Diego Maradona vs Hristo Stoichkov
Argentina against Bulgaria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Diego Maradona
Argentina · 1986–90 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 99
- Rank in Argentina
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 91 · 34 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, SSC Napoli, Sevilla
- Honours
- FIFA Player of the Century 2000
At the Azteca on 22 June 1986 he collected the ball in his own half, beat five England players over sixty yards in about eleven seconds, and rolled it past Peter Shilton. He won the 1986 World Cup and its Golden Ball, took Napoli to their first two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, added the 1989 UEFA Cup, and reached the 1990 World Cup final. Career record: 91 caps and 34 goals for Argentina; club career at FC Barcelona, SSC Napoli, Sevilla; honours include FIFA Player of the Century 2000.
Hristo Stoichkov
Bulgaria · 1990s · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Bulgaria
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 84 · 38 goals
- Clubs
- PFC CSKA Sofia, FC Barcelona, Chicago Fire
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1994 · European Golden Shoe 1990
The fiery left-footed genius led Bulgaria to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals and won the Ballon d'Or with his explosive talent at Barcelona. Career record: 84 caps and 38 goals for Bulgaria; club career at PFC CSKA Sofia, FC Barcelona, Chicago Fire; honours include Ballon d'Or 1994, European Golden Shoe 1990.
The verdict
The almanac puts Diego Maradona ahead by 6 rating points, 99 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.