Zinedine Zidane vs Marco van Basten
France against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Zinedine Zidane
France · 1990s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in France
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 108 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1998 · 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003)
The mercurial maestro whose iconic Marseille turn, balletic grace, and unforgettable header in the 1998 World Cup final defined a golden era for France and Real Madrid. Career record: 108 caps and 31 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 1998, 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003).
Marco van Basten
Netherlands · 1981–93 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Netherlands
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 58 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1988 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1992
Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner and Euro '88 champion was a phenomenon for AC Milan before his career was cut short by injury. Career record: 58 caps and 24 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 1988, FIFA World Player of the Year 1992.
The verdict
The almanac puts Zinedine Zidane ahead by 3 rating points, 98 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.