Arjen Robben vs Patrick Vieira: Stats Compared
Right Winger, Netherlands (born 1984, retired 2019) · Central Midfielder, France (born 1976, retired 2011)
Arjen Robben and Patrick Vieira represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Separated by their years at the top, each defined the football of their own generation. Career output puts Arjen Robben at 246 goals in 614 games, with Patrick Vieira at 68 in 737. 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. In major honours Arjen Robben collected 9 — headlined by 1× UEFA Champions League (2013) — whereas Patrick Vieira amassed 15, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1998). Arjen Robben belonged to the modern era, dominating with a ruthless quality; Patrick Vieira rose in the turn of the millennium with a orchestrating edge. Their routes to the top were distinct: Arjen Robben built his reputation across PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Groningen, peaking around 2013, while Patrick Vieira reached his defining level around 2004 after spells with Cannes, AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan, Manchester City. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
184 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
Arjen Robben is a Dutch former professional footballer who played as a winger. Known for his dribbling skills, speed, and long-range shots, he is regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest wingers of all time. He ranks second for the all-time Dutch top goalscorers (32) in the UEFA Champions League and is the all-time Dutch top assist provider (19) in the competition.
“A devastating inverted winger whose cut inside and left-foot finish became a signature.”
Arsenal captain who led the Invincibles to the 2003-04 Premier League title; World Cup and Euro winner with France.
“A towering, leggy box-to-box enforcer who combined physicality with technical security in midfield.”
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 (2013)
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1998)
- 1× UEFA European Championship (2000)
- 2× FIFA Confederations Cup (2001, 2003)
- 3× Premier League (1998, 2002, 2004)
- 4× Serie A (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- 4× FA Cup (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2005 Established himself at PSV
- 2009 Reached his defining peak
- 2013 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1994 Cannes debut
- 1996 Joined AC Milan for limited game time
- 1996 Signed for Arsenal
- 1998 World Cup winner with France
- 2001 Succeeded Tony Adams as Arsenal captain
- 2005 Left Arsenal for Juventus
- 2011 Retired at Manchester City
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Patrick Vieira takes it by a decisive margin.
Patrick Vieira edges it (a decisive margin)
