33·Legends

Paul Bonga Bonga vs Shabani Nonda

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

PB

Paul Bonga Bonga

DR Congo · 1958–63 · CM

Almanac rating
85
Rank in DR Congo
#2 of 33
Clubs
Daring Club Motema Pembe, Standard Liège, Royal Charleroi S.C.

In 1961 World Soccer picked him for its world XI beside Pelé, Di Stéfano and Puskás, the first African ever chosen, and a year later he became the first non-naturalised African to play a European Cup semi-final when Standard Liège met Real Madrid. Three Belgian championships at Standard between 1958 and 1963, runner-up for the 1960 Golden Shoe, and later technical director of Congo's national team. Career record: club career at Daring Club Motema Pembe, Standard Liège, Royal Charleroi S.C..

vs
SN

Shabani Nonda

DR Congo · 2002–08 · ST

Almanac rating
84
Rank in DR Congo
#8 of 33
Caps
49 · 32 goals
Clubs
FC Zürich, Stade Rennais, AS Monaco

Twenty-six goals in 2002-03 made him Ligue 1's top scorer, and even after the knee injury that cost him most of the next season he came off the bench in the 64th minute of the 2004 Champions League final, Monaco already losing to Porto. European runner-up that night, French League Cup winner in 2003, Süper Lig champion with Galatasaray in 2008, and 20 goals in 36 caps for DR Congo. Career record: 49 caps and 32 goals for DR Congo; club career at FC Zürich, Stade Rennais, AS Monaco.

The verdict

The almanac puts Paul Bonga Bonga ahead by 1 rating point, 85 against 84.

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