Jordi Alba vs Nuno Mendes
Spain against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Jordi Alba
Spain · 2007–25 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Spain
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 93 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF
Spain's second goal in the Euro 2012 final was his: a break from halfway on 1 July, Xavi's pass taken in stride, the finish slid past Buffon in a 4-0 win over Italy. Alongside that Euro 2012 title he won the 2023 Nations League, the 2015 Champions League, six Spanish league titles and five Copas del Rey at Barcelona, then an MLS Cup with Inter Miami in his final match, December 2025. Career record: 93 caps and 9 goals for Spain; club career at Valencia CF, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF.
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 cannot separate them: both are rated 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.