Ronaldinho vs Paolo Maldini
Brazil against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Ronaldinho
Brazil · 1999–2013 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Brazil
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 97 · 33 goals
- Clubs
- Grêmio FBPA, FC Barcelona, AC Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2005 · FIFA World Player of the Year 2004 · South American Footballer of the Year 2013
Twice at the Bernabéu on 19 November 2005 he cut in from the left and scored in a 3-0 win, and at the final whistle the crowd rose to applaud him, an honour Madrid had given no Barcelona player since Maradona. He won the 2002 World Cup, the 2006 Champions League, La Liga in 2005 and 2006, the Ballon d'Or in 2005, FIFA's world player award in 2004 and 2005, and the Copa Libertadores with Atlético Mineiro in 2013. Career record: 97 caps and 33 goals for Brazil; club career at Grêmio FBPA, FC Barcelona, AC Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or 2005, FIFA World Player of the Year 2004, South American Footballer of the Year 2013.
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 cannot separate them: both are rated 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.