Cafu vs Dennis Bergkamp: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Second Striker, Netherlands (born 1969, retired 2006)
When Cafu and Dennis Bergkamp are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. Cafu finishes with 53 career goals from 856 games — a 0.06 strike rate — against Dennis Bergkamp's 290 from 795 at 0.36 per match. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. Cafu departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002); Dennis Bergkamp with 10, including 1× UEFA Cup (1992). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Cafu elegant, Dennis Bergkamp incisive. Their routes to the top were distinct: Cafu built his reputation across São Paulo, Roma, Milan, peaking around 2002, while Dennis Bergkamp reached his defining level around 2002 after spells with Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
166 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
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.”
Dutch forward and Arsenal icon renowned for his technical brilliance; three-time Premier League winner with the Gunners.
“A statuesque second striker whose first touch and vision created beauty wherever he played.”
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× UEFA Cup (1992)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1987)
- 1× Eredivisie (1990)
- 3× Premier League (1998, 2002, 2004)
- 4× FA Cup (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)
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
- 1986 Ajax debut
- 1990 Won the Eredivisie with Ajax
- 1993 Joined Inter Milan in an unhappy spell
- 1998 Scored iconic World Cup goal against Argentina
- 2002 Won the Premier League and FA Cup double
- 2004 Part of Arsenal's Invincibles season
- 2006 Final Emirates Stadium farewell
The verdict
If forced to pick, Dennis Bergkamp is the choice: a narrow margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Dennis Bergkamp edges it (a narrow margin)
