Manuel Neuer vs Eusébio
Germany against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Manuel Neuer
Germany · 2013–20 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 128 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014) · 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019)
Germany's back four pushed so high against Algeria on 30 June 2014 that he spent the night guarding the space behind them, racing beyond his box to head and hook the ball clear. A fortnight later he kept Argentina out for 120 minutes of the final, winning the World Cup and the Golden Glove, and his Bayern years brought the 2013 and 2020 Champions League inside two trebles plus five IFFHS awards as the world's best goalkeeper. Career record: 128 caps and 0 goals for Germany; club career at FC Schalke 04 II, Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich; honours include 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014), 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019).
Eusébio
Portugal · 1960s · SS
- Almanac rating
- 97
- Rank in Portugal
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 64 · 41 goals
- Clubs
- C.D. Maxaquene, S.L. Benfica, Toronto Blizzard
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× Hall of Fame
The 'Black Panther' remains one of football's most prolific strikers, his blistering pace and devastating shot powering Benfica to European glory and Portugal to third at the 1966 World Cup. Career record: 64 caps and 41 goals for Portugal; club career at C.D. Maxaquene, S.L. Benfica, Toronto Blizzard; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Eusébio ahead by 1 rating point, 97 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.