David Silva vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Spain (born 1986, retired 2023) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
David Silva versus Park Ji-sung is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. Across his senior career David Silva notched 124 goals in 771 appearances (0.16 per game), while Park Ji-sung recorded 60 in 550 (0.11 per game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — David Silva is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. The honours ledger favours David Silva with 9 major trophies (1× FIFA World Cup (2010)) against Park Ji-sung's 5 (4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: David Silva silky, Park Ji-sung creative. Context beyond the headline totals is important: David Silva's landmark level arrived around 2012 with a career spanning Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad; Park Ji-sung's came around 2008 across Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
172 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
David Josué Jiménez Silva (born 8 January 1986) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played mainly as a central or an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a winger or second striker. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and among the greatest players in Premier League history, he was known for his balance, ball control and agility in close spaces, combined with his skill, composure, passing and flair on the ball. Silva spent seven years of his professional career with Valencia, playing from 2004 to 2010, and won the Copa del Rey in 2008.
“A pocket-sized conductor whose close control and passing gave Manchester City its early rhythm.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2010)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Valencia
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2023 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
The numbers give David Silva the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
David Silva edges it (a decisive margin)
