Firas Al-Khatib vs Raja Rafe
Syria against Syria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Firas Al-Khatib
Syria · 2001–19 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 85
- Rank in Syria
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 51 · 26 goals
- Clubs
- Al-Karamah SC, Al-Arabi SC, Shanghai Shenhua
A week after his debut he scored in Syria's 9-0 win over Laos on 11 May 2001, and eighteen years later, on 5 September 2019 against the Philippines, he became the first Asian to play in six World Cup qualifying campaigns. He remains Syria's record scorer with 36 goals in 72 caps, and in Kuwait he won four league titles, six Emir Cups and four golden boots, the last with 23 goals in 2015-16. Career record: 51 caps and 26 goals for Syria; club career at Al-Karamah SC, Al-Arabi SC, Shanghai Shenhua.
Raja Rafe
Syria · 2000s · ST
- Almanac rating
- 81
- Rank in Syria
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 70 · 32 goals
- Clubs
- Damascus Al-Ahli Club, Zakho S.C., Nejmeh SC
A four-goal night at the Abbasiyyin Stadium in Damascus on 18 November 2007, as Syria beat Indonesia 7-0 in World Cup qualifying, is the return that still defines him. Thirteen years in the national side left Rafe on 32 goals in 84 caps, second only to Firas Al-Khatib among Syria's all-time scorers, with top scorer honours in the Syrian league across several seasons. Career record: 70 caps and 32 goals for Syria; club career at Damascus Al-Ahli Club, Zakho S.C., Nejmeh SC.
The verdict
The almanac puts Firas Al-Khatib ahead by 4 rating points, 85 against 81.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.