James Rodríguez vs Mario Yepes
Colombia against Colombia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Mario Yepes
Colombia · 2001–14 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Colombia
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 102 · 6 goals
- Clubs
- Cortuluá, Deportivo Cali, Paris Saint-Germain
Fortaleza, 4 July 2014: at 38 the oldest outfield player in Brazil, he forced a loose ball past Júlio César and saw it chalked off for offside, a call Colombians still argue about as era gol de Yepes. He won the 2001 Copa América at home, Colombia's only continental title, the 2011 Serie A title with Milan, two Argentine championships with River Plate and the Coupe de France with Paris Saint-Germain, and stands second to Valderrama on 102 caps. Career record: 102 caps and 6 goals for Colombia; club career at Cortuluá, Deportivo Cali, Paris Saint-Germain.
The verdict
The almanac puts James Rodríguez ahead by 2 rating points, 89 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.