33·Legends

Cafu vs Johnny Carey

Brazil against Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

C

Cafu

Brazil · 1994–2007 · RB

Almanac rating
92
Rank in Brazil
#13 of 33
Caps
142 · 5 goals
Clubs
São Paulo, AS Roma, AC Milan

Standing on the podium in Yokohama on 30 June 2002, he lifted the trophy in a shirt reading "100% Jardim Irene", the São Paulo neighbourhood he came from, his third World Cup final in a row. He won the tournament in 1994 and 2002, the Copa América in 1997 and 1999, two Copa Libertadores titles with São Paulo, the 2007 Champions League with Milan, and ended with 142 caps, more than any other Brazilian. Career record: 142 caps and 5 goals for Brazil; club career at São Paulo, AS Roma, AC Milan.

vs
JC

Johnny Carey

Ireland · 1937–1953 · RB

Almanac rating
89
Rank in Ireland
#3 of 33
Caps
29 · 3 goals
Clubs
Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton

Nine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947. Career record: 29 caps and 3 goals for Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Shamrock Rovers, Everton.

The verdict

The almanac puts Cafu ahead by 3 rating points, 92 against 89.

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