Bobby Charlton vs Johan Cruyff
England against Netherlands. 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).
Johan Cruyff
Netherlands · 1964–84 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in Netherlands
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 48 · 33 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, Feyenoord Rotterdam
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1971 · national Player of the Year 1968 · Hall of Fame
Dortmund, 19 June 1974: he showed Jan Olsson the ball, dragged it behind his standing leg and turned away, and the move has carried his name ever since. Cruyff took the Ballon d'Or in 1971, 1973 and 1974, won three straight European Cups with Ajax and eight Dutch titles there, La Liga with Barcelona in 1974, and the Golden Ball at the World Cup whose final he lost in Munich. Career record: 48 caps and 33 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, Feyenoord Rotterdam; honours include Ballon d'Or 1971, national Player of the Year 1968, Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Johan Cruyff ahead by 3 rating points, 98 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.