Michael Carrick vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1981, retired 2018) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Michael Carrick versus Teófilo Cubillas is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. Across his senior career Michael Carrick notched 35 goals in 650 appearances (0.05 per game), while Teófilo Cubillas recorded 220 in 500 (0.44 per game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Michael Carrick is listed at 60 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours Michael Carrick with 8 major trophies (5× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013)) against Teófilo Cubillas's 4 (4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)). As a central midfielder Michael Carrick bent the role to a silky template; as a attacking midfielder, Teófilo Cubillas redefined it with silky authority. The wider career context matters too: Michael Carrick peaked around 2009 after representing West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, while Teófilo Cubillas's defining level came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
191 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
An understated, exceptionally composed deep-lying midfielder, Carrick was the metronome of Manchester United's midfield through their most successful post-Ferguson-arrival decade.
“A calm, unshowy passer who controlled tempo from deep with excellent range and rarely gave the ball away.”
Peru's greatest ever player, Cubillas remains the only man to score five goals across two separate World Cups, inspiring Peru's celebrated 1978 side.
“A quick, two-footed attacking midfielder renowned for a ferocious long-range shot and clever dribbling in tight spaces.”
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
- 5× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
- 2× League Cup (2009, 2010)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1999 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 2007 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 2009 Won League Cup with Manchester United
- 2009 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Manchester United
- Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 8 major honours. Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 8 major honours.
- 1966 Professional debut for Alianza Lima
- 1967 Won Peruvian Primera División with Alianza Lima
- 1978 Reached the peak of his powers at Alianza Lima
- 1989 Retired after a final spell at Alianza Lima
- Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 220 goals in 500 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Michael Carrick the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Michael Carrick edges it (a narrow margin)
