33·Legends

Riyad Mahrez vs Arjen Robben

Algeria against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

Riyad Mahrez

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.

vs
AR

Arjen Robben

Netherlands · 2010s · RM

Almanac rating
91
Rank in Netherlands
#7 of 33
Caps
96 · 37 goals
Clubs
PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, FC Bayern Munich
Honours
2× national Player of the Year (2010–2010)

The legendary Dutchman terrorised defences with his signature move, cutting in from the right wing to score spectacular goals, most notably the winner in the 2013 Champions League final for Bayern Munich. Career record: 96 caps and 37 goals for Netherlands; club career at PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, FC Bayern Munich; honours include 2× national Player of the Year (2010–2010).

The verdict

The almanac puts Arjen Robben ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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