Michel Platini vs Gianni Rivera
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).
Gianni Rivera
Italy · 1960s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Italy
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 63 · 15 goals
- Clubs
- US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or
The Golden Boy of Italian football, Rivera was a sublime attacking midfielder whose elegance and goalscoring flair earned him the Ballon d'Or in 1969 and a European Cup with AC Milan. Career record: 63 caps and 15 goals for Italy; club career at US Alessandria Calcio 1912, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or.
The verdict
The almanac puts Michel Platini ahead by 3 rating points, 96 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.