Fan Zhiyi vs Wu Lei
China against China. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Fan Zhiyi
China · 1995–2002 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in China
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 106 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Shanghai Shenhua, Crystal Palace, Shanghai United
Shanghai Shenhua used their centre-back as a stand-in striker in 1995 and he ended the year as the Chinese league's top scorer on fifteen goals, and in 1998 he and Sun Jihai became the first Chinese footballers in England. Asian Footballer of the Year in 2001, the first Chinese winner, three times Chinese Player of the Year, a league title and FA Cup with Shanghai Shenhua, 106 caps with 17 goals, and China's one World Cup, in 2002. Career record: 106 caps and 17 goals for China; club career at Shanghai Shenhua, Crystal Palace, Shanghai United.
Wu Lei
China · 2018–24 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 82
- Rank in China
- #6 of 33
- Clubs
- Shanghai Port, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona
A substitute at Camp Nou on 4 January 2020, he equalised in the 88th minute for Espanyol and became the first Chinese player to score against Barcelona, in a 2-2 draw. Chinese Super League titles in 2018 and 2023, Golden Boots in 2018 and 2024, the league's all-time leading scorer, a single-season record of 31 goals, Asian Cup team of the tournament in 2019, and past 100 caps with 36 goals. Career record: club career at Shanghai Port, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.
The verdict
The almanac puts Fan Zhiyi ahead by 1 rating point, 83 against 82.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.