Robin van Persie vs Kaká: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Attacking Midfielder, Brazil (born 1982, retired 2017)
Robin van Persie versus Kaká is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Position shapes everything in football, and these two fulfilled very different briefs. Robin van Persie finishes with 322 career goals from 694 games — a 0.46 strike rate — against Kaká's 237 from 594 at 0.40 per match. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. Robin van Persie departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Premier League (2013); Kaká with 6, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2002). The striker duties of Robin van Persie leaned clinical; the attacking midfielder responsibilities of Kaká leaned silky. Club journeys add another layer, with Robin van Persie reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe and Kaká doing so around 2007 with São Paulo, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Orlando City. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
164 words · comparison angle: role
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.”
Brazilian attacking midfielder and 2007 Ballon d'Or winner; Champions League winner with AC Milan in 2007.
“A tall, graceful attacking midfielder who glided past defenders and finished with precision.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2002)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2007)
- 2× FIFA Confederations Cup (2005, 2009)
- 1× Serie A (2004)
- 1× La Liga (2012)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 2001 São Paulo breakthrough
- 2002 World Cup winner (limited role)
- 2003 Signed for AC Milan
- 2005 Lost the Champions League final in Istanbul
- 2007 Champions League winner and Ballon d'Or winner
- 2009 Record transfer to Real Madrid
- 2017 Retired at Orlando City
The verdict
The numbers give Kaká the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of a stronger all-round attribute profile.
Kaká edges it (a narrow margin)
