Roberto Carlos vs Jordi Alba
Brazil against Spain. 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.
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 Roberto Carlos ahead by 2 rating points, 92 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.