Franz Beckenbauer vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Germany against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Franz Beckenbauer
Germany · 1970s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in Germany
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 103 · 14 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 4× national Player of the Year (1966–1976) · 7× Hall of Fame (1976–2018)
The iconic "Der Kaiser," Beckenbauer redefined the libero role, winning the 1974 World Cup as captain and two Ballon d'Or awards for his elegant play. Career record: 103 caps and 14 goals for Germany; club career at FC Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV; honours include Ballon d'Or, 4× national Player of the Year (1966–1976), 7× Hall of Fame (1976–2018).
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal · 2002–26 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in Portugal
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 233 · 146 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Al-Nassr
- Honours
- 3× Ballon d'Or (2008–2014) · FIFA World Player of the Year 2008 · 2× European Golden Shoe (2008–2011)
The Juventus crowd stood and applauded a Real Madrid player on 3 April 2018, after he rose 2.31 metres in their own stadium and hooked an overhead kick past their goalkeeper. He has won five Ballon d'Or awards, five European Cups, Euro 2016 with Portugal, the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, and league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia; his 140 Champions League goals remain the record. Career record: 233 caps and 146 goals for Portugal; club career at Manchester United, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Al-Nassr; honours include 3× Ballon d'Or (2008–2014), FIFA World Player of the Year 2008, 2× European Golden Shoe (2008–2011).
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 98.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.