Bixente Lizarazu vs Paolo Maldini
France against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Bixente Lizarazu
France · 1988–2006 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in France
- #13 of 33
- Caps
- 97 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Athletic Club, FC Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich's shootout against Valencia at the San Siro in May 2001 came down to nerve, and the small Basque left back buried his penalty on the way to the European Cup. He started the finals of both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, won two Confederations Cups with France, and collected six Bundesliga titles and five German cups at Bayern. Career record: 97 caps and 2 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Athletic Club, FC Bayern Munich.
Paolo Maldini
Italy · 1985–2009 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Italy
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 126 · 976 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000)
One of the greatest defenders of all time, 'Il Capitano' won five Champions League titles with AC Milan and was an icon of Italian football for over two decades. Career record: 126 caps and 976 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000).
The verdict
The almanac puts Paolo Maldini ahead by 6 rating points, 96 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.