Alfredo Di Stéfano vs Johan Cruyff
Spain against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Alfredo Di Stéfano
Spain · 1945–66 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in Spain
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 31 · 23 goals
- Clubs
- Millonarios, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or (1957–1959) · 2× Hall of Fame
A true visionary, the iconic Argentine-born forward transformed Real Madrid into a European powerhouse, winning five consecutive European Cups. Career record: 31 caps and 23 goals for Spain; club career at Millonarios, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or (1957–1959), 2× Hall of Fame.
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 cannot separate them: both are rated 98.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.