Iker Casillas vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Goalkeeper, Spain (born 1981, retired 2020) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Iker Casillas versus Park Ji-sung is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. Career output puts Iker Casillas at 0 goals in 1048 games, with Park Ji-sung at 60 in 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Iker Casillas is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. Trophy counts give Iker Casillas 14 and Park Ji-sung 5, with 1× FIFA World Cup (2010) and 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) the standout honours respectively. The goalkeeper duties of Iker Casillas leaned reflex-sharp; the midfielder responsibilities of Park Ji-sung leaned incisive. Club journeys add another layer, with Iker Casillas reaching his representative peak around 2010 across Real Madrid, Porto and Park Ji-sung doing so around 2008 with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
166 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Real Madrid and Spain captain who holds the record for most caps for Spain; 2010 World Cup winner and two-time European champion.
“A brave, agile shot-stopper whose reflexes carried club and country through a golden era.”
The first Asian player to win the Champions League and reach a World Cup semi-final, Park was renowned for his tireless work rate and big-game performances for Manchester United.
“A relentless, selfless box-to-box midfielder whose stamina and tactical discipline made him invaluable in the biggest matches.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2010)
- 2× UEFA European Championship (2008, 2012)
- 3× UEFA Champions League (2000, 2002, 2014)
- 5× La Liga
- 2× Copa del Rey
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2014)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1999 Real Madrid debut aged 18
- 2000 Champions League winner, youngest keeper in a final
- 2002 Saved the World Cup final despite nearly being dropped
- 2008 Euro winner as Spain captain
- 2012 Won a third consecutive major tournament with Spain
- 2015 Left Real Madrid for Porto
- 2020 Retired after a cardiac arrest in training
- 2000 Professional debut for Kyoto Purple Sanga
- 2007 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 2008 Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester United
- 2008 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Queens Park Rangers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Iker Casillas takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Iker Casillas edges it (a clear margin)
