Lothar Matthäus vs Sepp Maier
Germany against Germany. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Lothar Matthäus
Germany · 1980–91 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Germany
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 150 · 23 goals
- Clubs
- Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× national Player of the Year (1990–1999) · 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018)
Taking the ball from Augenthaler inside his own half at the San Siro on 10 June 1990, he carried it through the Yugoslav midfield, stepped past Davor Jozic and struck it from 25 metres. That summer he lifted the World Cup as captain in Rome, then took the Ballon d'Or and became the first FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, on top of Euro 1980, the 1991 UEFA Cup, seven Bundesliga titles and 150 caps for Germany. Career record: 150 caps and 23 goals for Germany; club career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, Inter Milan; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× national Player of the Year (1990–1999), 3× Hall of Fame (2018–2018).
Sepp Maier
Germany · 1972–74 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 92
- Rank in Germany
- #9 of 33
- Caps
- 95 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- 3× national Player of the Year (1975–1978) · 4× Hall of Fame (2018–2018)
The "Cat from Anzing," Maier was the cornerstone of West Germany's 1974 World Cup and 1972 European Championship triumphs, and Bayern's European dynasty. Career record: 95 caps and 0 goals for Germany; club career at FC Bayern Munich; honours include 3× national Player of the Year (1975–1978), 4× Hall of Fame (2018–2018).
The verdict
The almanac puts Lothar Matthäus ahead by 2 rating points, 94 against 92.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.