Ashley Cole vs Bixente Lizarazu: Stats Compared
Left-Back, England (born 1980, retired 2019) · Left-Back, France (born 1969, retired 2006)
Ashley Cole versus Bixente Lizarazu is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. By the end Ashley Cole had 10 goals from 750 caps and club outings; Bixente Lizarazu had 15 from 600. The assist columns read 40 for Ashley Cole and 30 for Bixente Lizarazu where the record exists. Trophy counts give Ashley Cole 11 and Bixente Lizarazu 7, with 3× Premier League (2002, 2004, 2010) and 1× FIFA World Cup (1998) the standout honours respectively. Ashley Cole built his medal haul through years of resolute consistency, while Bixente Lizarazu won his with commanding bursts of brilliance. Club journeys add another layer, with Ashley Cole reaching his representative peak around 2010 across Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy, Derby County and Bixente Lizarazu doing so around 2001 with Bordeaux, Athletic Bilbao, Bayern Munich, Marseille. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
158 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
Widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs of his generation, Cole won a record-equalling seven FA Cups across spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.
“A quick, tenacious full-back whose relentless overlapping and recovery pace made him a nightmare to play against.”
A world judo champion off the pitch, Lizarazu was one of the finest left-backs of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and Champions League with Bayern Munich.
“A compact, combative full-back whose low centre of gravity and stamina let him bomb up and down the flank all match.”
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
- 3× Premier League (2002, 2004, 2010)
- 7× FA Cup (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2012)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1998)
- 1× UEFA European Championship (2000)
- 4× Bundesliga (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2001)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1999 Professional debut for Arsenal
- 2002 Won Premier League with Arsenal
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2019 Retired after a final spell at Derby County
- Finished his career with 10 goals in 750 appearances and 11 major honours. Finished his career with 10 goals in 750 appearances and 11 major honours.
- 1988 Professional debut for Bordeaux
- 1998 Won FIFA World Cup with Bayern Munich
- 2001 Won UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Bayern Munich
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Marseille
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 600 appearances and 7 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 600 appearances and 7 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Ashley Cole edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Ashley Cole edges it (a clear margin)
