Cafu vs Bebeto: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Striker, Brazil (born 1964, retired 2005)
There is something timeless about weighing Cafu against Bebeto. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. On production alone, Cafu posted 53 goals across 856 appearances while Bebeto managed 300 across 700. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Cafu is listed at 0 and Bebeto at 60 where figures survive. In major honours Cafu collected 9 — headlined by 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002) — whereas Bebeto amassed 4, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1994). As a right-back Cafu bent the role to a resolute template; as a striker, Bebeto redefined it with mercurial authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Cafu reaching his representative peak around 2002 across São Paulo, Roma, Milan and Bebeto doing so around 1994 with Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Deportivo La Coruña, Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Al Ittihad, América-RJ. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
166 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Marcos Evangelista de Morais (born 7 June 1970), known as Cafu, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a right-back. Widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, he was known for his pace and energetic attacking runs along the right flank. He is the most-capped player for the Brazil national team with 142 appearances.
“A relentless full-back whose running power and crossing made the flank a second engine.”
Famous for the 'rock the baby' goal celebration at the 1994 World Cup, Bebeto formed a lethal strike partnership with Romário in Brazil's triumphant campaign.
“A sharp, clever striker with excellent movement off the shoulder of the last defender and clinical composure in front of goal.”
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
- 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1994)
- 1× Copa América (1989)
- 2× Campeonato Brasileiro (1989, 1997)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1994 Established himself at São Paulo
- 1998 Reached his defining peak
- 2002 Delivered a landmark season
- 2008 Retired from professional football
- 1983 Professional debut for Flamengo
- 1994 Won FIFA World Cup with Deportivo La Coruña
- 1989 Won Campeonato Brasileiro with Flamengo
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Deportivo La Coruña
- 2005 Retired after a final spell at América-RJ
- Finished his career with 300 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 300 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Cafu the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Cafu edges it (a decisive margin)
