Djalma Santos vs Lilian Thuram
Brazil against France. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Djalma Santos
Brazil · 1952–68 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Brazil
- #14 of 33
- Caps
- 98 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Club Athletico Paranaense
The 1962 final in Santiago turned on his lofted cross from the right, which goalkeeper Viliam Schrojf misjudged, letting Vavá head in Brazil's third. Two World Cups came his way, in 1958 and 1962, plus selection to three World Cup All-Star teams, a distinction shared only with Franz Beckenbauer, 98 caps for Brazil, two Brazilian championships with Palmeiras, and not a single sending-off. Career record: 98 caps and 3 goals for Brazil; club career at Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Club Athletico Paranaense.
Lilian Thuram
France · 1998–2000 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in France
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 142 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus
A formidable and versatile defender, he anchored France's World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 victories before marshalling the defence for Juventus, Parma, and Barcelona. Career record: 142 caps and 2 goals for France; club career at AS Monaco, Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.