Roberto Carlos vs Ashley Cole
Brazil against England. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Roberto Carlos
Brazil · 1997–2002 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Brazil
- #17 of 33
- Caps
- 125 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Fenerbahçe Istanbul
Lyon, 3 June 1997: Deschamps fouled Romário 35 metres out, and the left back struck a free kick so far off line that Barthez never moved, before it bent back, clipped the post and went in. He won the 2002 World Cup, Copa América in 1997 and 1999, three European Cups with Real Madrid between 1998 and 2002, four Spanish titles, and finished as Ballon d'Or runner-up in 2002 with 125 caps for Brazil. Career record: 125 caps and 10 goals for Brazil; club career at Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Fenerbahçe Istanbul.
Ashley Cole
England · 1999–2014 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in England
- #20 of 33
- Caps
- 107 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2024
Widely considered the finest left-back of his generation, his relentless attacking drive and superb defending earned him Champions League glory with both Arsenal and Chelsea. Career record: 107 caps and 0 goals for England; club career at Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy; honours include Hall of Fame 2024.
The verdict
The almanac puts Roberto Carlos ahead by 3 rating points, 92 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.