33·Legends

Sócrates vs Zinedine Zidane

Brazil against France. 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
ZZ

Zinedine Zidane

France · 1990s · CM

Almanac rating
98
Rank in France
#1 of 33
Caps
108 · 31 goals
Clubs
FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
Honours
Ballon d'Or 1998 · 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003)

The mercurial maestro whose iconic Marseille turn, balletic grace, and unforgettable header in the 1998 World Cup final defined a golden era for France and Real Madrid. Career record: 108 caps and 31 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 1998, 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003).

The verdict

The almanac puts Zinedine Zidane ahead by 5 rating points, 98 against 93.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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