Cafu vs Raúl: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Striker, Spain (born 1977, retired 2015)
There is something timeless about weighing Cafu against Raúl. Style separates them as much as statistics: two players, two unmistakable signatures. On production alone, Cafu posted 53 goals across 856 appearances while Raúl managed 432 across 1032. 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 Cafu with 9 major trophies (2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002)) against Raúl's 16 (3× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000, 2002)). Cafu played with a commanding that made him unmistakable; Raúl brought a explosive that was equally his own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Cafu built his reputation across São Paulo, Roma, Milan, peaking around 2002, while Raúl reached his defining level around 2002 after spells with Real Madrid, Schalke 04, Al Sadd, New York Cosmos. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
154 words · comparison angle: style
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.”
Real Madrid legend who captained the club to three Champions League titles; held the all-time Champions League goals record before Messi and Ronaldo surpassed him.
“An intelligent, tireless forward whose movement off the ball created chances for himself and others.”
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)
- 3× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000, 2002)
- 6× La Liga
- 4× Supercopa de España
- 2× Intercontinental Cup (1998, 2002)
- 1× UEFA Super Cup (2002)
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
- 1994 Real Madrid debut aged 17
- 1996 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Champions League winner at 20
- 2000 Champions League winner, top scorer in the tournament
- 2003 Became Real Madrid captain
- 2010 Left Real Madrid after 16 years at the club
- 2015 Retired at New York Cosmos
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Raúl takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by a sharper goalscoring record.
Raúl edges it (a clear margin)
