Paolo Maldini vs Nuno Mendes
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).
Nuno Mendes
Portugal · 2020–26 · LB
- Almanac rating
- 90
- Rank in Portugal
- #11 of 33
Portugal leaned on him in the Munich final of the 2025 Nations League: he scored the equaliser against Spain, stayed with Lamine Yamal down that flank all night, and buried his kick in the shootout. That Nations League title sits beside back to back Champions League wins with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025 and 2026, five Ligue 1 titles, two Coupes de France, and the Primeira Liga he won as a teenager at Sporting.
The verdict
The almanac puts Paolo Maldini ahead by 6 rating points, 96 against 90.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.