Carlos Tevez vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Striker, Argentina (born 1984, retired 2021) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
Comparing Carlos Tevez with Rafael van der Vaart means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Era matters in any comparison, and these two peaked under very different footballing conditions. Career output puts Carlos Tevez at 280 goals in 700 games, with Rafael van der Vaart at 180 in 600. In chance creation, Carlos Tevez tallied 90 assists to Rafael van der Vaart's 100. The honours ledger favours Carlos Tevez with 5 major trophies (1× Premier League (2012)) against Rafael van der Vaart's 2 (1× Eredivisie (2002)). Across the modern era and the modern era respectively, their explosive and dictatorial styles captured the spirit of very different footballing times. The wider career context matters too: Carlos Tevez peaked around 2011 after representing Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Boca Juniors, Shanghai Shenhua, Boca Juniors, while Rafael van der Vaart's defining level came around 2010 across Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
173 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
A tenacious, street-smart Argentine striker known as 'El Apache', beloved for his relentless work rate and hunger for goals.
“A combative, low-centre-of-gravity forward who pressed relentlessly and thrived on scrappy, instinctive finishes.”
A creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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× Premier League (2012)
- 2× Serie A (2014, 2015)
- 1× Copa Libertadores (2003)
- 1× Argentine Primera División (2003)
- 1× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2001 Professional debut for Boca Juniors
- 2012 Won Premier League with Manchester City
- 2003 Won Argentine Primera División with Boca Juniors
- 2011 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester City
- 2021 Retired after a final spell at Boca Juniors
- Finished his career with 280 goals in 700 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 280 goals in 700 appearances and 5 major honours.
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Carlos Tevez takes it by a clear margin.
Carlos Tevez edges it (a clear margin)
