Lothar Matthäus vs Fabio Cannavaro
Germany against Italy. 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).
Fabio Cannavaro
Italy · 2000s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 95
- Rank in Italy
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 136 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or 2006 · FIFA World Player of the Year 2006 · 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006)
The inspirational captain who hoisted the 2006 World Cup, his defensive masterclass earned him the Ballon d'Or that same year. Career record: 136 caps and 2 goals for Italy; club career at Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Ballon d'Or 2006, FIFA World Player of the Year 2006, 2× Hall of Fame (2000–2006).
The verdict
The almanac puts Fabio Cannavaro ahead by 1 rating point, 95 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.