Rivaldo vs Roberto Baggio
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.
Roberto Baggio
Italy · 1982–2004 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #11 of 33
- Caps
- 56 · 27 goals
- Clubs
- ACF Fiorentina, Juventus, Brescia Calcio
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1993 · FIFA World Player of the Year 1993 · Golden Foot 2003
The "Divine Ponytail", Baggio's mesmerising dribbling and breathtaking goals lit up three World Cups, making him one of Italy's most beloved and tragic heroes. Career record: 56 caps and 27 goals for Italy; club career at ACF Fiorentina, Juventus, Brescia Calcio; honours include Ballon d'Or 1993, FIFA World Player of the Year 1993, Golden Foot 2003.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.