Robin van Persie vs David Luiz: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Centre-Back, Brazil (born 1987, retired 2023)
There is something timeless about weighing Robin van Persie against David Luiz. Goals are the coldest, hardest metric in football, and both players stockedpile them. On production alone, Robin van Persie posted 322 goals across 694 appearances while David Luiz managed 35 across 650. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Robin van Persie is listed at 0 and David Luiz at 25 where figures survive. Robin van Persie departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Premier League (2013); David Luiz with 6, including 1× UEFA Champions League (2012). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Robin van Persie predatory, David Luiz resolute. Club journeys add another layer, with Robin van Persie reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe and David Luiz doing so around 2013 with Vitória, Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, Flamengo. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
164 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Robin van Persie is a Dutch football coach and former professional footballer. He last served as the head coach of Eredivisie club Feyenoord. He is regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and was known for his technique, ball control, and vision.
“A left-footed artist whose volleys, movement and aerial technique made difficult finishes routine.”
An eccentric, unpredictable Brazilian centre-back famed for his wild hairstyles and thunderous free-kicks, David Luiz won trophies across three major European leagues.
“An unorthodox, high-risk centre-back who combined bold attacking instincts and a huge shot with occasionally erratic positioning.”
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 (2013)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2012)
- 2× UEFA Europa League (2013, 2019)
- 2× Premier League (2015, 2017)
- 1× FA Cup (2018)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 2006 Professional debut for Vitória
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2018 Won FA Cup with Chelsea
- 2013 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2023 Retired after a final spell at Flamengo
- Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Robin van Persie the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Robin van Persie edges it (a clear margin)
