Fernando Redondo vs Raymond Kopa: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1969, retired 2004) · Forward, France (born 1931, retired 1967)
Fernando Redondo against Raymond Kopa is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. Across his senior career Fernando Redondo notched 30 goals in 450 appearances (0.07 per game), while Raymond Kopa recorded 150 in 450 (0.33 per game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Fernando Redondo is listed at 60 and Raymond Kopa at 0 where figures survive. In major honours Fernando Redondo collected 5 — headlined by 2× La Liga (1995, 1997) — whereas Raymond Kopa amassed 5, led by 3× European Cup (1957, 1958, 1959). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Fernando Redondo silky, Raymond Kopa flair-driven. Their routes to the top were distinct: Fernando Redondo built his reputation across Argentinos Juniors, Real Madrid, AC Milan, peaking around 1998, while Raymond Kopa reached his defining level around 1958 after spells with Angers, Reims, Real Madrid, Reims. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
185 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
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.”
France's first football superstar and 1958 Ballon d'Or winner, Kopa won three straight European Cups alongside Di Stéfano at Real Madrid before returning to lead Reims.
“A diminutive, dazzling dribbler and creator whose vision and close control made him the conductor of every attack he played in.”
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)
- 3× European Cup (1957, 1958, 1959)
- 2× Ligue 1 (1953, 1960)
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.
- 1949 Professional debut for Angers
- 1957 Won European Cup with Real Madrid
- 1953 Won Ligue 1 with Reims
- 1958 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 1967 Retired after a final spell at Reims
- Finished his career with 150 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 150 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Fernando Redondo edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by superior creative output.
Fernando Redondo edges it (a decisive margin)
