Rivaldo vs Paolo Maldini
Brazil against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Rivaldo
Brazil · 1999–2003 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Brazil
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 74 · 35 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, F.C. Bunyodkor
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1999 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1999
Three goals on the last day of the 2000/01 season, the third a chested overhead kick in the 87th minute at the Camp Nou on 17 June 2001, put Barcelona into the Champions League and left Valencia out. He won the 2002 World Cup with five goals in Japan and Korea, the Ballon d'Or in 1999, the Copa América in 1999 as its top scorer, two Liga titles with Barcelona and the 2003 Champions League with Milan. Career record: 74 caps and 35 goals for Brazil; club career at FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, F.C. Bunyodkor; honours include Ballon d'Or 1999, FIFA World Player of the Year 1999.
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.