Paolo Maldini vs Eusébio
Italy against Portugal. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Paolo Maldini
Italy · 1985–2009 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 96
- Rank in Italy
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 126 · 976 goals
- Clubs
- AC Milan
- Honours
- 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000)
One of the greatest defenders of all time, 'Il Capitano' won five Champions League titles with AC Milan and was an icon of Italian football for over two decades. Career record: 126 caps and 976 goals for Italy; club career at AC Milan; honours include 2× Hall of Fame (1991–2000).
Eusébio
Portugal · 1960s · SS
- Almanac rating
- 97
- Rank in Portugal
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 64 · 41 goals
- Clubs
- C.D. Maxaquene, S.L. Benfica, Toronto Blizzard
- Honours
- Ballon d'Or · 2× Hall of Fame
The 'Black Panther' remains one of football's most prolific strikers, his blistering pace and devastating shot powering Benfica to European glory and Portugal to third at the 1966 World Cup. Career record: 64 caps and 41 goals for Portugal; club career at C.D. Maxaquene, S.L. Benfica, Toronto Blizzard; honours include Ballon d'Or, 2× Hall of Fame.
The verdict
The almanac puts Eusébio ahead by 1 rating point, 97 against 96.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.