Javier Mascherano vs Fernando Redondo: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1984, retired 2020) · Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004)
Ask any fan to rank Javier Mascherano above or below Fernando Redondo and you will get a passionate answer. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. By the end Javier Mascherano had 15 goals from 700 caps and club outings; Fernando Redondo had 30 from 450. Add playmaking to the mix and Javier Mascherano laid on 20 goals, Fernando Redondo 60. Javier Mascherano departs the game with 10 major pieces of silverware, including 2× UEFA Champions League (2011, 2015); Fernando Redondo with 5, including 2× La Liga (1995, 1997). Where Javier Mascherano was a incisive presence in the box, Fernando Redondo offered a creative approach to goalscoring. Club journeys add another layer, with Javier Mascherano reaching his representative peak around 2015 across River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Hebei China Fortune, Estudiantes and Fernando Redondo doing so around 1998 with Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
171 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Nicknamed 'El Jefecito' (the little chief), Mascherano converted from a combative box-to-box midfielder into one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation.
“A fiercely competitive ball-winner whose tackling and reading of the game let him marshal both midfield and defence.”
A supremely elegant defensive midfielder famed for his flowing hair and a single backheel that became one of the sport's most replayed pieces of skill.
“An elegant, deep-lying playmaker who shielded the defence while dictating play with effortless long passing.”
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
- 2× UEFA Champions League (2011, 2015)
- 4× La Liga (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018)
- 4× Copa del Rey (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- 2× La Liga (1995, 1997)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000)
- 1× Intercontinental Cup (1998)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2003 Professional debut for River Plate
- 2011 Won UEFA Champions League with Barcelona
- 2012 Won Copa del Rey with Barcelona
- 2015 Reached the peak of his powers at Barcelona
- 2020 Retired after a final spell at Estudiantes
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours.
- 1987 Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors
- 1995 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Won Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at AC Milan
- Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 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
