Vinícius Júnior vs Stanley Matthews
Brazil against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Vinícius Júnior
Brazil · 2017–26 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Brazil
- #24 of 33
- Caps
- 54 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
Valverde drove a low ball across the six-yard box in Paris on 28 May 2022 and he was waiting at the far post to slide it in, the only goal of the Champions League final against Liverpool. He scored in the 2024 final at Wembley too, and holds two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, the Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2024, two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey. Career record: 54 caps and 13 goals for Brazil; club career at Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Real Madrid Castilla.
Stanley Matthews
England · 1950s · LM
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in England
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 54 · 11 goals
- Clubs
- Stoke City, The Football League XI, Blackpool
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× Hall of Fame
The original 'Wizard of the Dribble,' this legendary winger's mesmerizing footwork earned him the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956. Career record: 54 caps and 11 goals for England; club career at Stoke City, The Football League XI, Blackpool; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Stanley Matthews ahead by 1 rating point, 92 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.