José Luis Chilavert vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Goalkeeper, Paraguay (born 1965, retired 2004) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
José Luis Chilavert versus Park Ji-sung is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. They belonged to different eras, which makes any direct comparison a test of imagination as much as statistics. On production alone, José Luis Chilavert posted 67 goals across 737 appearances while Park Ji-sung managed 60 across 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — José Luis Chilavert is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours José Luis Chilavert with 8 major trophies (1× Copa Libertadores (1994)) against Park Ji-sung's 5 (4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)). José Luis Chilavert belonged to the 1990s, dominating with a reflex-sharp quality; Park Ji-sung rose in the turn of the millennium with a silky edge. Club journeys add another layer, with José Luis Chilavert reaching his representative peak around 1994 across San Lorenzo, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, Strasbourg and Park Ji-sung doing so around 2008 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.
189 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
José Luis Félix Chilavert González is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Sportivo Luqueño, Guaraní, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, RC Strasbourg, Peñarol and the Paraguay national team. Chilavert won 12 club titles, including the 1994 Copa Libertadores and the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, while playing for Vélez Sarsfield, and is a three-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award winner. A fast and agile shot-stopper, known for his leadership, strong personality, and goalkeeping ability, he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in his prime; outside of his goalkeeping position, Chilavert was also known for his outfield skills and ability as a free kick specialist, and often took penalties.
“A commanding goalkeeper and set-piece specialist who made scoring from distance part of his job.”
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× Copa Libertadores (1994)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Established himself at San Lorenzo
- 1990 Reached his defining peak
- 1994 Delivered a landmark season
- 2004 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
Weighing production, silverware and profile, the two finish within a whisker of each other. Call it a respectful draw — greatness of this calibre resists a single winner.
Too close to call — a respectful draw
