Cafu vs Cuauhtémoc Blanco: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Forward, Mexico (born 1973, retired 2014)
Set Cafu alongside Cuauhtémoc Blanco and the numbers start an argument of their own. Where pure finishing is concerned, this is a shootout between two of the most feared marksmen of their time. By the end Cafu had 53 goals from 856 caps and club outings; Cuauhtémoc Blanco had 250 from 700. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Cafu is listed at 0 and Cuauhtémoc Blanco at 100 where figures survive. Trophy counts give Cafu 9 and Cuauhtémoc Blanco 4, with 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002) and 3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005) the standout honours respectively. Where Cafu was a elegant presence in the box, Cuauhtémoc Blanco offered a flair-driven approach to goalscoring. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Cafu's landmark level arrived around 2002 with a career spanning São Paulo, Roma, Milan; Cuauhtémoc Blanco's came around 1998 across América, Chicago Fire, Puebla FC. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
174 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Marcos Evangelista de Morais (born 7 June 1970), known as Cafu, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a right-back. Widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, he was known for his pace and energetic attacking runs along the right flank. He is the most-capped player for the Brazil national team with 142 appearances.
“A relentless full-back whose running power and crossing made the flank a second engine.”
A flamboyant Mexican playmaker famed for inventing the 'Cuauhtemiña' skill move, Blanco starred at three World Cups across a 20-year career.
“A stocky, combative forward with outrageous flair, best remembered for hopping the ball between two defenders in a signature dribble.”
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× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002)
- 3× Liga MX (1992, 2002, 2005)
- 1× CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1992)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1994 Established himself at São Paulo
- 1998 Reached his defining peak
- 2002 Delivered a landmark season
- 2008 Retired from professional football
- 1992 Professional debut for América
- 1992 Won Liga MX with América
- 1992 Won CONCACAF Champions' Cup with América
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at América
- 2014 Retired after a final spell at Puebla FC
- Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 250 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Cafu takes it by a decisive margin.
Cafu edges it (a decisive margin)
