Deco vs Predrag Mijatović: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Portugal (born 1977, retired 2013) · Striker, Yugoslavia (born 1969, retired 2004)
When Deco and Predrag Mijatović are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Legacy is the only real measure that outlives the numbers, and both have staked towering claims. The raw numbers read 90 goals in 550 outings for Deco (0.16/game), versus 210 in 500 for Predrag Mijatović (0.42/game). Add playmaking to the mix and Deco laid on 100 goals, Predrag Mijatović 30. The honours ledger favours Deco with 5 major trophies (2× UEFA Champions League (2004, 2006)) against Predrag Mijatović's 2 (1× UEFA Champions League (1998)). History will file Deco under incisive greatness and Predrag Mijatović under explosive greatness — different shelves, same temple. Club journeys add another layer, with Deco reaching his representative peak around 2004 across Nacional, Porto, Barcelona, Chelsea, Fluminense and Predrag Mijatović doing so around 1998 with Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia CF, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, Levante. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
156 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
A Brazilian-born playmaker who became a Portugal icon, Deco won the UEFA Cup and Champions League with Porto before repeating the European triumph at Barcelona two years later.
“A quick-thinking, tenacious playmaker who combined physical durability with excellent vision and set-piece delivery.”
Mijatović's decisive winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final ended Real Madrid's 32-year wait for the European Cup and remains one of the club's most iconic moments.
“A clever, mobile striker whose intelligent runs in behind and composed finishing produced goals in the biggest moments.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2004, 2006)
- 1× UEFA Cup (2003)
- 2× La Liga (2005, 2006)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1998)
- 1× La Liga (1997)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1997 Professional debut for Nacional
- 2004 Won UEFA Champions League with Porto
- 2005 Won La Liga with Barcelona
- 2004 Reached the peak of his powers at Porto
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Fluminense
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
- 1986 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1998 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 1997 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Levante
- Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Deco the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Deco edges it (a clear margin)
