Geoff Hurst vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Striker, England (born 1941, retired 1976) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Geoff Hurst against Teófilo Cubillas is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Greatness, in the end, is about who you inspired, and both left a footprint far beyond their own careers. Career output puts Geoff Hurst at 250 goals in 650 games, with Teófilo Cubillas at 220 in 500. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. Trophy counts give Geoff Hurst 3 and Teófilo Cubillas 4, with 1× FIFA World Cup (1966) and 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978) the standout honours respectively. Their legacies diverge in texture: Geoff Hurst is remembered as ruthless, Teófilo Cubillas as dictatorial. The wider career context matters too: Geoff Hurst peaked around 1966 after representing West Ham United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, while Teófilo Cubillas's defining level came around 1978 across Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
175 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
The only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Hurst's three goals for England against West Germany in 1966 remain one of football's most iconic feats.
“A powerful, intelligent striker whose aerial ability and clinical finishing made the difference on the biggest stage of all.”
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
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1966)
- 1× FA Cup (1964)
- 1× UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1965)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1959 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 1966 Won FIFA World Cup with West Ham United
- 1965 Won UEFA Cup Winners' Cup with West Ham United
- 1966 Reached the peak of his powers at West Ham United
- 1976 Retired after a final spell at West Bromwich Albion
- Finished his career with 250 goals in 650 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 250 goals in 650 appearances and 3 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 Teófilo Cubillas the lead — a narrow margin, courtesy of consistency at the very highest level.
Teófilo Cubillas edges it (a narrow margin)
