Didi vs Paolo Maldini
Brazil against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Didi
Brazil · 1957–62 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Brazil
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 68 · 20 goals
- Clubs
- Madureira Esporte Clube, Fluminense, Botafogo F.R.
On 21 April 1957 he bent a folha seca free kick past the Peruvian goalkeeper Asca after eleven minutes at the Maracanã, the only goal of the night, and Brazil were on the plane to Sweden. He won the World Cup there in 1958 and again in Chile in 1962, and was voted the best player of the 1958 tournament ahead of Pelé and Garrincha. Career record: 68 caps and 20 goals for Brazil; club career at Madureira Esporte Clube, Fluminense, Botafogo F.R..
Paolo Maldini
Italy · 1985–2009 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Italy
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 126 · 976 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000)
One of the greatest defenders of all time, 'Il Capitano' won five Champions League titles with AC Milan and was an icon of Italian football for over two decades. Career record: 126 caps and 976 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000).
The verdict
The almanac puts Paolo Maldini ahead by 2 rating points, 96 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.