33·Legends

Garrincha vs Franco Baresi

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

G

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.

vs
Franco Baresi

Franco Baresi

Italy · 1977–97 · CB

Almanac rating
96
Rank in Italy
#1 of 33
Caps
81 · 1 goals
Clubs
AC Milan
Honours
Hall of Fame 1991

Il Capitano, a balletic yet formidable defender, marshalled AC Milan and Italy with unmatched elegance and leadership, securing numerous Serie A and Champions League titles. Career record: 81 caps and 1 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan; honours include Hall of Fame 1991.

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.

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