Frank Rijkaard vs Teófilo Cubillas: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1962, retired 1995) · Attacking Midfielder, Peru (born 1949, retired 1989)
Set Frank Rijkaard alongside Teófilo Cubillas and the numbers start an argument of their own. Greatness, in the end, is about who you inspired, and both left a footprint far beyond their own careers. Frank Rijkaard finishes with 45 career goals from 450 games — a 0.10 strike rate — against Teófilo Cubillas's 220 from 500 at 0.44 per match. Assists were never formally recorded across most of their eras, so the playmaking dimension has to be judged on reputation and highlights rather than hard totals. Frank Rijkaard departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 2× European Cup (1989, 1990); Teófilo Cubillas with 4, including 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978). Their legacies diverge in texture: Frank Rijkaard is remembered as dictatorial, Teófilo Cubillas as dictatorial. Their routes to the top were distinct: Frank Rijkaard built his reputation across Ajax, Sporting CP, Milan, peaking around 1989, while Teófilo Cubillas reached his defining level around 1978 after spells with Alianza Lima, FC Basel, Alianza Lima, FC Porto, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Alianza Lima. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
189 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard is a Dutch former football manager and player who primarily played as a defensive midfielder. He is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Rijkaard played for Ajax, Real Zaragoza and AC Milan.
“A graceful defensive midfielder who could win the ball, carry it and launch attacks.”
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× European Cup (1989, 1990)
- 4× Peruvian Primera División (1967, 1969, 1970, 1978)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1981 Established himself at Ajax
- 1985 Reached his defining peak
- 1989 Delivered a landmark season
- 1995 Retired from professional football
- 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
The numbers give Frank Rijkaard the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Frank Rijkaard edges it (a clear margin)
