George Best vs Jimmy McIlroy
Northern Ireland against Northern Ireland. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
George Best
Northern Ireland · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Northern Ireland
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 37 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · Hall of Fame 2002
The mercurial superstar defined an era with his dazzling dribbling, breathtaking goals, and captivating flair, a true footballing artist. Career record: 37 caps and 9 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Manchester United, Fulham, San Jose Earthquakes; honours include Ballon d'Or, Hall of Fame 2002.
Jimmy McIlroy
Northern Ireland · 1958–62 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Northern Ireland
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 55 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Burnley did not top the First Division for a single day of 1959-60 until the final afternoon, a 2-1 win at Manchester City on 2 May 1960, and the passing that carried them there belonged to the inside-forward Turf Moor called the Brain of Burnley. That championship, the 1962 FA Cup final lost to Tottenham, 55 Northern Ireland caps and the 1958 World Cup quarter-final run sit beside 497 Burnley games and 131 goals. Career record: 55 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Burnley, Stoke City, Oldham Athletic A.F.C.; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts George Best ahead by 8 rating points, 95 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.