Paul Gascoigne vs Elías Figueroa: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2004) · Centre-Back, Chile (born 1946, retired 1982)
When Paul Gascoigne and Elías Figueroa are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Where pure finishing is concerned, this is a shootout between two of the most feared marksmen of their time. Career output puts Paul Gascoigne at 130 goals in 620 games, with Elías Figueroa at 40 in 600. Assists were not reliably tracked for much of their careers, which makes the playmaking comparison an imperfect one; where records exist, Paul Gascoigne is credited with 90 and Elías Figueroa with 0. Trophy counts give Paul Gascoigne 6 and Elías Figueroa 5, with 1× FA Cup (1991) and 2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968) the standout honours respectively. Paul Gascoigne scored with a incisive that defined his era, while Elías Figueroa's finishing carried a resolute all of its own. The wider career context matters too: Paul Gascoigne peaked around 1990 after representing Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Boston United, while Elías Figueroa's defining level came around 1974 across Santiago Wanderers, Peñarol, Internacional, Palestino, Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
185 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
A supremely gifted but troubled English playmaker, Gascoigne's tears and brilliance at Italia '90 made him a national icon before injuries and off-field struggles curtailed his career.
“A powerful, technically brilliant attacking midfielder who combined trickery and physical strength with moments of match-winning genius.”
A three-time South American Footballer of the Year, Figueroa is widely considered the finest defender the continent has produced, marshalling Internacional's dominant 1970s side.
“An imperious, elegant centre-back who combined aerial dominance with composed distribution well ahead of his era.”
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× FA Cup (1991)
- 3× Scottish Premier Division (1996, 1997, 1999)
- 2× Scottish League Cup (1997, 1999)
- 2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968)
- 3× Campeonato Gaúcho (1973, 1974, 1975)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1985 Professional debut for Newcastle United
- 1991 Won FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur
- 1997 Won Scottish League Cup with Rangers
- 1990 Reached the peak of his powers at Tottenham Hotspur
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Boston United
- Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 130 goals in 620 appearances and 6 major honours.
- 1965 Professional debut for Santiago Wanderers
- 1967 Won Uruguayan Primera División with Peñarol
- 1973 Won Campeonato Gaúcho with Internacional
- 1974 Reached the peak of his powers at Internacional
- 1982 Retired after a final spell at Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Paul Gascoigne the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Paul Gascoigne edges it (a clear margin)
