Romário vs Michel Platini
Brazil against France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Romário
Brazil · 1989–97 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Brazil
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 70 · 55 goals
- Clubs
- CR Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Fluminense
- Honours
- FIFA World Player of the Year 1994
In the Clásico of 8 January 1994 he dragged the ball a full turn around his marker, the move Spain calls the cola de vaca, and finished; two more goals followed in a 5-0 win over Real Madrid. Five goals and the Golden Ball won Brazil the 1994 World Cup, and he was FIFA's world player that year, top scorer in La Liga with 30 goals in the title season, and a Copa América winner in 1989 and 1997. Career record: 70 caps and 55 goals for Brazil; club career at CR Vasco da Gama, PSV Eindhoven, Fluminense; honours include FIFA World Player of the Year 1994.
Michel Platini
France · 1980s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in France
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 72 · 41 goals
- Clubs
- A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus
- Honours
- 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985) · 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994)
A three-time Ballon d'Or winner, this elegant playmaker orchestrated France's Euro 1984 triumph, netting nine goals in a single tournament – a record that still stands. Career record: 72 caps and 41 goals for France; club career at A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus; honours include 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985), 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994).
The verdict
The almanac puts Michel Platini ahead by 1 rating point, 96 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.