James Rodríguez vs Rafa Rodríguez
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
Rafa Rodríguez commands a higher market value (€15.0M vs €8.0M). James Rodríguez leads in key passes / 90 and pass accuracy %. Rafa Rodríguez is stronger in goals / 90 and shots / 90. Overall, Rafa Rodríguez holds the statistical edge across 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Rodríguez remains one of football's most compelling contradictions: a genuine creative force whose best years supposedly sit in the rearview mirror, yet whose numbers in MLS quietly tell a different story. His passes into the final third rank in the top 5% of midfielders in the league, and his key pass rate places him firmly in the top 10%—meaning opposing defenses are being unlocked, consistently, by a man many wrote off.
A Creator. Statistically, he stands out as a constant goal threat (2.7 shots/90), a regular goalscorer (0.37 goals/90), a reliable supplier (0.15 assists/90), heavily involved in play (53 touches/90) and active off the ball (2.2 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | James Rodríguez | Rafa Rodríguez | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.28 | 0.54 | Rafa |
| Assists / 90 | 0.18 | 0.18 | — |
| Shots / 90 | 2.20 | 3.25 | Rafa |
| Key passes / 90 | 2.66 | 1.26 | James |
| Passes (final 3rd) / 90 | 13.59 | — | — |
| Tackles won / 90 | 0.18 | — | — |
| Interceptions / 90 | 0.28 | 0.36 | Rafa |
| Press intensity / 90 | 1.54 | 2.17 | Rafa |
| Pass accuracy % | 83.00 | 76.60 | James |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — James Rodríguez or Rafa Rodríguez?
Rafa Rodríguez commands a higher market value (€15.0M vs €8.0M). James Rodríguez leads in key passes / 90 and pass accuracy %. Rafa Rodríguez is stronger in goals / 90 and shots / 90. Overall, Rafa Rodríguez holds the statistical edge across 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
James Rodríguez has a market value of €8.0M, while Rafa Rodríguez is valued at €15.0M.