Paul Gascoigne vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2004) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Line up Paul Gascoigne next to Teófilo Cubillas and the contrasts come quickly. Reputations harden into legacies, and few careers cast longer shadows than these two. Paul Gascoigne finishes with 130 career goals from 620 games — a 0.21 strike rate — against Teófilo Cubillas's 220 from 500 at 0.44 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Paul Gascoigne is listed at 90 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. Paul Gascoigne departs the game with 6 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FA Cup (1991); Teófilo Cubillas with 4, including 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). Their legacies diverge in texture: Paul Gascoigne is remembered as intelligent, Teófilo Cubillas as silky. The wider career context matters too: Paul Gascoigne peaked around 1990 after representing Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Boston United, while Teófilo Cubillas's defining level came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
185 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
A supremely gifted but troubled English playmaker, Gascoigne's tears and brilliance at Italia '90 made him a national icon before injuries and off-field struggles curtailed his career.
“A powerful, technically brilliant attacking midfielder who combined trickery and physical strength with moments of match-winning genius.”
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× FA Cup (1991)
- 3× Scottish Premier Division (1996, 1997, 1999)
- 2× Scottish League Cup (1997, 1999)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1985 Professional debut for Newcastle United
- 1991 Won FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur
- 1997 Won Scottish League Cup with Rangers
- 1990 Reached the peak of his powers at Tottenham Hotspur
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Boston United
- Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours.
- 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
If forced to pick, Paul Gascoigne is the choice: a clear margin, with superior creative output the deciding factor.
Paul Gascoigne edges it (a clear margin)
