Luka Modrić vs Manuel Neuer
Croatia against Germany. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Luka Modrić
Croatia · 2010s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Croatia
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 201 · 29 goals
- Clubs
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2018 · FIFA World Player of the Year 2018 · national Player of the Year 2018
The peerless puppet master who defied expectations to win the 2018 Ballon d’Or, orchestrating Real Madrid's dynasty and leading Croatia to global prominence. Career record: 201 caps and 29 goals for Croatia; club career at GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 2018, FIFA World Player of the Year 2018, national Player of the Year 2018.
Manuel Neuer
Germany · 2013–20 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 128 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014) · 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019)
Germany's back four pushed so high against Algeria on 30 June 2014 that he spent the night guarding the space behind them, racing beyond his box to head and hook the ball clear. A fortnight later he kept Argentina out for 120 minutes of the final, winning the World Cup and the Golden Glove, and his Bayern years brought the 2013 and 2020 Champions League inside two trebles plus five IFFHS awards as the world's best goalkeeper. Career record: 128 caps and 0 goals for Germany; club career at FC Schalke 04 II, Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich; honours include 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014), 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019).
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.