Garrincha vs Gerd Müller
Brazil against Germany. 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.
Gerd Müller
Germany · 1970s · ST
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 68 goals
- Clubs
- TSV 1861 Nördlingen, FC Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× national Player of the Year (1967–1969) · 3× Hall of Fame (1977–2018)
Der Bomber, a clinical poacher and 1970 Ballon d'Or winner whose incredible goalscoring record powered West Germany to World Cup and Euros glory. Career record: 62 caps and 68 goals for Germany; club career at TSV 1861 Nördlingen, FC Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× national Player of the Year (1967–1969), 3× Hall of Fame (1977–2018).
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.