Hidetoshi Nakata vs Fernando Redondo: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006) · Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004)
Hidetoshi Nakata against Fernando Redondo is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. Across his senior career Hidetoshi Nakata notched 60 goals in 400 appearances (0.15 per game), while Fernando Redondo recorded 30 in 450 (0.07 per game). Creativity tells a story too: 60 assists for Hidetoshi Nakata against 60 for Fernando Redondo. Trophy counts give Hidetoshi Nakata 1 and Fernando Redondo 5, with 1× Serie A (2001) and 2× La Liga (1995, 1997) the standout honours respectively. One lifted trophies through orchestrating reliability, the other through intelligent moments that decided finals. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Hidetoshi Nakata's landmark level arrived around 2001 with a career spanning Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers; Fernando Redondo's came around 1998 across Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
162 words · comparison angle: trophies
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.”
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
- 1× Serie A (2001)
- 2× La Liga (1995, 1997)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000)
- 1× Intercontinental Cup (1998)
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.
- 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
If forced to pick, Fernando Redondo is the choice: a decisive margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
Fernando Redondo edges it (a decisive margin)
