The All-Time UEFA Champions League Best XI Ever
With the 2025 Champions League Final approaching, it's the perfect moment to honor the best XI in the competition’s history. Lined up in an aggressive 4-4-1-1, this team features legends whose legacies were forged on Europe's biggest stage.
Manuel Neuer – Goalkeeper
Neuer edges out Casillas thanks to his consistent world-class displays, especially in the 2013 and 2020 finals. With a 0.92 goals-against average and 60 clean sheets, he's been a dominant force.
Dani Alves – Right Back
A three-time UCL winner with Barcelona, Alves brought flair and tenacity to the position. His 23 assists from right back highlight his rare attacking impact.
Sergio Ramos – Center Back
A four-time UCL champion, Ramos delivered clutch goals and leadership. His brace in the 2014 semi-final vs. Bayern was a defining moment.
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Paolo Maldini – Center Back
Maldini won five European titles and played in UCL finals 13 years apart. At 38, he captained Milan to the 2007 title, showing remarkable longevity.
Roberto Carlos – Left Back
Carlos redefined the left-back role with his power and attacking threat. He won three titles with Real Madrid and was key to their late-'90s resurgence.
Sergio Busquets – Defensive Midfielder
Busquets’ intelligence and positioning anchored Barcelona’s midfield through three UCL titles. He helped dominate Manchester United in the 2011 final.
Luka Modric – Central Midfielder
Modric won six UCL titles with Real Madrid and assisted the crucial equalizer in the 2014 final. He played in all six finals, starting five.
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Lionel Messi – Right Attacking Midfielder
Messi won four titles with Barcelona and scored 129 UCL goals. His masterclass in the 2011 final against Man United was peak Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Left Attacking Midfielder
The all-time UCL top scorer with 140 goals and five titles, Ronaldo dominated the knockout stages. His 2017 brace vs. Juventus was vintage CR7.
Karim Benzema – Second Striker
Benzema was crucial in Real Madrid’s recent dominance, winning five titles. His 2022 quarter-final heroics vs. Chelsea epitomized his big-game impact.
Robert Lewandowski – Center Forward
Lewandowski scored 105 UCL goals and had iconic moments like his four-goal haul vs. Real Madrid in 2013. He posted 10+ goals in a UCL season for three clubs.
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