Peter Schmeichel vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Goalkeeper, Denmark (born 1963, retired 2003) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
There is something timeless about weighing Peter Schmeichel against Teófilo Cubillas. Goals are the coldest, hardest metric in football, and both players stockedpile them. The raw numbers read 0 goals in 816 outings for Peter Schmeichel (0.00/game), versus 220 in 500 for Teófilo Cubillas (0.44/game). Reliable assist tallies simply do not exist for large stretches of their careers, leaving creativity to the eye rather than the spreadsheet. The honours ledger favours Peter Schmeichel with 9 major trophies (1× UEFA Champions League (1999)) against Teófilo Cubillas's 4 (4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Peter Schmeichel imposing, Teófilo Cubillas dictatorial. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Peter Schmeichel's landmark level arrived around 1999 with a career spanning Brøndby, Manchester United, Sporting CP, Aston Villa; Teófilo Cubillas's came around 1978 across 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.
164 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Peter Bolesław Schmeichel (born 18 November 1963) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During eight seasons at English club Manchester United, he won 15 trophies including five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and captaining the club to victory in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final to complete the treble. Schmeichel also played for the Denmark national team, with which he won the UEFA European Championship in 1992.
“A huge presence whose reflexes, command and distribution set a new goalkeeping standard.”
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
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1999)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1991 Established himself at Brøndby
- 1995 Reached his defining peak
- 1999 Delivered a landmark season
- 2003 Retired from professional football
- 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
The numbers give Peter Schmeichel the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Peter Schmeichel edges it (a narrow margin)
