Elías Figueroa vs Alessandro Nesta
Chile against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Elías Figueroa
Chile · 1974–78 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Chile
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 47 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Peñarol, S.C. Internacional, C.D. Palestino
On 14 December 1975 at the Beira-Rio, sunlight broke through the cloud as he rose above Cruzeiro's defenders to head in Valdomiro's cross, the only goal of the final and the one Brazilians call the Gol Iluminado. South American Footballer of the Year in 1974, 1975 and 1976, he won Brazilian championships in 1975 and 1976, Uruguayan titles with Peñarol, the Chilean league with Palestino in 1978, and a place in the 1974 World Cup all-star team. Career record: 47 caps and 2 goals for Chile; club career at Club Atlético Peñarol, S.C. Internacional, C.D. Palestino.
Alessandro Nesta
Italy · 1993–2014 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 78 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- SS Lazio, AC Milan, CF Montréal
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006)
A defender of sublime grace and power, his elegant tackling and impeccable positioning made him a cornerstone for Lazio, AC Milan, and the Azzurri. Career record: 78 caps and 0 goals for Italy; club career at SS Lazio, AC Milan, CF Montréal; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006).
The verdict
The almanac puts Alessandro Nesta ahead by 2 rating points, 94 against 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.