Paul Gascoigne vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2004) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Paul Gascoigne versus Park Ji-sung is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Where pure finishing is concerned, this is a shootout between two of the most feared marksmen of their time. On production alone, Paul Gascoigne posted 130 goals across 620 appearances while Park Ji-sung managed 60 across 550. Creativity tells a story too: 90 assists for Paul Gascoigne against 60 for Park Ji-sung. In major honours Paul Gascoigne collected 6 — headlined by 1× FA Cup (1991) — whereas Park Ji-sung amassed 5, led by 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). Paul Gascoigne scored with a creative that defined his era, while Park Ji-sung's finishing carried a incisive all of its own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Gascoigne built his reputation across Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Boston United, peaking around 1990, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
177 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
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.”
The first Asian player to win the Champions League and reach a World Cup semi-final, Park was renowned for his tireless work rate and big-game performances for Manchester United.
“A relentless, selfless box-to-box midfielder whose stamina and tactical discipline made him invaluable in the biggest matches.”
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× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
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.
- 2000 Professional debut for Kyoto Purple Sanga
- 2007 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 2008 Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester United
- 2008 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Queens Park Rangers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Paul Gascoigne is the choice: a clear margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Paul Gascoigne edges it (a clear margin)
