Nílton Santos vs Jordi Alba
Brazil against Spain. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Nílton Santos
Brazil · 1949–58 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Brazil
- #11 of 33
- Caps
- 75 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Botafogo F.R.
Against Austria on 8 June 1958 he carried the ball out of his own half with Feola screaming at him to get back, ignored him all the way, and scored the second in a 3-0 win in Brazil's opening match. He won that World Cup and the next one in Chile, added the 1949 South American title, made the 1958 all-star eleven, won four Carioca championships and never once played for a club other than Botafogo. Career record: 75 caps and 3 goals for Brazil; club career at Botafogo F.R..
Jordi Alba
Spain · 2007–25 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Spain
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 93 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF
Spain's second goal in the Euro 2012 final was his: a break from halfway on 1 July, Xavi's pass taken in stride, the finish slid past Buffon in a 4-0 win over Italy. Alongside that Euro 2012 title he won the 2023 Nations League, the 2015 Champions League, six Spanish league titles and five Copas del Rey at Barcelona, then an MLS Cup with Inter Miami in his final match, December 2025. Career record: 93 caps and 9 goals for Spain; club career at Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF.
The verdict
The almanac puts Nílton Santos ahead by 3 rating points, 93 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.