Fabio Cannavaro vs Frank Rijkaard
Italy against Netherlands. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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).
Frank Rijkaard
Netherlands · 1980s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 93
- Rank in Netherlands
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 73 · 10 goals
- Clubs
- AFC Ajax, Real Zaragoza, AC Milan
- Honours
- national Player of the Year 1995
An elegant yet imposing figure, Rijkaard was a defensive lynchpin for both AC Milan and Ajax, winning the Euros in 1988 and dominating as a centre-back or defensive midfielder. Career record: 73 caps and 10 goals for Netherlands; club career at AFC Ajax, Real Zaragoza, AC Milan; honours include national Player of the Year 1995.
The verdict
The almanac puts Fabio Cannavaro ahead by 2 rating points, 95 against 93.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.