Lothar Matthäus vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, Germany (born 1961, retired 2000) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
When Lothar Matthäus and Park Ji-sung are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. Career output puts Lothar Matthäus at 220 goals in 780 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 — Lothar Matthäus is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. Lothar Matthäus departs the game with 7 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (1990); Park Ji-sung with 5, including 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). One lifted trophies through creative reliability, the other through incisive moments that decided finals. Their routes to the top were distinct: Lothar Matthäus built his reputation across Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, peaking around 1990, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
182 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
The 1990 World Cup-winning captain and 1990 Ballon d'Or winner, Matthäus made a record 25 World Cup appearances across five tournaments in a career of relentless box-to-box excellence.
“A powerful, dynamic all-action midfielder equally capable of defending, driving forward, and unleashing thunderous long-range shots.”
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× FIFA World Cup (1990)
- 5× Bundesliga (1985, 1986, 1994, 1997, 1999)
- 1× UEFA Cup (1991)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1979 Professional debut for Borussia Mönchengladbach
- 1990 Won FIFA World Cup with Inter Milan
- 1991 Won UEFA Cup with Inter Milan
- 1990 Reached the peak of his powers at Inter Milan
- 2000 Retired after a final spell at Bayern Munich
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 780 appearances and 7 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 780 appearances and 7 major honours.
- 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
If forced to pick, Lothar Matthäus is the choice: a decisive margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Lothar Matthäus edges it (a decisive margin)
