Michel Platini vs Andrea Pirlo
France against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Michel Platini
France · 1980s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in France
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 72 · 41 goals
- Clubs
- A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus
- Honours
- 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985) · 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994)
A three-time Ballon d'Or winner, this elegant playmaker orchestrated France's Euro 1984 triumph, netting nine goals in a single tournament – a record that still stands. Career record: 72 caps and 41 goals for France; club career at A.S. Nancy-Lorraine, AS Saint-Étienne, Juventus; honours include 3× Ballon d'Or (1983–1985), 4× Hall of Fame (1994–1994).
Andrea Pirlo
Italy · 2000s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 116 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan, Juventus, New York City
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006)
The deep-lying conductor, Pirlo's masterful passing and exquisite set-piece delivery guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup and Milan to two Champions League titles. Career record: 116 caps and 13 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan, Juventus, New York City; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006).
The verdict
The almanac puts Michel Platini ahead by 2 rating points, 96 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.