Robin van Persie vs Franco Baresi: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Sweeper / Centre-Back, Italy (born 1960, retired 1997)
When Robin van Persie and Franco Baresi are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. Career output puts Robin van Persie at 322 goals in 694 games, with Franco Baresi at 19 in 800. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. Trophy counts give Robin van Persie 9 and Franco Baresi 18, with 1× Premier League (2013) and 3× European Cup (1989, 1990, 1994) the standout honours respectively. The striker duties of Robin van Persie leaned predatory; the sweeper / centre-back responsibilities of Franco Baresi leaned elegant. Club journeys add another layer, with Robin van Persie reaching his representative peak around 2012 across Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe and Franco Baresi doing so around 1989 with AC Milan. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
162 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Robin van Persie is a Dutch football coach and former professional footballer. He last served as the head coach of Eredivisie club Feyenoord. He is regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and was known for his technique, ball control, and vision.
“A left-footed artist whose volleys, movement and aerial technique made difficult finishes routine.”
AC Milan icon who spent his entire 20-year career at the club; three-time European Cup winner and 1994 World Cup finalist with Italy.
“A peerless sweeper whose reading, tackling and leadership built a defensive dynasty at Milan.”
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× Premier League (2013)
- 3× European Cup (1989, 1990, 1994)
- 6× Serie A (1979, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)
- 4× Supercoppa Italiana
- 3× UEFA Super Cup
- 2× Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1977 AC Milan debut aged 17
- 1979 First Scudetto with Milan
- 1980 Stayed at Milan in Serie B after the betting scandal
- 1989 First European Cup with Milan
- 1994 Won the Champions League conceding just 15 goals in 30 league games
- 1997 Retired aged 37 with the number 6 shirt retired in his honour
The verdict
The numbers give Franco Baresi the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Franco Baresi edges it (a decisive margin)
