Nílton Santos vs Giacinto Facchetti
Brazil against Italy. 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..
Giacinto Facchetti
Italy · 1960–78 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 94 · 3 goals
- Clubs
- Inter Milan
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
A trailblazing attacking full-back, Facchetti captained Inter's "Grande Inter" side to four Serie A titles and two European Cups in the 1960s. Career record: 94 caps and 3 goals for Italy; club career at Inter Milan; honours include Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Giacinto Facchetti ahead by 1 rating point, 94 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.