Didi vs Michel Platini
Brazil against France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Didi
Brazil · 1957–62 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Brazil
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 68 · 20 goals
- Clubs
- Madureira Esporte Clube, Fluminense, Botafogo F.R.
On 21 April 1957 he bent a folha seca free kick past the Peruvian goalkeeper Asca after eleven minutes at the Maracanã, the only goal of the night, and Brazil were on the plane to Sweden. He won the World Cup there in 1958 and again in Chile in 1962, and was voted the best player of the 1958 tournament ahead of Pelé and Garrincha. Career record: 68 caps and 20 goals for Brazil; club career at Madureira Esporte Clube, Fluminense, Botafogo F.R..
Michel Platini
France · 1980s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in France
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 72 · 41 goals
- Clubs
- A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus
- Honours
- 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985) · 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994)
A three-time Ballon d'Or winner, this elegant playmaker orchestrated France's Euro 1984 triumph, netting nine goals in a single tournament – a record that still stands. Career record: 72 caps and 41 goals for France; club career at A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus; honours include 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985), 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994).
The verdict
The almanac puts Michel Platini ahead by 2 rating points, 96 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.