Park Ji-sung vs Clint Dempsey: Stats Compared
Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014) · Forward, United States (born 1983, retired 2018)
Line up Park Ji-sung next to Clint Dempsey and the contrasts come quickly. Legacy is the only real measure that outlives the numbers, and both have staked towering claims. Across his senior career Park Ji-sung notched 60 goals in 550 appearances (0.11 per game), while Clint Dempsey recorded 180 in 550 (0.33 per game). Add playmaking to the mix and Park Ji-sung laid on 60 goals, Clint Dempsey 90. In major honours Park Ji-sung collected 5 — headlined by 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) — whereas Clint Dempsey amassed 2, led by 1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014). History will file Park Ji-sung under intelligent greatness and Clint Dempsey under flair-driven greatness — different shelves, same temple. 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 Clint Dempsey doing so around 2012 with New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Seattle Sounders. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
171 words · comparison angle: legacy
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.”
The first American to score in three separate World Cups, Dempsey became the first US-born player to captain a Premier League team and remains one of the country's most decorated forwards.
“A tenacious, technically gifted forward whose late runs into the box and clever improvisation produced some of American soccer's most memorable goals.”
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)
- 1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014)
- 1× MLS Cup (2016)
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.
- 2004 Professional debut for New England Revolution
- 2014 Won MLS Supporters' Shield with Seattle Sounders
- 2016 Won MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders
- 2012 Reached the peak of his powers at Fulham
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Seattle Sounders
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 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)
