George Weah vs Raymond Kopa: Stats Compared
Striker, Liberia (born 1966, retired 2003) · Forward, France (born 1931, retired 1967)
When George Weah and Raymond Kopa are mentioned in the same breath, opinions rarely stay quiet. They belonged to different eras, which makes any direct comparison a test of imagination as much as statistics. By the end George Weah had 230 goals from 460 caps and club outings; Raymond Kopa had 150 from 450. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — George Weah is listed at 60 and Raymond Kopa at 0 where figures survive. George Weah departs the game with 3 major pieces of silverware, including 2× Serie A (1996, 1999); Raymond Kopa with 5, including 3× European Cup (1957, 1958, 1959). Across the 1990s and the post-war golden age respectively, their explosive and clinical styles captured the spirit of very different footballing times. Context beyond the headline totals is important: George Weah's landmark level arrived around 1995 with a career spanning Tonnerre Yaoundé, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Marseille, Al Jazira; Raymond Kopa's came around 1958 across Angers, Reims, Real Madrid, Reims. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
190 words · comparison angle: era
Player profiles
The only African and Liberian ever to win the Ballon d'Or, Weah was a rare striker capable of running the length of the pitch to score, before later becoming Liberia's president.
“A powerful, quick target man with surprising close control, famous for driving solo runs the length of the field.”
France's first football superstar and 1958 Ballon d'Or winner, Kopa won three straight European Cups alongside Di Stéfano at Real Madrid before returning to lead Reims.
“A diminutive, dazzling dribbler and creator whose vision and close control made him the conductor of every attack he played in.”
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× Serie A (1996, 1999)
- 1× Coupe de France (1991)
- 3× European Cup (1957, 1958, 1959)
- 2× Ligue 1 (1953, 1960)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Professional debut for Tonnerre Yaoundé
- 1996 Won Serie A with AC Milan
- 1991 Won Coupe de France with Monaco
- 1995 Reached the peak of his powers at Paris Saint-Germain
- 2003 Retired after a final spell at Al Jazira
- Finished his career with 230 goals in 460 appearances and 3 major honours. Finished his career with 230 goals in 460 appearances and 3 major honours.
- 1949 Professional debut for Angers
- 1957 Won European Cup with Real Madrid
- 1953 Won Ligue 1 with Reims
- 1958 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 1967 Retired after a final spell at Reims
- Finished his career with 150 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 150 goals in 450 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, George Weah is the choice: a clear margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
George Weah edges it (a clear margin)
