Romário vs Lev Yashin
Brazil against Russia. 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.
Lev Yashin
Russia · 1956–60 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Russia
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 78 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or · 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990)
The legendary "Black Panther" redefined goalkeeping with his athleticism and daring, backstopping the Soviet Union to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. Career record: 78 caps and 0 goals for Russia; club career at FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or, 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lev Yashin ahead by 1 rating point, 96 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.