Pepe vs José Santamaría
Portugal against Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Pepe
Portugal · 2010s · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Portugal
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 141 · 8 goals
- Clubs
- C.S. Marítimo, FC Porto, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
- Honours
- Hall of Fame
A warrior at the heart of the defence, known for his aggressive style, leadership, and crucial role in Portugal's Euro 2016 victory and Real Madrid's multiple Champions League successes. Career record: 141 caps and 8 goals for Portugal; club career at C.S. Marítimo, FC Porto, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol; honours include Hall of Fame.
José Santamaría
Uruguay · 1954–66 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 91
- Rank in Uruguay
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 20 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Club Nacional de Football, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol
Madrid's press called him El Muro, and he earned it across 337 matches for the club, having already done the rare thing of playing a World Cup for Uruguay in 1954 and another for Spain in 1962. He won four European Cups with Real Madrid in 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1966, six Spanish league titles, the 1960 Intercontinental Cup and a Copa del Generalísimo. Career record: 20 caps and 0 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Nacional de Football, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol.
The verdict
The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 91.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.