Daniele De Rossi vs Hidetoshi Nakata: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, Italy (born 1983, retired 2019) · Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006)
When Daniele De Rossi and Hidetoshi Nakata are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. The raw numbers read 65 goals in 700 outings for Daniele De Rossi (0.09/game), versus 60 in 400 for Hidetoshi Nakata (0.15/game). The assist columns read 60 for Daniele De Rossi and 60 for Hidetoshi Nakata where the record exists. In major honours Daniele De Rossi collected 3 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2006) — whereas Hidetoshi Nakata amassed 1, led by 1× Serie A (2001). The central midfielder duties of Daniele De Rossi leaned dictatorial; the attacking midfielder responsibilities of Hidetoshi Nakata leaned silky. The wider career context matters too: Daniele De Rossi peaked around 2013 after representing Roma, while Hidetoshi Nakata's defining level came around 2001 across Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
164 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
A one-club legend and 2006 World Cup winner, De Rossi embodied Roma's midfield for nearly two decades, combining ferocious tackling with a superb range of passing.
“A commanding, technically excellent deep-lying midfielder who mixed hard tackling with elegant long-range distribution.”
The first Japanese footballer to become a global superstar, Nakata's move to Serie A in 1998 opened the door for a generation of Japanese players in Europe.
“A composed, technically excellent attacking midfielder blessed with an outstanding range of passing and shooting from distance.”
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 (2006)
- 2× Coppa Italia (2007, 2008)
- 1× Serie A (2001)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2001 Professional debut for Roma
- 2006 Won FIFA World Cup with Roma
- 2007 Won Coppa Italia with Roma
- 2013 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2019 Retired after a final spell at Roma
- Finished his career with 65 goals in 700 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 65 goals in 700 appearances and 3 major honours.
- 1995 Professional debut for Bellmare Hiratsuka
- 2001 Won Serie A with Roma
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Bolton Wanderers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Daniele De Rossi is the choice: a decisive margin, with a stronger all-round attribute profile the deciding factor.
Daniele De Rossi edges it (a decisive margin)
