Ashley Cole vs Paul Breitner
England against Germany. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Ashley Cole
England · 1999–2014 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in England
- #20 of 33
- Caps
- 107 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy
- Honours
- Hall of Fame 2024
Widely considered the finest left-back of his generation, his relentless attacking drive and superb defending earned him Champions League glory with both Arsenal and Chelsea. Career record: 107 caps and 0 goals for England; club career at Arsenal, Chelsea, LA Galaxy; honours include Hall of Fame 2024.
Paul Breitner
Germany · 1970–83 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Germany
- #18 of 33
- Caps
- 48 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Eintracht Braunschweig
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 1981 · Hall of Fame 2018
The maverick marauding full-back, Breitner collected a World Cup and a European Championship with West Germany, enjoying trophy-laden spells at both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Career record: 48 caps and 10 goals for Germany; club career at FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, Eintracht Braunschweig; honours include national Player of the Year 1981, Hall of Fame 2018.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.