Fernando Redondo vs Elías Figueroa: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004) · Centre-Back, Chile (born 1946, retired 1982)
Fernando Redondo against Elías Figueroa is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Trophies, more than goals, are how most supporters ultimately remember a career. By the end Fernando Redondo had 30 goals from 450 caps and club outings; Elías Figueroa had 40 from 600. Assists were not reliably tracked for much of their careers, which makes the playmaking comparison an imperfect one; where records exist, Fernando Redondo is credited with 60 and Elías Figueroa with 0. The honours ledger favours Fernando Redondo with 5 major trophies (2× La Liga (1995, 1997)) against Elías Figueroa's 5 (2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968)). Fernando Redondo built his medal haul through years of creative consistency, while Elías Figueroa won his with uncompromising bursts of brilliance. The wider career context matters too: Fernando Redondo peaked around 1998 after representing Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan, while Elías Figueroa's defining level came around 1974 across Santiago Wanderers, Peñarol, Internacional, Palestino, Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
175 words · comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
A supremely elegant defensive midfielder famed for his flowing hair and a single backheel that became one of the sport's most replayed pieces of skill.
“An elegant, deep-lying playmaker who shielded the defence while dictating play with effortless long passing.”
A three-time South American Footballer of the Year, Figueroa is widely considered the finest defender the continent has produced, marshalling Internacional's dominant 1970s side.
“An imperious, elegant centre-back who combined aerial dominance with composed distribution well ahead of his era.”
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× La Liga (1995, 1997)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1998, 2000)
- 1× Intercontinental Cup (1998)
- 2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968)
- 3× Campeonato Gaúcho (1973, 1974, 1975)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1987 Professional debut for Argentinos Juniors
- 1995 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Won Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at AC Milan
- Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 30 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours.
- 1965 Professional debut for Santiago Wanderers
- 1967 Won Uruguayan Primera División with Peñarol
- 1973 Won Campeonato Gaúcho with Internacional
- 1974 Reached the peak of his powers at Internacional
- 1982 Retired after a final spell at Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Fernando Redondo edges the comparison. The margin is a clear margin, decided mostly by superior creative output.
Fernando Redondo edges it (a clear margin)
