Jairzinho vs David Beckham
Brazil against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Jairzinho
Brazil · 1968–76 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Brazil
- #15 of 33
- Clubs
- Olympique de Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, C.D. Jorge Wilstermann
Six matches at Mexico 1970, six matches with his name on the scoresheet, including Brazil's third goal in the 4-1 final against Italy on 21 June: no one has done that at a World Cup before or since. He left the tournament with seven goals and a winner's medal, took the 1976 Copa Libertadores with Cruzeiro, and won the 1968 Brazilian championship and four Rio state titles with Botafogo. Career record: club career at Olympique de Marseille, Kaizer Chiefs, C.D. Jorge Wilstermann.
David Beckham
England · 1992–2013 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in England
- #15 of 33
- Caps
- 115 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011) · 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021)
On the opening day of the 1996/97 season he looked up at Selhurst Park, saw Neil Sullivan two steps off his line and dropped the ball over him from inside his own half. The 1999 Champions League completed United's treble and he won six league titles there, then La Liga in 2007, two MLS Cups in Los Angeles and Ligue 1 in Paris in 2013, with 59 games as England captain. Career record: 115 caps and 17 goals for England; club career at Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy; honours include 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011), 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021).
The verdict
The almanac puts Jairzinho ahead by 2 rating points, 92 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.