Arjen Robben vs Rivelino: Stats Compared
Right Winger, Netherlands (born 1984, retired 2019) · Left Midfielder, Brazil (born 1946, retired 1981)
Set Arjen Robben alongside Rivelino and the numbers start an argument of their own. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. The raw numbers read 246 goals in 614 outings for Arjen Robben (0.40/game), versus 238 in 624 for Rivelino (0.38/game). Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. The honours ledger favours Arjen Robben with 9 major trophies (1× UEFA Champions League (2013)) against Rivelino's 8 (1× FIFA World Cup (1970)). The right winger duties of Arjen Robben leaned ruthless; the left midfielder responsibilities of Rivelino leaned incisive. Club journeys add another layer, with Arjen Robben reaching his representative peak around 2013 across PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Groningen and Rivelino doing so around 1970 with Corinthians, Fluminense, Al-Hilal. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
157 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Arjen Robben is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a winger. Known for his dribbling skills, speed, and long-range shots, he is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest wingers of all time. He ranks second for the all-time Dutch top goalscorers (32) in the UEFA Champions League and is the all-time Dutch top assist provider (19) in the competition.
“A devastating inverted winger whose cut inside and left-foot finish became a signature.”
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.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2013)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1970)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2005 Established himself at PSV
- 2009 Reached his defining peak
- 2013 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1962 Established himself at Corinthians
- 1966 Reached his defining peak
- 1970 Delivered a landmark season
- 1981 Retired from professional football
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Rivelino takes the verdict — a narrow margin, driven by consistency at the very highest level.
Rivelino edges it (a narrow margin)
