athens=
He did not stay with Colon for long; on 10 August 2007, Blanco joined AEK Athens{{cite web|url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=3325|title=AEK Athens signs Blanco|publisher=aekfc.gr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070925084431/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74|archive-date=25 September 2007}} on loan. He got his first appearance in a UEFA Cup match against Red Bull Salzburg on 20 September 2007. He then debuted in Superleague Greece against Atromitos and scored twice leading AEK Athens to a 2–0 win. Blanco's first goal in a European competition occurred on 13 February 2007 against Getafe with a back flick in the 94th minute to end the game as a 1–1 draw. Blanco finished top scorer in the 2007–08 Superleague Greece having scored 19 goals in 28 games (he scored once more during his six playoff apps). His performances led AEK Athens to announce the activation of the clause in his contract on 28 April 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74&n_id=4134|title=Blanco makes move permanent|publisher=aekfc.gr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622070339/http://www.aekfc.gr/index.asp?a_id=74|archive-date=22 June 2008}}
Blanco started his second season in AEK scoring the winning goal via a penalty against Panathinaikos in the year's first derby match. Blanco also stated to the press that he does not want to leave AEK and wants to be playing for many years in Greece.{{Cite web|url=http://epikairotita24.blogspot.gr/2009/07/smael-blanco.html|title=Ιsmael Blanco:"Θα συνεχίσω να ματώνω τη φανέλα της ΑΕΚ"}} Blanco scored his first Greek Cup goal against Chaidari. Blanco finished top scorer in the 2008–09 Superleague Greece having scored 14 goals in 30 games (plus three goals at six playoff games). Blanco's third season at AEK wasn't as successful as the previous years as he scored only 13 goals all season, (eight in the league, four in Europe, and one in playoffs). In his fourth season, he scored 15 goals in all competitions. His first goals came in the 5–1 win against Panthrakikos F.C. for the Greek Cup, in which Blanco scored his first hat-trick. He scored also a game-winner against arch-rivals Olympiakos in the 90th minute (he came into the game as a substitution).
Blanco decided not to renew his contract with AEK and not to accept the proposal of AEK and he was released to a free agent.{{Cite web|url=http://protathlima.com/content/league/story.jsp?league_id=11&id=73333|title=Protathlima.com: "Φεύγει ο Μπλάνκο από την ΑΕΚ στις 30 Ιουνίου!"|access-date=26 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929023502/http://protathlima.com/content/league/story.jsp?league_id=11&id=73333|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=dead}} Blanco promised that if ever returned to Greece that would be only to wear AEK Athens' colours.{{Cite web|url=http://www.onsports.gr/Podosfairo/Super-League/item/77952-%C2%ABProspathhsan-na-me-diwxoyn%C2%BB|title=Προσπάθησαν να με διώξουν| date=13 June 2011}}
=San Luis=
On 18 August 2011, Blanco was signed by Mexican club San Luis.{{cite web|url=http://msn.mediotiempo.com/futbol/mexico/noticias/2011/08/18/ismael-blanco-sera-el-quinto-extranjero-de-los-potosinos|title=Ismael Blanco será el quinto extranjero de los potosinos|trans-title=Ismael Blanco is the fifth San Luis' foreign player|language=es|publisher=mediotiempo.co|date=18 August 2011|access-date=4 August 2012}} He managed to score two goals in 15 appearances for the Mexican League.
=Legia Warsaw=
The 29-year-old cut short a spell in Europe with AEK to move to Mexican side San Luis last summer, but has quickly headed back to Europe. Blanco was highly rated back in 2007 when AEK snapped him up from Club Atletico Colon; the striker had enjoyed impressive spells on loan with Libertad and Olimpico. The striker will now hope to pick up his success in Europe with Polish outfit Legia Warsaw.
On 24 February 2012, Blanco was signed by Polish club Legia Warsaw until 30 June 2012 with an option of extending to another season. Legia managed to win the Polish Cup of that season.{{cite web|url=http://legia.com/news,28124-blanco_podpisal_kontrakt.html|title=Blanco podpisał kontrakt|trans-title=Blanco signed contract|language=pl|publisher=legia.com|access-date=4 August 2012|date=24 February 2012}} He was released on 15 May 2012 as he did not fulfil the club's expectations, having only scored two goals in the Polish Cup.{{cite web|url=http://sport.wp.pl/kat,32284,title,Novo-Blanco-i-Hubnik-odchodza-z-Legii,wid,14487133,wiadomosc.html?ticaid=1e757|title=Novo, Blanco i Hubnik odchodzą z Legii (Novo, Blanco and Hubnik leave Legia)|date=15 May 2012|publisher=Wp.pl|language=pl| access-date=4 August 2012}}
=1860 Munich=
After leaving Legia Warsaw, Blanco signed for TSV 1860 Munich, as well as his former teammate at AEK Athens, Grigoris Makos. He did not fulfill the expectations of the club, not finding the net in 13 caps for the 2. Bundesliga.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerpunter.com/soccer-statistics/Germany/2.-Bundesliga-2012-2013/team_info_overall/978_TSV_1860_M%C3%BCnchen|title=1860 München Results, Fixtures and Statistics - SoccerPunter}}
=Return to South America=
In February 2013, Blanco returned to his homeland, Argentina to join Lanús. He was given his favourite number, "18"{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerfame.com/transfer/17451/ismaelblanco|title=Ismael Blanco|website=soccerfame.com|access-date=31 July 2016|archive-date=14 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814112348/http://www.soccerfame.com/transfer/17451/ismaelblanco|url-status=dead}} On 16 June, Blanco scored twice against River Plate in a 5–1 victory. He scored five goals in 16 appearances for the 2013 Torneo Final and Lanús took the third place.{{Cite web|url=http://www.promiedos.com.ar/final2013.php|title=TORNEO FINAL 2013 – Promedios, Fixture, Posiciones}}
On 17 August 2014 Blanco signed a two years' contract for Barcelona SC an Ecuadorian sports club based in Guayaquil. The total amount of transfer is estimated to €2.9 million.{{Cite web|url=https://el-gr.soccermanager.com/|title=Soccer Manager 2022|website=el-gr.soccermanager.com}}
On 22 August 2016, he rejoined Colón.{{cite web|url=http://www.eluniverso.com/deportes/2016/08/22/nota/5758806/ismael-blanco-fue-oficializado-como-jugador-colon-santa-fe|title= Ismael Blanco fue oficializado en Colón de Santa Fe|date=22 August 2016}}
On 11 August 2017, he joined Atlético Tucumán.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elgrafico.com.ar/articulo/1038/26114/ismael-blanco-nuevo-delantero-de-atletico-tucuman|title=Ismael Blanco, nuevo delantero de Atlético Tucumán|website=El Gráfico}}
=Egaleo=
In January 2020, he joined Greek club Egaleo in the Football League, who compete in the Greek third tier. Blanco previously played for Club Atlético Mitre in the Argentine second division where he scored three goals in 11 matches last season. He did not renew his contract with the Argentine club and decided to return to Greece at the age of 37.{{cite web|url=https://sportsup.gr/2020/01/05/oristiki-simfonia-aigaleo-blanco/|title=Οριστική συμφωνία Αιγάλεω-Blanco!|date=5 January 2020}}
Celebration
On 26 September 2007, in a match against Veria, after putting AEK Athens in front, Blanco revealed a Zorro mask from his sock and drew a big Z in the air celebrating the winning goal. He kept doing so from time to time though referees usually punished him with a yellow card. As a result, he gained the nickname "Zorro" by the fans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elcomercio.com/deportes/ismael-blanco-me-molesta-me.html|title=Ismael Blanco: 'No me molesta que me digan Zorro'}}
Personal life
Blanco is of Egyptian descent.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/09/10/1491521/palermo-genoa-monitoring-aek-athens-star-ismael-blanco|title=Palermo & Genoa Monitoring AEK Athens Star Ismael Blanco – Report|publisher=goal.com|date=10 September 2009|access-date=14 April 2013}}
He is the oldest brother of Sebastián Blanco.
Career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;calibri" | |||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Copa Argentina, Greek Football Cup, Polish Cup, DFB-Pokal}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division
!Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals | |||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Club Atlético Colón
|rowspan="3"|Argentine Primera División |19 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 6 |
| 2003–04
|14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 3 |
| 2004–05
|16 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 4 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!49||11||3||2||0||0||0||0||52||13 | |||||||||
| Libertad
|2005 |15 | 5 | colspan="2"|– | 6 | 2 | colspan="2"|– | 21 | 7 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Olimpo
|Argentine Primera División |24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 24 | 5 | ||
| 2006–07
|38 | 28 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 38 | 28 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!62||33||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||62||33 | |||||||||
| rowspan="5"|AEK Athens
|rowspan="4"|Super League Greece |28 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 7{{efn|name=UC|Appearances in UEFA Cup}} | 1 | 6{{efn|name=SLGP|Appearances in Super League Greece play-offs }} | 1 | 43 | 21 |
| 2008–09
|30 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 2{{efn|name=UC}} | 1 | 6{{efn|name=SLGP}} | 3 | 44 | 23 |
| 2009–10
|29 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 4 | 5{{efn|name=SLGP}} | 1 | 43 | 13 |
| 2010–11
|22 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 7{{efn|name=UEL}} | 2 | 3{{efn|name=SLGP}} | 0 | 39 | 15 |
| colspan="2"|Total
!109||50||16||9||24||8||20||5||169||72 | |||||||||
| San Luis
|2011–12 |15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 15 | 2 | ||
| Legia Warsaw
|6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 10 | 2 | |
| 1860 Munich
|13 | 0 | 2 | 2 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 15 | 2 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Lanús
|rowspan="2"|Argentine Primera División |16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 17 | 5 | ||
| 2013–14
|26 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14{{efn|Appearances in Copa Sudamericana}} | 2 | colspan="2"|– | 40 | 6 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!42||9||1||0||14||2||colspan="2"|–||57||11 | |||||||||
| rowspan="4"|Barcelona SC
|2014 |rowspan="3"|Ecuadorian Serie A |20 | 12 | colspan="2"|– | 4 | 2 | colspan="2"|– | 24 | 14 | ||
| 2015
|42 | 14 | colspan="2"|– | 6 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 48 | 14 | ||
| 2016
|9 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 9 | 1 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!71||27||colspan="2"|– | 10||2||colspan="2"|– | 81||29 | |||||||
| Club Atlético Colón
|Argentine Primera División |22 | 6 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 22 | 6 | ||
| Atlético Tucumán
|Argentine Primera División |17 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 22 | 3 | |
| Club Atlético Mitre
|Primera Nacional |30 | 7 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | colspan="2"|– | 31 | 7 | ||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!478 | 160 | 29 | 16 | 56 | 14 | 20 | 5 | 584 | 187 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
Olimpo
AEK Athens
Legia Warsaw
Lanús
Individual
- Nacional B top scorer: 2006 Apertura, 2007 Clausura
- Best foreign player of Greek Super League: 2007–08
- Super League Greece top scorer: 2007–08, 2008–09
- Greek Cup top scorer: 2008–09, 2010–11
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Soccerway|ismael-blanco/19290}}
- {{90minut|15347}}
{{Navboxes
|bg=gold
|fg=navy
|title= Awards
|list1=
{{Super League Greece top scorers}}
{{Super League Greece foreigner of the year}}
{{Greek Cup top scorers}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blanco, Ismael}}
Category:Copa Sudamericana–winning players
Category:Argentine people of Egyptian descent
Category:Argentine men's footballers
Category:Egyptian men's footballers
Category:Argentine expatriate men's footballers
Category:Footballers from Entre Ríos Province
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:AEK Athens F.C. players
Category:Club Atlético Colón footballers
Category:Barcelona S.C. footballers
Category:Club Libertad footballers
Category:Club Olimpo footballers
Category:San Luis F.C. players
Category:TSV 1860 Munich players
Category:Club Atlético Lanús footballers
Category:Atlético Tucumán footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Ecuador
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Ecuador
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Paraguay
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Paraguay
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Mexico
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Mexico
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Greece
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Poland
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Poland
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Germany
Category:Argentine Primera División players
Category:Paraguayan Primera División players
Category:Primera Nacional players
Category:Super League Greece players
Category:2. Bundesliga players
Category:Ecuadorian Serie A players