George Weah vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Striker, Liberia (born 1966, retired 2003) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
There is something timeless about weighing George Weah against Rafael van der Vaart. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. George Weah finishes with 230 career goals from 460 games — a 0.50 strike rate — against Rafael van der Vaart's 180 from 600 at 0.30 per match. The assist columns read 60 for George Weah and 100 for Rafael van der Vaart where the record exists. In major honours George Weah collected 3 — headlined by 2× Serie A (1996, 1999) — whereas Rafael van der Vaart amassed 2, led by 1× Eredivisie (2002). One lifted trophies through ruthless reliability, the other through intelligent moments that decided finals. The wider career context matters too: George Weah peaked around 1995 after representing Tonnerre Yaoundé, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Marseille, Al Jazira, while Rafael van der Vaart's defining level came around 2010 across Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. The honest conclusion is that comparison enriches appreciation rather than crowns a single winner.
178 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
The only African and Liberian ever to win the Ballon d'Or, Weah was a rare striker capable of running the length of the pitch to score, before later becoming Liberia's president.
“A powerful, quick target man with surprising close control, famous for driving solo runs the length of the field.”
A creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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
- 2× Serie A (1996, 1999)
- 1× Coupe de France (1991)
- 1× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Professional debut for Tonnerre Yaoundé
- 1996 Won Serie A with AC Milan
- 1991 Won Coupe de France with Monaco
- 1995 Reached the peak of his powers at Paris Saint-Germain
- 2003 Retired after a final spell at Al Jazira
- Finished his career with 230 goals in 460 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 230 goals in 460 appearances and 3 major honours.
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, George Weah takes the verdict — a narrow margin, driven by a sharper goalscoring record.
George Weah edges it (a narrow margin)
