Bobby Charlton vs Gianni Rivera
England against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Bobby Charlton
England · 1956–73 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in England
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 106 · 49 goals
- Clubs
- English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1966 · 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974)
A true footballing icon, the Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion’s thunderous long-range strikes and humble leadership defined an era for Manchester United and England. Career record: 106 caps and 49 goals for England; club career at English Schools' Football Association, Preston North End, Melbourne Victory; honours include Ballon d'Or 1966, 2× Hall of Fame (1969–1974).
Gianni Rivera
Italy · 1960s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Italy
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 63 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or
The Golden Boy of Italian football, Rivera was a sublime attacking midfielder whose elegance and goalscoring flair earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1969 and a European Cup with AC Milan. Career record: 63 caps and 15 goals for Italy; club career at US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or.
The verdict
The almanac puts Bobby Charlton ahead by 2 rating points, 95 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.