Wesley Sneijder vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1984, retired 2019) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Comparing Wesley Sneijder with Park Ji-sung means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Era matters in any comparison, and these two peaked under very different footballing conditions. The raw numbers read 152 goals in 573 outings for Wesley Sneijder (0.27/game), versus 60 in 550 for Park Ji-sung (0.11/game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Wesley Sneijder is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours Wesley Sneijder with 8 major trophies (1× UEFA Champions League (2010)) against Park Ji-sung's 5 (4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)). Across the modern era and the turn of the millennium respectively, their dictatorial and creative styles captured the spirit of very different footballing times. Their routes to the top were distinct: Wesley Sneijder built his reputation across Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter, Galatasaray, peaking around 2010, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
183 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
Wesley Sneijder is a Dutch former professional footballer. Noted for his playmaking ability, he was considered one of the best midfielders in the world during his prime. A product of the Ajax Youth Academy, Sneijder started his professional career playing for Ajax, with whom he won four trophies and was awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy in 2004.
“A sharp, two-footed creator who could unlock a defence or score from 25 yards.”
The first Asian player to win the Champions League and reach a World Cup semi-final, Park was renowned for his tireless work rate and big-game performances for Manchester United.
“A relentless, selfless box-to-box midfielder whose stamina and tactical discipline made him invaluable in the biggest matches.”
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 (2010)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2002 Established himself at Ajax
- 2006 Reached his defining peak
- 2010 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 2000 Professional debut for Kyoto Purple Sanga
- 2007 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 2008 Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester United
- 2008 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Queens Park Rangers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Wesley Sneijder edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Wesley Sneijder edges it (a decisive margin)
