George Best vs Peter McParland
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.
Peter McParland
Northern Ireland · 1952–1971 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Northern Ireland
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 34 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- Aston Villa, Plymouth Argyle, Atlanta Chiefs
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
Both Aston Villa goals in the 1957 FA Cup final were his, struck against a Manchester United side reduced by his infamous sixth-minute collision with goalkeeper Ray Wood. A year later he scored five times at the 1958 World Cup to carry Northern Ireland into the quarter-finals, and in 1961 he added the League Cup to that Wembley winner's medal. Career record: 34 caps and 10 goals for Northern Ireland; club career at Aston Villa, Plymouth Argyle, Atlanta Chiefs; 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.