Rivaldo vs George Best
Brazil against Northern Ireland. 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.
George Best
Northern Ireland · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Northern Ireland
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 37 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · Hall of Fame 2002
The mercurial superstar defined an era with his dazzling dribbling, breathtaking goals, and captivating flair, a true footballing artist. Career record: 37 caps and 9 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes; honours include Ballon d'Or, Hall of Fame 2002.
The verdict
The almanac puts George Best ahead by 1 rating point, 95 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.