Fabio Cannavaro vs Obdulio Varela
Italy against Uruguay. 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).
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1942–50 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol.
The verdict
The almanac puts Fabio Cannavaro ahead by 4 rating points, 95 against 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.