Rivelino vs Nicolas Anelka: Stats Compared
Left Midfielder, Brazil (born 1946, retired 1981) · Striker, France (born 1979, retired 2015)
Rivelino versus Nicolas Anelka is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. On production alone, Rivelino posted 238 goals across 624 appearances while Nicolas Anelka managed 300 across 800. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Rivelino is listed at 0 and Nicolas Anelka at 90 where figures survive. In major honours Rivelino collected 8 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (1970) — whereas Nicolas Anelka amassed 4, led by 2× Premier League (1998, 2010). As a left midfielder Rivelino bent the role to a incisive template; as a striker, Nicolas Anelka redefined it with flair-driven authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Rivelino reaching his representative peak around 1970 across Corinthians, Fluminense, Al-Hilal and Nicolas Anelka doing so around 2009 with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Fenerbahçe, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Shanghai Shenhua, West Bromwich Albion, Mumbai City. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
186 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Roberto Rivellino (born 1 January 1946), known mononymously as Rivellino, is a Brazilian football pundit and former player. He was a key member of Brazil’s 1970 FIFA World Cup-winning team and played as an attacking midfielder. He was renowned for his moustache, powerful long-range shooting, accurate passing, close control, dribbling and bending free kicks.
“A left-footed conductor famous for the elastico, fierce shooting and daring switches of play.”
A supremely talented but nomadic French striker, Anelka won titles in four different countries, culminating in Chelsea's 2012 Champions League triumph.
“A quick, clinical striker with excellent movement in behind, though a reputation for a wandering, restless career.”
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× FIFA World Cup (1970)
- 2× Premier League (1998, 2010)
- 1× La Liga (2000)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2012)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1962 Established himself at Corinthians
- 1966 Reached his defining peak
- 1970 Delivered a landmark season
- 1981 Retired from professional football
- 1995 Professional debut for Paris Saint-Germain
- 1998 Won Premier League with Arsenal
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2009 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2015 Retired after a final spell at Mumbai City
- Finished his career with 300 goals in 800 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 300 goals in 800 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Rivelino the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Rivelino edges it (a clear margin)
