Rodri vs Michael Essien
Spain against Ghana. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Rodri
Spain · 2018–26 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Spain
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 68 · 4 goals
- Clubs
- Villarreal CF, Manchester City
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2024
In Istanbul on 10 June 2023 he arrived on Bernardo Silva's cut-back and bent a low finish into the corner, the only goal of the Champions League final and the strike that completed Manchester City's treble. He captained Spain to the World Cup in 2026 and took the Golden Ball, won Euro 2024 as player of the tournament, the 2024 Ballon d'Or, five Premier League titles and the 2023 Nations League. Career record: 68 caps and 4 goals for Spain; club career at Villarreal CF, Villarreal CF B, Manchester City; honours include Ballon d'Or 2024.
Michael Essien
Ghana · 2005–12 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Ghana
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 59 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- SC Bastia, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea
Nine minutes into the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on 6 May 2009, a Barcelona clearance dropped to Essien 25 yards out and he volleyed it in off the underside of the bar. He won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups there, back-to-back Ligue 1 titles at Lyon, and took Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2005 and BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2006. Career record: 59 caps and 9 goals for Ghana; club career at SC Bastia, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea.
The verdict
The almanac puts Rodri ahead by 3 rating points, 93 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.