Bryan Robson vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1957, retired 1997) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Bryan Robson against Teófilo Cubillas 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. By the end Bryan Robson had 130 goals from 750 caps and club outings; Teófilo Cubillas had 220 from 500. Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. Trophy counts give Bryan Robson 4 and Teófilo Cubillas 4, with 3× FA Cup (1983, 1985, 1990) and 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978) the standout honours respectively. The central midfielder duties of Bryan Robson leaned intelligent; the attacking midfielder responsibilities of Teófilo Cubillas leaned intelligent. Club journeys add another layer, with Bryan Robson reaching his representative peak around 1985 across West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Teófilo Cubillas doing so around 1978 with Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
180 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Nicknamed 'Captain Marvel', Robson was Manchester United's inspirational, injury-defying captain for over a decade, renowned for his box-to-box drive and leadership.
“A powerful, all-action midfielder whose tireless running and courageous late arrivals in the box made him the complete box-to-box player.”
Peru's greatest ever player, Cubillas remains the only man to score five goals across two separate World Cups, inspiring Peru's celebrated 1978 side.
“A quick, two-footed attacking midfielder renowned for a ferocious long-range shot and clever dribbling in tight spaces.”
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
- 3× FA Cup (1983, 1985, 1990)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1991)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1974 Professional debut for West Bromwich Albion
- 1983 Won FA Cup with Manchester United
- 1991 Won UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with Manchester United
- 1985 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 1997 Retired after a final spell at Middlesbrough
- Finished his career with 130 goals in 750 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 130 goals in 750 appearances and 4 major honours.
- 1966 Professional debut for Alianza Lima
- 1967 Won Peruvian Primera División with Alianza Lima
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Alianza Lima
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at Alianza Lima
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Bryan Robson edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by remarkable longevity.
Bryan Robson edges it (a clear margin)
