Robin van Persie vs Kevin Keegan: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Forward, England (born 1951, retired 1984)
Line up Robin van Persie next to Kevin Keegan and the contrasts come quickly. Honours are what separate great players from trophy-laden legends, and both qualify. Career output puts Robin van Persie at 322 goals in 694 games, with Kevin Keegan at 240 in 700. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. In major honours Robin van Persie collected 9 — headlined by 1× Premier League (2013) — whereas Kevin Keegan amassed 6, led by 1× European Cup (1977). Robin van Persie built his medal haul through years of ruthless consistency, while Kevin Keegan won his with clinical bursts of brilliance. Club journeys add another layer, with Robin van Persie reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe and Kevin Keegan doing so around 1978 with Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, Newcastle United. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
168 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.”
A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Keegan was English football's first true superstar of the television era, winning the European Cup with Liverpool before dazzling in the Bundesliga.
“An energetic, tirelessly hard-running forward whose enthusiasm and clever movement made him far more effective than his modest frame suggested.”
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× European Cup (1977)
- 3× English First Division (1973, 1976, 1977)
- 2× UEFA Cup (1973, 1976)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1968 Professional debut for Scunthorpe United
- 1977 Won European Cup with Liverpool
- 1973 Won UEFA Cup with Liverpool
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Hamburger SV
- 1984 Retired after a final spell at Newcastle United
- Finished his career with 240 goals in 700 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 240 goals in 700 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Robin van Persie edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Robin van Persie edges it (a decisive margin)
