Diego Valdés: The Best No. 10 for Club América in the 21st Century?
With the departure of Diego Valdés, it’s only fitting to look back and pose a controversial question: Was he the best No. 10 Club América has had in the 21st century? It’s a bold claim considering the names that came before him—Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Salvador Cabañas, and Osvaldo Martínez just to name a phew. But when you stack up trophies, numbers, and impact, Valdés makes a serious case. He leaves the club with five major titles, making him the most decorated No. 10 for América in this century. But beyond the silverware, how does he measure up against the club’s most iconic playmakers?
Valdés vs Cuauhtémoc Blanco
Any debate involving Cuauhtémoc Blanco is going to ruffle feathers. The captain from Tepito is arguably the most iconic player in Club América history—the symbol of what it means to be an Americanista. But if we’re talking strictly about impact as a No.10 in the 21st century, Valdés has a real argument.
Blanco won three major trophies with América in this era. Valdés topped that with five, including a historic three-peat (tricampeonato) and the club’s first-ever Campeones Cup. He was a critical part of that success, directly contributing with 38 goals and 31 assists in 140 appearances. For comparison, Blanco registered 68 goals and 10 assists across 187 matches in the 21st century.
Blanco’s legacy is tied to his charisma, grit, and loyalty to the badge. He bled yellow and blue. But Valdés left behind a legacy of consistent production, big-game impact, and team success in a shorter span. While Blanco will always be the emotional heartbeat of América, Valdés might just be the more efficient No.10.
Valdés vs Salvador Cabañas
It may feel like comparing apples and oranges, but Salvador Cabañas is often brought up in conversations about the most talented players to wear the No.10. Even though he only wore the number for one season, his legacy at América is undeniable. Cabañas was a pure striker. Valdés a true playmaking midfielder. Still, the comparison is worth entertaining.
In that lone year wearing the 10, Cabañas put up 18 goals and 2 assists in just 24 appearances. His numbers were explosive, and his presence on the pitch was undeniable. But Valdés, over a longer run, was far more balanced. Cabañas might be the more naturally gifted player. But when evaluating them strictly in their roles as the No.10, Valdés holds the edge for consistency, playmaking, and overall influence.
Valdés vs Osvaldo Martínez
This might be the most overlooked but arguably toughest comparison. Osvaldo Martínez isn’t remembered with the same fanfare as Blanco or Cabañas, but his résumé speaks volumes. He played 187 games for América in the 2010s, winning two Liga MX titles and back-to-back CONCACAF Champions League trophies, appearing in the FIFA Club World Cup twice. He recorded 19 goals and 25 assists, a solid return for someone who didn’t always operate in a traditional No.10 role.
What sets Valdés apart is final-third production and historic domestic success. But Osvaldo’s role in international competition, especially helping América shine on the continental stage, can’t be ignored. If Valdés defined league dominance, Osvaldito was the blueprint for continental consistency. Both were vital in their eras, one an offensive engine, the other a midfield metronome
Stat Comparison
Conclusion: Legacy vs Output
If this question was about legacy alone, Cuauhtémoc Blanco wins. No contest. But if we’re talking pure on-field output, consistency, and silverware—especially in a condensed timeframe—Diego Valdés deserves real consideration as the most impactful No.10 for Club América in the 21st century. He won more in less time, produced heavily in the final third, and played a starring role in one of the most dominant stretches in club history.
The debate isn’t about heart vs numbers. It’s about recognizing that Valdés didn’t just wear the No.10, he elevated what it meant in the modern era.