Rivaldo vs Bobby Charlton
Brazil against England. 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.
Bobby Charlton
England · 1956–73 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in England
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 106 · 49 goals
- Clubs
- English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1966 · 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974)
A true footballing icon, the Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion’s thunderous long-range strikes and humble leadership defined an era for Manchester United and England. Career record: 106 caps and 49 goals for England; club career at English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory; honours include Ballon d'Or 1966, 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974).
The verdict
The almanac puts Bobby Charlton ahead by 1 rating point, 95 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.