Michel Platini vs Lev Yashin
France against Russia. 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).
Lev Yashin
Russia · 1956–60 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Russia
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 78 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or · 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990)
The legendary "Black Panther" redefined goalkeeping with his athleticism and daring, backstopping the Soviet Union to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. Career record: 78 caps and 0 goals for Russia; club career at FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or, 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990).
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.