Luís Figo vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Winger, Portugal (born 1972, retired 2009) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Luís Figo versus Teófilo Cubillas is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Across his senior career Luís Figo notched 144 goals in 737 appearances (0.20 per game), while Teófilo Cubillas recorded 220 in 500 (0.44 per game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. Luís Figo departs the game with 12 major pieces of silverware, including 1× UEFA Champions League (2002); Teófilo Cubillas with 4, including 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). As a winger Luís Figo bent the role to a incisive template; as a attacking midfielder, Teófilo Cubillas redefined it with incisive authority. The wider career context matters too: Luís Figo peaked around 2000 after representing Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, while Teófilo Cubillas's defining level came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
185 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Portuguese winger and 2000 Ballon d'Or winner; won league titles in Spain and Italy at Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter.
“A right-wing dribbler with a trademark step-over and the capacity to deliver telling crosses all day.”
Peru's greatest ever player, Cubillas remains the only man to score five goals across two separate World Cups, inspiring Peru's celebrated 1978 side.
“A quick, two-footed attacking midfielder renowned for a ferocious long-range shot and clever dribbling in tight spaces.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2002)
- 4× La Liga (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003)
- 4× Serie A (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1997)
- 2× Copa del Rey (1997, 1998)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1989 Sporting CP debut
- 1995 Joined Barcelona
- 2000 Controversial transfer to Real Madrid
- 2000 Ballon d'Or winner
- 2002 Champions League winner with Real Madrid
- 2005 Signed for Inter Milan
- 2009 Retired at Inter Milan
- 1966 Professional debut for Alianza Lima
- 1967 Won Peruvian Primera División with Alianza Lima
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Alianza Lima
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at Alianza Lima
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Luís Figo edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Luís Figo edges it (a decisive margin)
