Lothar Matthäus vs Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Germany against Uruguay. 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).
Juan Alberto Schiaffino
Uruguay · 1950–59 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 94
- Rank in Uruguay
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 21 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma
The Maracanã fell quiet in the 66th minute on 16 July 1950, when he met Ghiggia's cross and put Uruguay level against a Brazil side already being called champions. That afternoon brought the 1950 World Cup, and he added three Uruguayan titles with Peñarol, a world record move to Milan for 52 million lire in 1954, three Serie A championships in 1955, 1957 and 1959, and the Latin Cup in 1956. Career record: 21 caps and 8 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 94.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.