Lothar Matthäus vs George Best
Germany against Northern Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lothar Matthäus
Germany · 1980–91 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Germany
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 150 · 23 goals
- Clubs
- Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× national Player of the Year (1990–1999) · 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018)
Taking the ball from Augenthaler inside his own half at the San Siro on 10 June 1990, he carried it through the Yugoslav midfield, stepped past Davor Jozic and struck it from 25 metres. That summer he lifted the World Cup as captain in Rome, then took the Ballon d'Or and became the first FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, on top of Euro 1980, the 1991 UEFA Cup, seven Bundesliga titles and 150 caps for Germany. Career record: 150 caps and 23 goals for Germany; club career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× national Player of the Year (1990–1999), 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018).
George Best
Northern Ireland · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Northern Ireland
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 37 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · Hall of Fame 2002
The mercurial superstar defined an era with his dazzling dribbling, breathtaking goals, and captivating flair, a true footballing artist. Career record: 37 caps and 9 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes; honours include Ballon d'Or, Hall of Fame 2002.
The verdict
The almanac puts George Best ahead by 1 rating point, 95 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.