Marco van Basten vs Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Netherlands against Uruguay. 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.
Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Uruguay · 1950–59 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Uruguay
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 21 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma
The Maracanã fell quiet in the 66th minute on 16 July 1950, when he met Ghiggia's cross and put Uruguay level against a Brazil side already being called champions. That afternoon brought the 1950 World Cup, and he added three Uruguayan titles with Peñarol, a world record move to Milan for 52 million lire in 1954, three Serie A championships in 1955, 1957 and 1959, and the Latin Cup in 1956. Career record: 21 caps and 8 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma.
The verdict
The almanac puts Marco van Basten ahead by 1 rating point, 95 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.