Sócrates vs Gianni Rivera
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.
Gianni Rivera
Italy · 1960s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Italy
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 63 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or
The Golden Boy of Italian football, Rivera was a sublime attacking midfielder whose elegance and goalscoring flair earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1969 and a European Cup with AC Milan. Career record: 63 caps and 15 goals for Italy; club career at US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.