George Best vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Winger / Forward, Northern Ireland (born 1946, retired 1984) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
George Best against Teófilo Cubillas is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. The raw numbers read 214 goals in 616 outings for George Best (0.35/game), versus 220 in 500 for Teófilo Cubillas (0.44/game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. The honours ledger favours George Best with 5 major trophies (1× European Cup (1968)) against Teófilo Cubillas's 4 (4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)). George Best built his medal haul through years of flair-driven consistency, while Teófilo Cubillas won his with orchestrating bursts of brilliance. Context beyond the headline totals is important: George Best's landmark level arrived around 1968 with a career spanning Manchester United, Fulham, others; Teófilo Cubillas's came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
177 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
Northern Irish winger and Manchester United icon; Ballon d'Or winner in 1968 after helping Manchester United win their first European Cup.
“A balance-perfect winger who combined dribbling flair with an eye for goal and a rock-star aura.”
Peru's greatest ever player, Cubillas remains the only man to score five goals across two separate World Cups, inspiring Peru's celebrated 1978 side.
“A quick, two-footed attacking midfielder renowned for a ferocious long-range shot and clever dribbling in tight spaces.”
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
- 1× European Cup (1968)
- 2× English First Division (1965, 1967)
- 2× FA Charity Shield (1965, 1967)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1963 Manchester United debut aged 17
- 1965 First English First Division title
- 1968 European Cup winner and Ballon d'Or winner
- 1968 Joint top scorer in the First Division
- 1972 Brief retirement then return to Manchester United
- 1974 Left Manchester United
- 1984 Made final professional appearances in the United States
- 1966 Professional debut for Alianza Lima
- 1967 Won Peruvian Primera División with Alianza Lima
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Alianza Lima
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at Alianza Lima
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give George Best the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a stronger all-round attribute profile.
George Best edges it (a clear margin)
