Garrincha vs Michel Platini
Brazil against France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Garrincha
Brazil · 1958–66 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 97
- Rank in Brazil
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 50 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Botafogo F.R., Associação Atlética Portuguesa, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Brazil called him Alegria do Povo, and on 10 June 1962, with Pelé injured and watching, he took the quarter-final against England apart himself, heading in Zagallo's corner and then curling a second past Ron Springett. He won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962, took the Golden Ball and a share of the Golden Boot in Chile, and lost only one of his 50 matches for Brazil, his last, against Hungary in 1966. Career record: 50 caps and 17 goals for Brazil; club career at Botafogo F.R., Associação Atlética Portuguesa, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
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 Garrincha ahead by 1 rating point, 97 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.