Rivaldo vs Hristo Stoichkov
Brazil against Bulgaria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Rivaldo
Brazil · 1999–2003 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Brazil
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 74 · 35 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, F.C. Bunyodkor
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1999 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1999
Three goals on the last day of the 2000/01 season, the third a chested overhead kick in the 87th minute at the Camp Nou on 17 June 2001, put Barcelona into the Champions League and left Valencia out. He won the 2002 World Cup with five goals in Japan and Korea, the Ballon d'Or in 1999, the Copa América in 1999 as its top scorer, two Liga titles with Barcelona and the 2003 Champions League with Milan. Career record: 74 caps and 35 goals for Brazil; club career at FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, F.C. Bunyodkor; honours include Ballon d'Or 1999, FIFA World Player of the Year 1999.
Hristo Stoichkov
Bulgaria · 1990s · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Bulgaria
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 84 · 38 goals
- Clubs
- PFC CSKA Sofia, FC Barcelona, Chicago Fire
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1994 · European Golden Shoe 1990
The fiery left-footed genius led Bulgaria to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals and won the Ballon d'Or with his explosive talent at Barcelona. Career record: 84 caps and 38 goals for Bulgaria; club career at PFC CSKA Sofia, FC Barcelona, Chicago Fire; honours include Ballon d'Or 1994, European Golden Shoe 1990.
The verdict
The almanac puts Rivaldo ahead by 1 rating point, 94 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.