Dunga vs Clint Dempsey: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Brazil (born 1963, retired 1998) · Forward, United States (born 1983, retired 2018)
Set Dunga alongside Clint Dempsey and the numbers start an argument of their own. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. On production alone, Dunga posted 60 goals across 687 appearances while Clint Dempsey managed 180 across 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Dunga is listed at 0 and Clint Dempsey at 90 where figures survive. Dunga departs the game with 8 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (1994); Clint Dempsey with 2, including 1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014). Dunga scored with a orchestrating that defined his era, while Clint Dempsey's finishing carried a clinical all of its own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Dunga built his reputation across Vasco da Gama, Fiorentina, Stuttgart, Júbilo Iwata, peaking around 1994, while Clint Dempsey reached his defining level around 2012 after spells with New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Seattle Sounders. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
177 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri (born 31 October 1963), commonly known as Dunga, is a Brazilian football manager and former professional player. Considered one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time, as a player, he was known for his technique, athleticism, passing range, solid tackles and first touch. Under the captaincy Dunga took from Raí, Brazil won the 1994 FIFA World Cup and became runners-up of the following edition.
“A disciplined captain whose tackling, structure and fierce standards gave Brazil balance.”
The first American to score in three separate World Cups, Dempsey became the first US-born player to captain a Premier League team and remains one of the country's most decorated forwards.
“A tenacious, technically gifted forward whose late runs into the box and clever improvisation produced some of American soccer's most memorable goals.”
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 (1994)
- 1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014)
- 1× MLS Cup (2016)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Established himself at Vasco da Gama
- 1990 Reached his defining peak
- 1994 Delivered a landmark season
- 1998 Retired from professional football
- 2004 Professional debut for New England Revolution
- 2014 Won MLS Supporters' Shield with Seattle Sounders
- 2016 Won MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders
- 2012 Reached the peak of his powers at Fulham
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Seattle Sounders
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Dunga the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Dunga edges it (a decisive margin)
