Anatoli Ilyin vs Lev Yashin
Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Anatoli Ilyin
Russia · 1949–62 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Russia
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 31 · 16 goals
- Clubs
- Spartak Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame
Three minutes after half time in Melbourne on 8 December 1956, he scored the only goal of the Olympic final against Yugoslavia, and two years later he opened the European Championship's very first match four minutes in. Olympic gold in 1956 came with five Soviet league titles and a cup at Spartak Moscow, two league scoring crowns, and the goal that knocked England out of the 1958 World Cup. Career record: 31 caps and 16 goals for Russia; club career at Spartak Moscow; honours include 2× Hall of Fame.
Lev Yashin
Russia · 1956–60 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Russia
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 78 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow
- Honours
- 2× Ballon d'Or · 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990)
The legendary "Black Panther" redefined goalkeeping with his athleticism and daring, backstopping the Soviet Union to Olympic gold in 1956 and the 1960 European Championship. Career record: 78 caps and 0 goals for Russia; club career at FC Dinamo Moscow, HC Dynamo Moscow; honours include 2× Ballon d'Or, 4× Hall of Fame (1957–1990).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lev Yashin ahead by 8 rating points, 96 against 88.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.