Ivan Rakitić vs Rafael van der Vaart: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, Croatia (born 1988, retired 2023) · Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018)
When Ivan Rakitić and Rafael van der Vaart are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. The raw numbers read 90 goals in 700 outings for Ivan Rakitić (0.13/game), versus 180 in 600 for Rafael van der Vaart (0.30/game). The assist columns read 90 for Ivan Rakitić and 100 for Rafael van der Vaart where the record exists. The honours ledger favours Ivan Rakitić with 6 major trophies (1× UEFA Champions League (2015)) against Rafael van der Vaart's 2 (1× Eredivisie (2002)). Ivan Rakitić built his medal haul through years of dictatorial consistency, while Rafael van der Vaart won his with intelligent bursts of brilliance. Club journeys add another layer, with Ivan Rakitić reaching his representative peak around 2015 across Basel, Schalke 04, Sevilla, Barcelona, Sevilla, Hajduk Split and Rafael van der Vaart doing so around 2010 with Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
180 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
A key architect of Barcelona's 2015 treble and Croatia's run to the 2018 World Cup final, Rakitić combined tireless work rate with excellent passing range.
“A tireless, technically composed box-to-box midfielder whose range of passing linked defence and attack seamlessly.”
A creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2015)
- 1× UEFA Europa League (2014)
- 4× La Liga (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
- 1× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2005 Professional debut for Basel
- 2015 Won UEFA Champions League with Barcelona
- 2015 Won La Liga with Barcelona
- 2015 Reached the peak of his powers at Barcelona
- 2023 Retired after a final spell at Hajduk Split
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 700 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 700 appearances and 6 major honours.
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Ivan Rakitić takes it by a clear margin.
Ivan Rakitić edges it (a clear margin)
