Zidane World Cup Ronaldo

Zizou was a boss. Photo by PIERRE VERDY / AFP)

No place for Cristiano in Ronaldo’s all-time best XI

Brazilian great Ronaldo has named a ridiculously good all-time best XI. There’s no space for his namesake Cristiano, but just look at it…

Zidane World Cup Ronaldo

Zizou was a boss. Photo by PIERRE VERDY / AFP)

The great Brazilian striker Ronaldo has named his all-time best XI and it’s a ridiculously good team. As you’d expect. No space for his namesake Cristiano though…

Only two of the 11 players are currently active, and they’re two of the greatest of all time in their respective positions.

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Brazilian greats Romario and Ronaldo best XI
Brazilian icons Romario and Ronaldo. Image: Planet Football

Ronaldo names his all-time best XI

4-4-2: Buffon; Cafu, Cannavaro, Maldini, Roberto Carlos; Maradona, Zidane, Pirlo, Messi; Pelé, Ronaldo

Gianluigi Buffon currently plies his trade for Parma in Serie B. Gigi started his senior career there in 1995, before going on to become a club legend at Juventus. Ronaldo spent many of his golden years in Italy’s Serie A, so it makes sense that his all-time XI is dotted with Italians or guys who played in that country.

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Image: @90sfootball / Twitter

Italian flavour in defence

Cafu, Ronaldo’s Brazilian compatriot, is a legend having played in three separate World Cup finals. He is also one of the greatest right-backs of all time. Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, two of the greatest centreal defenders ever, . And then there’s that rocket of a left boot offered by Real Madrid and Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.

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Midfield four is packed with ridiculous quality

Three of these four had starring spells in Italy, while the odd one out is some guy called Messi. Diego Maradona put Napoli on the map in the late 80s and early 90s. Zinedine Zidane was as stylish a footballer you’re ever likely to see and has won everything as both a player and a manager. He was the man of the match in the 1998 World Cup final against none other than Ronaldo’s Brazil. Talking about style, Andrea Pirlo wasn’t shabby as a playmaker for Italy and AC Milan. And then there’s little Leo Messi. No words needed.

Lionel Messi World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi has ascended to World Cup heaven. Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)

Up front Ronaldo has selected himself (fair enough) as well as the late, great Pelé. What do you think of this side? Surely Cristiano won’t be too offended for being left out.

For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.

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