33·Legends

Li Weifeng vs Sun Jihai

China against China. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

LW

Li Weifeng

China · 1998–2011 · CB

Almanac rating
80
Rank in China
#10 of 33
Caps
112 · 14 goals
Clubs
Shenzhen, Shanghai Shenhua, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger

Between 1998 and 2011 he answered China's call 112 times, more than anyone else in the country's history, and started at centre-back against Costa Rica and Turkey at the 2002 World Cup. Shenzhen's 2004 title, the first Chinese Super League championship ever awarded, is his, along with the 2009 Korean FA Cup at Suwon Samsung Bluewings, a runners-up medal at the 2004 Asian Cup and four Chinese Team of the Year selections. Career record: 112 caps and 14 goals for China; club career at Shenzhen, Shanghai Shenhua, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

vs
SJ

Sun Jihai

China · 1996–2015 · RB

Almanac rating
84
Rank in China
#1 of 33
Caps
80 · 1 goals
Clubs
Dalian Shide, Manchester City, Guizhou Renhe

On 26 October 2002 at Birmingham, Sun rose to head Manchester City in front after 24 minutes, the first goal an East Asian player had scored in the Premier League. Four Chinese league titles with Dalian between 1996 and 2001, the 2001 FA Cup, 130 appearances for Manchester City, 80 caps, the 2002 World Cup and a runners-up medal at the 2004 Asian Cup preceded his induction into English football's Hall of Fame in 2015. Career record: 80 caps and 1 goals for China; club career at Dalian Shide, Manchester City, Guizhou Renhe.

The verdict

The almanac puts Sun Jihai ahead by 4 rating points, 84 against 80.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

More arguments