Marco van Basten vs Cristiano Ronaldo
Netherlands against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Marco van Basten
Netherlands · 1981–93 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Netherlands
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 58 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1988 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1992
Widely considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner and Euro '88 champion was a phenomenon for AC Milan before his career was cut short by injury. Career record: 58 caps and 24 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 1988, FIFA World Player of the Year 1992.
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 puts Cristiano Ronaldo ahead by 3 rating points, 98 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.