Johan Neeskens vs Ruud Gullit
Netherlands against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Johan Neeskens
Netherlands · 1968–85 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Netherlands
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 49 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, New York Cosmos
The beating heart of Total Football, his relentless energy and box-to-box prowess drove Ajax, Barcelona, and the Dutch national team to multiple finals in the 1970s. Career record: 49 caps and 17 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, New York Cosmos.
Ruud Gullit
Netherlands · 1980s · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Netherlands
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 66 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- HFC Haarlem, Feyenoord Rotterdam, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1987 · national Player of the Year 1984 · 2× Hall of Fame (2017–2017)
The iconic dreadlocked superstar lit up Serie A with AC Milan and captained the Netherlands to their glorious Euro '88 triumph, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1987. Career record: 66 caps and 17 goals for Netherlands; club career at HFC Haarlem, Feyenoord Rotterdam, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 1987, national Player of the Year 1984, 2× Hall of Fame (2017–2017).
The verdict
The almanac puts Ruud Gullit ahead by 4 rating points, 94 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.