Antonio Carbajal vs Carlos Vela
Mexico against Mexico. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Antonio Carbajal
Mexico · 1950–66 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Mexico
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 48 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Real Club España, Club León
Sixteen years separated his first World Cup match at the Maracanã in 1950 from his last at Wembley in July 1966, a goalless draw with Uruguay that closed eleven appearances across five tournaments. The first man to appear at five World Cups, he held that record for 32 years until Lothar Matthäus matched it, guarded the goal for Mexico's first World Cup win, 3-1 against Czechoslovakia in 1962, and was later named CONCACAF's goalkeeper of the twentieth century. Career record: 48 caps and 0 goals for Mexico; club career at Real Club España, Club León.
Carlos Vela
Mexico · 2005–22 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Mexico
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 72 · 19 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Osasuna, Real Sociedad, Los Angeles
- Honours
- Golden Boot
On Decision Day, 6 October 2019, he took a hat-trick off Colorado, the second an overhead volley, and closed the season on 34 goals, more than any player had scored in an MLS season. That year brought the MLS MVP award and the league's Golden Boot; he also owns the 2022 MLS Cup and two Supporters' Shields at LAFC, Gold Cups with Mexico in 2009 and 2015, and the top scorer prize from the 2005 Under-17 World Cup. Career record: 72 caps and 19 goals for Mexico; club career at Club Atlético Osasuna, Real Sociedad, Los Angeles; honours include Golden Boot.
The verdict
The almanac puts Antonio Carbajal ahead by 1 rating point, 87 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.