Esteban Cambiasso vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, Argentina (born 1980, retired 2016) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Esteban Cambiasso versus Teófilo Cubillas is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. Across his senior career Esteban Cambiasso notched 60 goals in 620 appearances (0.10 per game), while Teófilo Cubillas recorded 220 in 500 (0.44 per game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Esteban Cambiasso is listed at 55 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Esteban Cambiasso collected 7 — headlined by 1× UEFA Champions League (2010) — whereas Teófilo Cubillas amassed 4, led by 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). Esteban Cambiasso built his medal haul through years of silky consistency, while Teófilo Cubillas won his with orchestrating bursts of brilliance. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Esteban Cambiasso's landmark level arrived around 2010 with a career spanning River Plate, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Leicester City, Olympiacos; Teófilo Cubillas's came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
191 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
A tireless, tactically astute Argentine midfielder who anchored Inter's historic 2010 treble-winning side.
“A disciplined box-to-box midfielder with excellent positional sense and a surprising eye for a spectacular long-range goal.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2010)
- 5× Serie A (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2010)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1996 Professional debut for River Plate
- 2010 Won UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan
- 2010 Won FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Inter Milan
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at Olympiacos
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 620 appearances and 7 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 620 appearances and 7 major honours.
- 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 Esteban Cambiasso the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Esteban Cambiasso edges it (a clear margin)
