Manuel Neuer vs Gianluigi Buffon
Germany against Italy. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Manuel Neuer
Germany · 2013–20 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Germany
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 128 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich
- Honours
- 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014) · 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019)
Germany's back four pushed so high against Algeria on 30 June 2014 that he spent the night guarding the space behind them, racing beyond his box to head and hook the ball clear. A fortnight later he kept Argentina out for 120 minutes of the final, winning the World Cup and the Golden Glove, and his Bayern years brought the 2013 and 2020 Champions League inside two trebles plus five IFFHS awards as the world's best goalkeeper. Career record: 128 caps and 0 goals for Germany; club career at FC Schalke 04 II, Schalke 04, FC Bayern Munich; honours include 2× national Player of the Year (2011–2014), 2× Hall of Fame (2019–2019).
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 cannot separate them: both are rated 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.