Lothar Matthäus vs Gianluigi Buffon
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).
Gianluigi Buffon
Italy · 2000s · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Italy
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 176 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 2003 · Golden Foot 2016 · Hall of Fame 2006
The legendary 'Gigi' commanded his box for decades, a true icon who lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy. Career record: 176 caps and 0 goals for Italy; club career at Parma Calcio 1913, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain; honours include Golden Foot 2016, national Player of the Year 2003, Hall of Fame 2006.
The verdict
The almanac puts Gianluigi Buffon ahead by 2 rating points, 96 against 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.