Robin van Persie vs José Luis Chilavert: Stats Compared
Striker, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2019) · Goalkeeper, Paraguay (born 1965, retired 2004)
Comparing Robin van Persie with José Luis Chilavert means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Both built reputations on finding the back of the net, but they did it in markedly different ways. On production alone, Robin van Persie posted 322 goals across 694 appearances while José Luis Chilavert managed 67 across 737. Because assists were not systematically tracked for much of their time, that side of the comparison rests on the footage that survives. The honours ledger favours Robin van Persie with 9 major trophies (1× Premier League (2013)) against José Luis Chilavert's 8 (1× Copa Libertadores (1994)). Robin van Persie scored with a mercurial that defined his era, while José Luis Chilavert's finishing carried a authoritative all of its own. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Robin van Persie's landmark level arrived around 2012 with a career spanning Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe; José Luis Chilavert's came around 1994 across San Lorenzo, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, Strasbourg. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
176 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
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.”
José Luis Félix Chilavert González is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Sportivo Luqueño, Guaraní, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, RC Strasbourg, Peñarol and the Paraguay national team. Chilavert won 12 club titles, including the 1994 Copa Libertadores and the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, while playing for Vélez Sarsfield, and is a three-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award winner. A fast and agile shot-stopper, known for his leadership, strong personality, and goalkeeping ability, he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in his prime; outside of his goalkeeping position, Chilavert was also known for his outfield skills and ability as a free kick specialist, and often took penalties.
“A commanding goalkeeper and set-piece specialist who made scoring from distance part of his job.”
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)
- 1× Copa Libertadores (1994)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2004 Established himself at Feyenoord
- 2008 Reached his defining peak
- 2012 Delivered a landmark season
- 2019 Retired from professional football
- 1986 Established himself at San Lorenzo
- 1990 Reached his defining peak
- 1994 Delivered a landmark season
- 2004 Retired from professional football
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Robin van Persie takes it by a decisive margin.
Robin van Persie edges it (a decisive margin)
