Park Ji-sung vs Sol Campbell: Stats Compared
Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014) · Centre-Back, England (born 1974, retired 2011)
Comparing Park Ji-sung with Sol Campbell means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. Career output puts Park Ji-sung at 60 goals in 550 games, with Sol Campbell at 20 in 650. Add playmaking to the mix and Park Ji-sung laid on 60 goals, Sol Campbell 5. The honours ledger favours Park Ji-sung with 5 major trophies (4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)) against Sol Campbell's 5 (2× Premier League (2002, 2004)). Park Ji-sung scored with a silky that defined his era, while Sol Campbell's finishing carried a elegant all of its own. Club journeys add another layer, with Park Ji-sung reaching his representative peak around 2008 across Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers and Sol Campbell doing so around 2004 with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Notts County, Newcastle United, Arsenal. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
167 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
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.”
A commanding, athletic centre-back, Campbell was central to Arsenal's unbeaten 'Invincibles' 2003-04 title after a controversial free transfer from rivals Tottenham.
“A physically dominant, athletic centre-back whose pace and strength let him play an unusually high defensive line.”
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
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
- 2× Premier League (2002, 2004)
- 3× FA Cup (2001, 2003, 2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 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.
- 1992 Professional debut for Tottenham Hotspur
- 2002 Won Premier League with Arsenal
- 2001 Won FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur
- 2004 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2011 Retired after a final spell at Arsenal
- Finished his career with 20 goals in 650 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 20 goals in 650 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Sol Campbell edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by consistency at the very highest level.
Sol Campbell edges it (a clear margin)
