Marco van Basten vs Eusébio
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.
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 2 rating points, 97 against 95.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.