Sergio Agüero vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Striker, Argentina (born 1988, retired 2021) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
Few debates split football fans quite like Sergio Agüero versus Rafael van der Vaart. Strip away the highlights and the medal count tells its own story for each man. Across his senior career Sergio Agüero notched 427 goals in 700 appearances (0.61 per game), while Rafael van der Vaart recorded 180 in 600 (0.30 per game). Add playmaking to the mix and Sergio Agüero laid on 110 goals, Rafael van der Vaart 100. Trophy counts give Sergio Agüero 10 and Rafael van der Vaart 2, with 5× Premier League (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) and 1× Eredivisie (2002) the standout honours respectively. One lifted trophies through flair-driven reliability, the other through orchestrating moments that decided finals. Their routes to the top were distinct: Sergio Agüero built his reputation across Independiente, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona, peaking around 2014, while Rafael van der Vaart reached his defining level around 2010 after spells with Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
180 words · comparison angle: trophies
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.”
A creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
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.
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Sergio Agüero edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Sergio Agüero edges it (a decisive margin)
