Gennaro Gattuso vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Italy (born 1978, retired 2013) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
The Gennaro Gattuso–Park Ji-sung comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. On production alone, Gennaro Gattuso posted 25 goals across 550 appearances while Park Ji-sung managed 60 across 550. In chance creation, Gennaro Gattuso tallied 20 assists to Park Ji-sung's 60. In major honours Gennaro Gattuso collected 5 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2006) — whereas Park Ji-sung amassed 5, led by 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). Gennaro Gattuso built his medal haul through years of creative consistency, while Park Ji-sung won his with intelligent bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Gennaro Gattuso built his reputation across Perugia, Rangers, AC Milan, Sion, peaking around 2007, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
161 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
A snarling, relentless ball-winner nicknamed 'Ringhio' (Growl), Gattuso was the combative heartbeat of AC Milan's midfield through two Champions League triumphs.
“An abrasive, high-energy defensive midfielder whose non-stop tackling and pressing shielded his more gifted teammates.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2006)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (2003, 2007)
- 2× Serie A (2004, 2011)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1995 Professional debut for Perugia
- 2006 Won FIFA World Cup with AC Milan
- 2004 Won Serie A with AC Milan
- 2007 Reached the peak of his powers at AC Milan
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Sion
- Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 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
Weighing production, silverware and profile, the two finish within a whisker of each other. Call it a respectful draw — greatness of this calibre resists a single winner.
Too close to call — a respectful draw
