Mesut Özil vs Park Ji-sung: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Germany (born 1988, retired 2023) · Midfielder, South Korea (born 1981, retired 2014)
Set Mesut Özil alongside Park Ji-sung and the numbers start an argument of their own. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. By the end Mesut Özil had 114 goals from 645 caps and club outings; Park Ji-sung had 60 from 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Mesut Özil is listed at 0 and Park Ji-sung at 60 where figures survive. Mesut Özil departs the game with 8 major pieces of silverware, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2014); Park Ji-sung with 5, including 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Mesut Özil incisive, Park Ji-sung silky. Their routes to the top were distinct: Mesut Özil built his reputation across Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahçe, peaking around 2012, while Park Ji-sung reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Kyoto Purple Sanga, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
178 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Mesut Özil is a German former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Known for his ball control, technical skills, creativity, passing skills, and vision, he is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Born and raised in Gelsenkirchen, Özil began his senior club career playing for hometown club Schalke 04, before signing with Werder Bremen in 2008, aged 19.
“A left-footed chance creator whose weight of pass and scanning made assists look effortless.”
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 (2014)
- 4× Premier League (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Schalke
- 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 Mesut Özil the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Mesut Özil edges it (a decisive margin)
