Zinedine Zidane vs Andrea Pirlo
France against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Zinedine Zidane
France · 1990s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 98
- Rank in France
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 108 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 1998 · 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003)
The mercurial maestro whose iconic Marseille turn, balletic grace, and unforgettable header in the 1998 World Cup final defined a golden era for France and Real Madrid. Career record: 108 caps and 31 goals for France; club career at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 1998, 3× FIFA World Player of the Year (1998–2003).
Andrea Pirlo
Italy · 2000s · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Italy
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 116 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan, Juventus, New York City
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006)
The deep-lying conductor, Pirlo's masterful passing and exquisite set-piece delivery guided Italy to the 2006 World Cup and Milan to two Champions League titles. Career record: 116 caps and 13 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan, Juventus, New York City; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (2004–2006).
The verdict
The almanac puts Zinedine Zidane ahead by 4 rating points, 98 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.