Fan Zhiyi vs Zheng Zhi
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.
Zheng Zhi
China · 2004–13 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 84
- Rank in China
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 76 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- Shenzhen, Shandong Taishan, Guangzhou
Tianhe Stadium, 9 November 2013: 1-1 with FC Seoul, 3-3 on aggregate, away goals, and Zheng Zhi lifting the first AFC Champions League a Chinese club had ever won. Asian Footballer of the Year that same season, ten league titles across three clubs, 108 caps for China, a place in the 2004 Asian Cup Team of the Tournament, and two seasons at Charlton in between. Career record: 76 caps and 15 goals for China; club career at Shenzhen, Shandong Taishan, Guangzhou.
The verdict
The almanac puts Zheng Zhi ahead by 1 rating point, 84 against 83.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.