Thierry Henry vs Lev Yashin
France against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Thierry Henry
France · 1997–2010 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in France
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 123 · 51 goals
- Clubs
- AS Monaco, Arsenal, New York Red Bulls
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2003–2003) · European Golden Shoe 2004 · Golden Boot 2002
With his back to goal at Highbury on 1 October 2000, Denis Irwin tight behind him, he flicked the ball up, spun and volleyed it over Fabien Barthez in one motion. France won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with him in the side, Barcelona the 2009 Champions League, and he took two league titles at Arsenal, including the unbeaten season of 2003/04, leaving as their record scorer on 228 goals. Career record: 123 caps and 51 goals for France; club career at AS Monaco, Arsenal, New York Red Bulls; honours include European Golden Shoe 2004, Golden Boot 2002, 2× national Player of the Year (2003–2003).
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 puts Lev Yashin ahead by 2 rating points, 96 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.