Sócrates vs Andrea Pirlo
Brazil against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Andrea Pirlo
Italy · 2000s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 116 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan, Juventus, New York City
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006)
The deep-lying conductor, Pirlo's masterful passing and exquisite set-piece delivery guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup and Milan to two Champions League titles. Career record: 116 caps and 13 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan, Juventus, New York City; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006).
The verdict
The almanac puts Andrea Pirlo ahead by 1 rating point, 94 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.