33·Legends

Sócrates vs Andrés Iniesta

Brazil against Spain. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

S

Sócrates

Brazil · 1982–83 · CM

Almanac rating
93
Rank in Brazil
#12 of 33
Caps
60 · 22 goals
Clubs
Botafogo Futebol Clube, S.C. Corinthians Paulista, ACF Fiorentina

Corinthians carried a banner onto the pitch in 1983 reading "Win or lose, but always with democracy", the work of their captain, who had the squad voting on its own decisions while Brazil was still run by generals. He captained the 1982 side in Spain, was voted South American Footballer of the Year in 1983, won three Paulista titles with Corinthians, scored 22 goals in 60 games for Brazil, and qualified as a doctor before he turned professional. Career record: 60 caps and 22 goals for Brazil; club career at Botafogo Futebol Clube, S.C. Corinthians Paulista, ACF Fiorentina.

vs
AI

Andrés Iniesta

Spain · 2010s · CM

Almanac rating
95
Rank in Spain
#2 of 33
Caps
131 · 13 goals
Clubs
FC Barcelona, Vissel Kobe
Honours
Hall of Fame

Andrés Iniesta, the creator of countless moments of magic for Barcelona, forever etched his name in history with the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. Career record: 131 caps and 13 goals for Spain; club career at FC Barcelona Atlètic, FC Barcelona, Vissel Kobe; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Andrés Iniesta ahead by 2 rating points, 95 against 93.

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