Enzo Francescoli vs Obdulio Varela
Uruguay against Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Enzo Francescoli
Uruguay · 1983–96 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Uruguay
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 73 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético River Plate, Racing Club de France, Cagliari Calcio
Zinedine Zidane watched him at Marseille from 1989, named his first son Enzo, and years later told Francescoli's own son that he had learned his skills from the Uruguayan. El Príncipe won three Copa América titles in 1983, 1987 and 1995, the 1996 Copa Libertadores with River Plate, five Argentine championships, the French title with Marseille in 1990, and was South American Footballer of the Year in 1984 and 1995. Career record: 73 caps and 17 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Atlético River Plate, Racing Club de France, Cagliari Calcio.
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1942–50 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol.
The verdict
The almanac puts Enzo Francescoli ahead by 1 rating point, 92 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.