Robin van Persie vs Paul Gascoigne: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Attacking Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2004)
There is something timeless about weighing Robin van Persie against Paul Gascoigne. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. By the end Robin van Persie had 322 goals from 694 caps and club outings; Paul Gascoigne had 130 from 620. Assists were not reliably tracked for much of their careers, which makes the playmaking comparison an imperfect one; where records exist, Robin van Persie is credited with 0 and Paul Gascoigne with 90. The honours ledger favours Robin van Persie with 9 major trophies (1× Premier League (2013)) against Paul Gascoigne's 6 (1× FA Cup (1991)). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Robin van Persie predatory, Paul Gascoigne incisive. Their routes to the top were distinct: Robin van Persie built his reputation across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, peaking around 2012, while Paul Gascoigne reached his defining level around 1990 after spells with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Boston United. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
174 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.”
A supremely gifted but troubled English playmaker, Gascoigne's tears and brilliance at Italia '90 made him a national icon before injuries and off-field struggles curtailed his career.
“A powerful, technically brilliant attacking midfielder who combined trickery and physical strength with moments of match-winning genius.”
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× FA Cup (1991)
- 3× Scottish Premier Division (1996, 1997, 1999)
- 2× Scottish League Cup (1997, 1999)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1985 Professional debut for Newcastle United
- 1991 Won FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur
- 1997 Won Scottish League Cup with Rangers
- 1990 Reached the peak of his powers at Tottenham Hotspur
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Boston United
- Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Robin van Persie edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Robin van Persie edges it (a clear margin)
