Robin van Persie vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Comparing Robin van Persie with Park Ji-sung means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Position shapes everything in football, and these two fulfilled very different briefs. The raw numbers read 322 goals in 694 outings for Robin van Persie (0.46/game), versus 60 in 550 for Park Ji-sung (0.11/game). 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 Park Ji-sung with 60. Trophy counts give Robin van Persie 9 and Park Ji-sung 5, with 1× Premier League (2013) and 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) the standout honours respectively. As a striker Robin van Persie bent the role to a flair-driven template; as a midfielder, Park Ji-sung redefined it with creative authority. Their routes to the top were distinct: Robin van Persie built his reputation across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, peaking around 2012, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. The honest conclusion is that comparison enriches appreciation rather than crowns a single winner.
191 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.”
The first Asian player to win the Champions League and reach a World Cup semi-final, Park was renowned for his tireless work rate and big-game performances for Manchester United.
“A relentless, selfless box-to-box midfielder whose stamina and tactical discipline made him invaluable in the biggest matches.”
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)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 2000 Professional debut for Kyoto Purple Sanga
- 2007 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 2008 Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester United
- 2008 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Queens Park Rangers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Robin van Persie takes it by a decisive margin.
Robin van Persie edges it (a decisive margin)
