Fernando Redondo vs Paul Ince: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2006)
Fernando Redondo against Paul Ince is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Across his senior career Fernando Redondo notched 30 goals in 450 appearances (0.07 per game), while Paul Ince recorded 90 in 650 (0.14 per game). Creativity tells a story too: 60 assists for Fernando Redondo against 60 for Paul Ince. The honours ledger favours Fernando Redondo with 5 major trophies (2× La Liga (1995, 1997)) against Paul Ince's 4 (2× Premier League (1993, 1994)). The defensive midfielder duties of Fernando Redondo leaned intelligent; the central midfielder responsibilities of Paul Ince leaned orchestrating. The wider career context matters too: Fernando Redondo peaked around 1998 after representing Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan, while Paul Ince's defining level came around 1994 across West Ham United, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
172 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
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.”
The first Black player to captain England, Ince was a combative, driving midfielder at the heart of Manchester United's early Premier League dominance.
“An aggressive, all-action midfielder whose tackling and late runs into the box made him a formidable box-to-box presence.”
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
- 2× La Liga (1995, 1997)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000)
- 1× Intercontinental Cup (1998)
- 2× Premier League (1993, 1994)
- 2× FA Cup (1990, 1994)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 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.
- 1986 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 1993 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 1990 Won FA Cup with Manchester United
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Swindon Town
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Fernando Redondo the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of consistency at the very highest level.
Fernando Redondo edges it (a clear margin)
