Garrincha vs Gianluigi Buffon
Brazil against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Garrincha
Brazil · 1958–66 · RM
- Almanac rating
- 97
- Rank in Brazil
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 50 · 17 goals
- Clubs
- Botafogo F.R., Associação Atlética Portuguesa, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo
Brazil called him Alegria do Povo, and on 10 June 1962, with Pelé injured and watching, he took the quarter-final against England apart himself, heading in Zagallo's corner and then curling a second past Ron Springett. He won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962, took the Golden Ball and a share of the Golden Boot in Chile, and lost only one of his 50 matches for Brazil, his last, against Hungary in 1966. Career record: 50 caps and 17 goals for Brazil; club career at Botafogo F.R., Associação Atlética Portuguesa, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
Gianluigi Buffon
Italy · 2000s · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Italy
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 176 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 2003 · Golden Foot 2016 · Hall of Fame 2006
The legendary 'Gigi' commanded his box for decades, a true icon who lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy. Career record: 176 caps and 0 goals for Italy; club career at Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain; honours include Golden Foot 2016, national Player of the Year 2003, Hall of Fame 2006.
The verdict
The almanac puts Garrincha ahead by 1 rating point, 97 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.