Carlos Valderrama vs James Rodríguez
Colombia against Colombia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Carlos Valderrama
Colombia · 1987–2000 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Colombia
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 111 · 12 goals
- Clubs
- Millonarios, Deportivo Cali, Montpellier Hérault Sport Club
In the 93rd minute against West Germany in Milan, 1990, Valderrama traded two wall passes and threaded the ball to Freddy Rincón, whose finish through Bodo Illgner's legs put Colombia into the last 16. South American Footballer of the Year in 1987 and 1993, he captained Colombia at three World Cups across 111 caps, took the first MLS MVP award in 1996 and set a league record of 26 assists in 2000, at 38. Career record: 111 caps and 12 goals for Colombia; club career at Millonarios, Deportivo Cali, Montpellier Hérault Sport Club.
James Rodríguez
Colombia · 2014–24 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Colombia
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 122 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- FC Porto, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- Golden Boot 2014
Twenty-five yards out at the Maracanã on 28 June 2014, back to goal, James took Abel Aguilar's header on his chest, turned and volleyed left-footed in off the bar against Uruguay. It won the Puskás Award, and he finished that World Cup with the Golden Boot on six goals; two Champions League titles at Real Madrid, La Liga in 2017, back-to-back Bundesligas at Bayern and the 2024 Copa América Golden Ball followed. Career record: 122 caps and 31 goals for Colombia; club career at FC Porto, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, FC Bayern Munich; honours include Golden Boot 2014.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.