Rafael van der Vaart vs Predrag Mijatović: Stats Compared
Attacking Midfielder, Netherlands (born 1983, retired 2018) · Striker, Yugoslavia (born 1969, retired 2004)
Rafael van der Vaart and Predrag Mijatović represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? They belonged to different eras, which makes any direct comparison a test of imagination as much as statistics. On production alone, Rafael van der Vaart posted 180 goals across 600 appearances while Predrag Mijatović managed 210 across 500. Add playmaking to the mix and Rafael van der Vaart laid on 100 goals, Predrag Mijatović 30. Rafael van der Vaart departs the game with 2 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Eredivisie (2002); Predrag Mijatović with 2, including 1× UEFA Champions League (1998). Across the modern era and the 1990s respectively, their orchestrating and mercurial styles captured the spirit of very different footballing times. Their routes to the top were distinct: Rafael van der Vaart built his reputation across Ajax, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Hamburger SV, Real Betis, FC Midtjylland, peaking around 2010, while Predrag Mijatović reached his defining level around 1998 after spells with Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia CF, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, Levante. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
190 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
A creative, elegant Dutch playmaker known for spectacular long-range volleys, Van der Vaart shone at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham before a stellar return to Hamburg.
“A gifted attacking midfielder with a knack for scoring outrageous long-range strikes and threading incisive final passes.”
Mijatović's decisive winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final ended Real Madrid's 32-year wait for the European Cup and remains one of the club's most iconic moments.
“A clever, mobile striker whose intelligent runs in behind and composed finishing produced goals in the biggest moments.”
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× Eredivisie (2002)
- 1× KNVB Cup (2002)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1998)
- 1× La Liga (1997)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2000 Professional debut for Ajax
- 2002 Won Eredivisie with Ajax
- 2002 Won KNVB Cup with Ajax
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at FC Midtjylland
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 600 appearances and 2 major honours.
- 1986 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1998 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 1997 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Levante
- Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Rafael van der Vaart the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of superior creative output.
Rafael van der Vaart edges it (a clear margin)
