Cafu vs Fernando Redondo: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004)
When Cafu and Fernando Redondo are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Cafu finishes with 53 career goals from 856 games — a 0.06 strike rate — against Fernando Redondo's 30 from 450 at 0.07 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Cafu is listed at 0 and Fernando Redondo at 60 where figures survive. Cafu departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002); Fernando Redondo with 5, including 2× La Liga (1995, 1997). As a right-back Cafu bent the role to a elegant template; as a defensive midfielder, Fernando Redondo redefined it with creative authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Cafu reaching his representative peak around 2002 across São Paulo, Roma, Milan and Fernando Redondo doing so around 1998 with Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
181 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.”
A supremely elegant defensive midfielder famed for his flowing hair and a single backheel that became one of the sport's most replayed pieces of skill.
“An elegant, deep-lying playmaker who shielded the defence while dictating play with effortless long passing.”
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)
- 2× La Liga (1995, 1997)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000)
- 1× Intercontinental Cup (1998)
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
- 1987 Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors
- 1995 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Won Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at AC Milan
- Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Cafu is the choice: a clear margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
Cafu edges it (a clear margin)
