Hidetoshi Nakata vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Few debates split football fans quite like Hidetoshi Nakata versus Park Ji-sung. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Career output puts Hidetoshi Nakata at 60 goals in 400 games, with Park Ji-sung at 60 in 550. Add playmaking to the mix and Hidetoshi Nakata laid on 60 goals, Park Ji-sung 60. Hidetoshi Nakata departs the game with 1 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Serie A (2001); Park Ji-sung with 5, including 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). The attacking midfielder duties of Hidetoshi Nakata leaned incisive; the midfielder responsibilities of Park Ji-sung leaned intelligent. Club journeys add another layer, with Hidetoshi Nakata reaching his representative peak around 2001 across Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers and Park Ji-sung doing so around 2008 with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
161 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
The first Japanese footballer to become a global superstar, Nakata's move to Serie A in 1998 opened the door for a generation of Japanese players in Europe.
“A composed, technically excellent attacking midfielder blessed with an outstanding range of passing and shooting from distance.”
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× Serie A (2001)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1995 Professional debut for Bellmare Hiratsuka
- 2001 Won Serie A with Roma
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Bolton Wanderers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 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
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Park Ji-sung takes it by a clear margin.
Park Ji-sung edges it (a clear margin)
