Ashley Cole vs Nuno Mendes
England against Portugal. 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.
Nuno Mendes
Portugal · 2020–26 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Portugal
- #11 of 33
Portugal leaned on him in the Munich final of the 2025 Nations League: he scored the equaliser against Spain, stayed with Lamine Yamal down that flank all night, and buried his kick in the shootout. That Nations League title sits beside back to back Champions League wins with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025 and 2026, five Ligue 1 titles, two Coupes de France, and the Primeira Liga he won as a teenager at Sporting.
The verdict
The almanac puts Nuno Mendes ahead by 1 rating point, 90 against 89.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.