Nwankwo Kanu vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Striker, Nigeria (born 1976, retired 2012) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Nwankwo Kanu against Teófilo Cubillas is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Career output puts Nwankwo Kanu at 130 goals in 550 games, with Teófilo Cubillas at 220 in 500. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Nwankwo Kanu is listed at 55 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Nwankwo Kanu collected 6 — headlined by 1× UEFA Champions League (1995) — whereas Teófilo Cubillas amassed 4, led by 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). As a striker Nwankwo Kanu bent the role to a clinical template; as a attacking midfielder, Teófilo Cubillas redefined it with creative authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Nwankwo Kanu reaching his representative peak around 1999 across Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth and Teófilo Cubillas doing so around 1978 with Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
192 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
A gangly, silky Nigerian forward who won the Champions League with Ajax and Olympic gold before starring in Arsenal's 'Invincibles' era, all while overcoming a serious heart condition.
“A tall, unusually elegant forward whose close control and vision belied his height, often dropping deep to create for others.”
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× UEFA Champions League (1995)
- 2× Premier League (2002, 2004)
- 2× FA Cup (2003, 2008)
- 1× Olympic Gold Medal (1996)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1992 Professional debut for Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1995 Won UEFA Champions League with Ajax
- 1996 Won Olympic Gold Medal with Ajax
- 1999 Reached the peak of his powers at Inter Milan
- 2012 Retired after a final spell at Portsmouth
- Finished his career with 130 goals in 550 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 130 goals in 550 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
Weighing production against honours, Teófilo Cubillas takes the verdict — a narrow margin, driven by a sharper goalscoring record.
Teófilo Cubillas edges it (a narrow margin)
