Gennaro Gattuso vs Hidetoshi Nakata: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Italy (born 1978, retired 2013) · Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006)
When Gennaro Gattuso and Hidetoshi Nakata are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Their textures on the ball are what fans actually remember, and they could hardly be more different. The raw numbers read 25 goals in 550 outings for Gennaro Gattuso (0.05/game), versus 60 in 400 for Hidetoshi Nakata (0.15/game). In chance creation, Gennaro Gattuso tallied 20 assists to Hidetoshi Nakata's 60. In major honours Gennaro Gattuso collected 5 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (2006) — whereas Hidetoshi Nakata amassed 1, led by 1× Serie A (2001). Gennaro Gattuso played with a orchestrating that made him unmistakable; Hidetoshi Nakata brought a silky that was equally his own. Club journeys add another layer, with Gennaro Gattuso reaching his representative peak around 2007 across Perugia, Rangers, AC Milan, Sion and Hidetoshi Nakata doing so around 2001 with Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
163 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
A snarling, relentless ball-winner nicknamed 'Ringhio' (Growl), Gattuso was the combative heartbeat of AC Milan's midfield through two Champions League triumphs.
“An abrasive, high-energy defensive midfielder whose non-stop tackling and pressing shielded his more gifted teammates.”
The first Japanese footballer to become a global superstar, Nakata's move to Serie A in 1998 opened the door for a generation of Japanese players in Europe.
“A composed, technically excellent attacking midfielder blessed with an outstanding range of passing and shooting from distance.”
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 (2006)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (2003, 2007)
- 2× Serie A (2004, 2011)
- 1× Serie A (2001)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1995 Professional debut for Perugia
- 2006 Won FIFA World Cup with AC Milan
- 2004 Won Serie A with AC Milan
- 2007 Reached the peak of his powers at AC Milan
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Sion
- Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
- 1995 Professional debut for Bellmare Hiratsuka
- 2001 Won Serie A with Roma
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Bolton Wanderers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Gennaro Gattuso the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Gennaro Gattuso edges it (a clear margin)
