Rafael Márquez vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Centre-Back, Mexico (born 1979, retired 2018) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Comparing Rafael Márquez with Teófilo Cubillas means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. On production alone, Rafael Márquez posted 40 goals across 700 appearances while Teófilo Cubillas managed 220 across 500. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Rafael Márquez is listed at 30 and Teófilo Cubillas at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Rafael Márquez collected 7 — headlined by 2× UEFA Champions League (2006, 2009) — whereas Teófilo Cubillas amassed 4, led by 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). As a centre-back Rafael Márquez bent the role to a uncompromising template; as a attacking midfielder, Teófilo Cubillas redefined it with intelligent authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Rafael Márquez reaching his representative peak around 2006 across Atlas, Monaco, Barcelona, New York Red Bulls, León and Teófilo Cubillas doing so around 1978 with Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. The honest conclusion is that comparison enriches appreciation rather than crowns a single winner.
188 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
The first Mexican to captain a UEFA Champions League-winning side, Márquez anchored Barcelona's defence through their all-conquering late-2000s era.
“A composed, ball-playing centre-back who read the game a beat ahead of attackers and stepped into midfield to build play.”
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
- 2× UEFA Champions League (2006, 2009)
- 4× La Liga (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010)
- 1× Liga MX (2013)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1996 Professional debut for Atlas
- 2006 Won UEFA Champions League with Barcelona
- 2013 Won Liga MX with León
- 2006 Reached the peak of his powers at Barcelona
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at León
- Finished his career with 40 goals in 700 appearances and 7 major honours. Finished his career with 40 goals in 700 appearances and 7 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
Reasonable people will disagree, but Rafael Márquez wins out by a clear margin on the weight of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Rafael Márquez edges it (a clear margin)
