Patrick Kluivert vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1976, retired 2008) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
The Patrick Kluivert–Park Ji-sung comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. They belonged to different eras, which makes any direct comparison a test of imagination as much as statistics. Career output puts Patrick Kluivert at 229 goals in 563 games, with Park Ji-sung at 60 in 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Patrick Kluivert is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. In major honours Patrick Kluivert collected 8 — headlined by 1× UEFA Champions League (1995) — whereas Park Ji-sung amassed 5, led by 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). Patrick Kluivert belonged to the 1990s, dominating with a explosive quality; Park Ji-sung rose in the turn of the millennium with a creative edge. The wider career context matters too: Patrick Kluivert peaked around 1999 after representing Ajax, Milan, Barcelona, Newcastle, Valencia, PSV, while Park Ji-sung's defining level came around 2008 across Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
185 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
Patrick Stephan Kluivert is a Dutch football coach and former player. As a player, he played as a striker for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands national team. He was part of Ajax's Golden Generation of the 1990s, scoring the winner in the 1995 UEFA Champions League Final at the age of 18.
“A technically polished striker who linked play beautifully and finished with either foot.”
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× UEFA Champions League (1995)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1991 Established himself at Ajax
- 1995 Reached his defining peak
- 1999 Delivered a landmark season
- 2008 Retired from professional football
- 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
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Patrick Kluivert takes it by a clear margin.
Patrick Kluivert edges it (a clear margin)
