Kaká vs Per Mertesacker: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Brazil (born 1982, retired 2017) · Centre-Back, Germany (born 1984, retired 2018)
Set Kaká alongside Per Mertesacker and the numbers start an argument of their own. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. On production alone, Kaká posted 237 goals across 594 appearances while Per Mertesacker managed 15 across 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Kaká is listed at 0 and Per Mertesacker at 5 where figures survive. Kaká departs the game with 6 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2002); Per Mertesacker with 4, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2014). Where Kaká was a creative presence in the box, Per Mertesacker offered a uncompromising approach to goalscoring. Their routes to the top were distinct: Kaká built his reputation across São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando City, peaking around 2007, while Per Mertesacker reached his defining level around 2014 after spells with Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Arsenal. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
177 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Brazilian attacking midfielder and 2007 Ballon d'Or winner; Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2007.
“A tall, graceful attacking midfielder who glided past defenders and finished with precision.”
A towering, calm German centre-back nicknamed 'BFG' by Arsenal fans, Mertesacker started every match of Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign.
“A commanding, positionally intelligent centre-back whose reading of the game compensated for a lack of raw pace.”
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 (2002)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2007)
- 2× FIFA Confederations Cup (2005, 2009)
- 1× Serie A (2004)
- 1× La Liga (2012)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (2014)
- 3× FA Cup (2014, 2015, 2017)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2001 São Paulo breakthrough
- 2002 World Cup winner (limited role)
- 2003 Signed for AC Milan
- 2005 Lost the Champions League final in Istanbul
- 2007 Champions League winner and Ballon d'Or winner
- 2009 Record transfer to Real Madrid
- 2017 Retired at Orlando City
- 2001 Professional debut for Hannover 96
- 2014 Won FIFA World Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Won FA Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Arsenal
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Kaká takes it by a decisive margin.
Kaká edges it (a decisive margin)
