Riyad Mahrez vs David Beckham
Algeria against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Riyad Mahrez
Algeria · 2016–23 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Algeria
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 120 · 40 goals
- Clubs
- Leicester City, Manchester City, Al Ahli
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 2016 · Hall of Fame 2019
Nigeria built a wall and laid a man on the grass behind it in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the 2019 semi-final, and Mahrez curled the free kick over both into the top corner. Algeria won that Africa Cup of Nations, and he collected five English league titles, one with Leicester in 2016 and four at Manchester City, the 2023 Champions League, and African Footballer of the Year in 2016. Career record: 120 caps and 40 goals for Algeria; club career at Leicester City, Manchester City, Al Ahli; honours include national Player of the Year 2016, Hall of Fame 2019.
David Beckham
England · 1992–2013 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in England
- #15 of 33
- Caps
- 115 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011) · 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021)
On the opening day of the 1996/97 season he looked up at Selhurst Park, saw Neil Sullivan two steps off his line and dropped the ball over him from inside his own half. The 1999 Champions League completed United's treble and he won six league titles there, then La Liga in 2007, two MLS Cups in Los Angeles and Ligue 1 in Paris in 2013, with 59 games as England captain. Career record: 115 caps and 17 goals for England; club career at Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy; honours include 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011), 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021).
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.