Robin van Persie vs Paul Ince: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2006)
Comparing Robin van Persie with Paul Ince means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Honours are what separate great players from trophy-laden legends, and both qualify. On production alone, Robin van Persie posted 322 goals across 694 appearances while Paul Ince managed 90 across 650. 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 Ince with 60. Robin van Persie departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Premier League (2013); Paul Ince with 4, including 2× Premier League (1993, 1994). Robin van Persie built his medal haul through years of explosive consistency, while Paul Ince won his with silky bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Robin van Persie built his reputation across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, peaking around 2012, while Paul Ince reached his defining level around 1994 after spells with West Ham United, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
188 words · comparison angle: trophies
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.”
The first Black player to captain England, Ince was a combative, driving midfielder at the heart of Manchester United's early Premier League dominance.
“An aggressive, all-action midfielder whose tackling and late runs into the box made him a formidable box-to-box presence.”
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)
- 2× Premier League (1993, 1994)
- 2× FA Cup (1990, 1994)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1986 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 1993 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 1990 Won FA Cup with Manchester United
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Swindon Town
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Robin van Persie is the choice: a decisive margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Robin van Persie edges it (a decisive margin)
