David Beckham vs Luís Figo
England against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
David Beckham
England · 1992–2013 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in England
- #15 of 33
- Caps
- 115 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011) · 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021)
On the opening day of the 1996/97 season he looked up at Selhurst Park, saw Neil Sullivan two steps off his line and dropped the ball over him from inside his own half. The 1999 Champions League completed United's treble and he won six league titles there, then La Liga in 2007, two MLS Cups in Los Angeles and Ligue 1 in Paris in 2013, with 59 games as England captain. Career record: 115 caps and 17 goals for England; club career at Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, LA Galaxy; honours include 4× national Player of the Year (1997–2011), 3× Hall of Fame (2003–2021).
Luís Figo
Portugal · 2000s · RM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Portugal
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 127 · 32 goals
- Clubs
- Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2000 · FIFA World Player of the Year 2001 · national Player of the Year
The F.C. Barcelona and Real Madrid legend was a mesmerising winger whose dazzling dribbling, pinpoint crosses, and leadership earned him the 2000 Ballon d'Or. Career record: 127 caps and 32 goals for Portugal; club career at Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year 2001, national Player of the Year.
The verdict
The almanac puts Luís Figo ahead by 3 rating points, 93 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.