Sergio Agüero vs Rivelino: Stats Compared
Striker, Argentina (born 1988, retired 2021) · Left Midfielder, Brazil (born 1946, retired 1981)
Few debates split football fans quite like Sergio Agüero versus Rivelino. Their textures on the ball are what fans actually remember, and they could hardly be more different. By the end Sergio Agüero had 427 goals from 700 caps and club outings; Rivelino had 238 from 624. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Sergio Agüero is listed at 110 and Rivelino at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Sergio Agüero collected 10 — headlined by 5× Premier League (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) — whereas Rivelino amassed 8, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1970). Stylistically Sergio Agüero was flair-driven where Rivelino was dictatorial — two vocabularies of the same sport. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Sergio Agüero's landmark level arrived around 2014 with a career spanning Independiente, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona; Rivelino's came around 1970 across Corinthians, Fluminense, Al-Hilal. The honest conclusion is that comparison enriches appreciation rather than crowns a single winner.
169 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
A clinical, ice-cool Argentine striker who scored Manchester City's most dramatic title-winning goal and became the club's all-time top scorer.
“A low, powerful, instinctive finisher with explosive acceleration in the box and a knack for the biggest moments.”
Roberto Rivellino (born 1 January 1946), known mononymously as Rivellino, is a Brazilian football pundit and former player. He was a key member of Brazil’s 1970 FIFA World Cup-winning team and played as an attacking midfielder. He was renowned for his moustache, powerful long-range shooting, accurate passing, close control, dribbling and bending free kicks.
“A left-footed conductor famous for the elastico, fierce shooting and daring switches of play.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 5× Premier League (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021)
- 1× UEFA Europa League (2010)
- 4× League Cup (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1970)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2003 Professional debut for Independiente
- 2012 Won Premier League with Manchester City
- 2014 Won League Cup with Manchester City
- 2014 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester City
- 2021 Retired after a final spell at Barcelona
- Finished his career with 427 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours. Finished his career with 427 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours.
- 1962 Established himself at Corinthians
- 1966 Reached his defining peak
- 1970 Delivered a landmark season
- 1981 Retired from professional football
The verdict
On balance Sergio Agüero edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Sergio Agüero edges it (a clear margin)
