Park Ji-sung vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
Line up Park Ji-sung next to Rafael van der Vaart and the contrasts come quickly. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Across his senior career Park Ji-sung notched 60 goals in 550 appearances (0.11 per game), while Rafael van der Vaart recorded 180 in 600 (0.30 per game). In chance creation, Park Ji-sung tallied 60 assists to Rafael van der Vaart's 100. The honours ledger favours Park Ji-sung with 5 major trophies (4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)) against Rafael van der Vaart's 2 (1× Eredivisie (2002)). As a midfielder Park Ji-sung bent the role to a incisive template; as a attacking midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart redefined it with creative authority. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Park Ji-sung's landmark level arrived around 2008 with a career spanning Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers; Rafael van der Vaart's came around 2010 across Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
182 words · comparison angle: role
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 creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
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.
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production, silverware and profile, the two finish within a whisker of each other. Call it a respectful draw — greatness of this calibre resists a single winner.
Too close to call — a respectful draw
