Roberto Carlos vs Paolo Maldini
Brazil against Italy. 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.
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 4 rating points, 96 against 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.