George Weah vs Hidetoshi Nakata: Stats Compared
Striker, Liberia (born 1966, retired 2003) · Attacking Midfielder, Japan (born 1977, retired 2006)
George Weah and Hidetoshi Nakata represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. George Weah finishes with 230 career goals from 460 games — a 0.50 strike rate — against Hidetoshi Nakata's 60 from 400 at 0.15 per match. The assist columns read 60 for George Weah and 60 for Hidetoshi Nakata where the record exists. The honours ledger favours George Weah with 3 major trophies (2× Serie A (1996, 1999)) against Hidetoshi Nakata's 1 (1× Serie A (2001)). One lifted trophies through clinical reliability, the other through incisive moments that decided finals. Club journeys add another layer, with George Weah reaching his representative peak around 1995 across Tonnerre Yaoundé, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Marseille, Al Jazira and Hidetoshi Nakata doing so around 2001 with Bellmare Hiratsuka, Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna, Fiorentina, Bolton Wanderers. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
174 words · comparison angle: trophies
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.”
The first Japanese footballer to become a global superstar, Nakata's move to Serie A in 1998 opened the door for a generation of Japanese players in Europe.
“A composed, technically excellent attacking midfielder blessed with an outstanding range of passing and shooting from distance.”
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)
- 1× Serie A (2001)
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.
- 1995 Professional debut for Bellmare Hiratsuka
- 2001 Won Serie A with Roma
- 2001 Reached the peak of his powers at Roma
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Bolton Wanderers
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 400 appearances and 1 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, George Weah takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by a sharper goalscoring record.
George Weah edges it (a clear margin)
