Kaká vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Brazil (born 1982, retired 2017) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
Set Kaká alongside Rafael van der Vaart and the numbers start an argument of their own. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Kaká finishes with 237 career goals from 594 games — a 0.40 strike rate — against Rafael van der Vaart's 180 from 600 at 0.30 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Kaká is listed at 0 and Rafael van der Vaart at 100 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours Kaká with 6 major trophies (1× FIFA World Cup (2002)) against Rafael van der Vaart's 2 (1× Eredivisie (2002)). As a attacking midfielder Kaká bent the role to a silky template; as a attacking midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart redefined it with creative authority. The wider career context matters too: Kaká peaked around 2007 after representing São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando City, while Rafael van der Vaart's defining level came around 2010 across Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
199 words · comparison angle: role
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 creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
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
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Kaká edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Kaká edges it (a decisive margin)
