The All-Time Dream Team According to ChatGPT

September 2, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

The greatest football XI of all time has sparked endless debate among fans, pundits, and players. But what happens when artificial intelligence is asked to settle it? FourFourTwo challenged ChatGPT to put together the ultimate team, a blend of legends across eras, combining defensive stability, midfield artistry, and attacking brilliance. Some picks feel inevitable, others more controversial. Here’s how the AI lined up its all-time best.

Lev Yashin

The only goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d’Or, Lev Yashin is a near-unanimous choice. Nicknamed “The Black Spider,” he was famed for his agility, commanding presence, and revolutionary approach as a sweeper-keeper. Yashin redefined the position, excelling for both Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union. While Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, and Manuel Neuer might have staked a claim, this call is hard to dispute.

Cafu

Brazil’s Cafu made history as the only player to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning two of them. Known for his boundless energy, speed, and overlapping runs, he embodied the modern attacking full-back. His career spanned more than a decade at the very top, where he balanced defensive solidity with constant forward thrust. Alternatives like Philipp Lahm or Dani Alves deserve a mention, but Cafu’s status as an icon remains unrivalled.

Franz Beckenbauer

“Der Kaiser” changed how the world saw defenders. As a sweeper, Franz Beckenbauer brought elegance, composure, and vision to the back line, captaining Bayern Munich to three consecutive European Cups. He also guided West Germany to World Cup glory as both a player and a manager — a rare double achievement. His influence stretched far beyond defending, making him one of the most complete players in history.

Paolo Maldini

Few defenders symbolise loyalty and excellence quite like Paolo Maldini. Spending his entire 25-year career at AC Milan, Maldini won five European Cups and built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and tactically astute defenders of all time. He could operate at left-back or in central defence, adapting seamlessly as his career evolved. His leadership, longevity, and defensive mastery ensure his place in any all-time XI.

Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos redefined what it meant to be a left-back. Famous for his explosive free-kicks and marauding runs, the Brazilian combined defensive grit with an almost winger-like attacking threat. He won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and multiple Champions League titles at Real Madrid, becoming a global icon. While Ashley Cole, Marcelo, or Nilton Santos might have been safer picks, Carlos’s dynamism makes him unforgettable.

Xavi

As the heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation, Xavi Hernández orchestrated games with unmatched precision. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to dictate tempo underpinned tiki-taka football, leading Spain to two European Championships and a World Cup. At club level, he was central to Barcelona’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. While Andrés Iniesta or Sergio Busquets could have been considered, Xavi’s impact is impossible to overlook.

Zinedine Zidane

Few players carried as much elegance on the ball as Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman dominated on the biggest stages, scoring twice in the 1998 World Cup final and producing one of the greatest goals ever in the 2002 Champions League final. His vision, dribbling, and control made him a midfield artist who thrived under pressure. Though ChatGPT places him deeper than usual, Zidane’s inclusion feels inevitable.

Lionel Messi

ChatGPT didn’t hesitate to name Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time. With four Champions League titles, seven Ballon d’Ors, and a World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi’s legacy is unrivalled. His dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring ability redefined modern football, making him as effective as a creator as he is a finisher. For more than a decade at Barcelona, and later with Argentina, he delivered brilliance week after week.

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona remains one of the game’s most mythical figures. His dribbling, creativity, and sheer willpower made him capable of winning matches single-handedly. The 1986 World Cup showcased his genius, from the infamous “Hand of God” to the stunning solo goal against England. Controversial yet captivating, Maradona’s impact on football — both technically and emotionally — makes his place in the XI a given.

Pelé

Pele — By Unknown author - El Gráfico, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95449751

Three World Cups, over 1,000 goals, and a career that transformed football globally — Pelé’s legacy is unmatched. While he often played as a second striker or forward, ChatGPT places him on the left to reflect his versatility. He combined athleticism, tactical intelligence, and flair to dominate both club and international stages. Widely hailed as football’s first global superstar, Pelé’s inclusion is as certain as it is deserved.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Up front, ChatGPT chooses Cristiano Ronaldo. With five Ballon d’Ors, Champions League titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid, and success across multiple leagues, his longevity and consistency are remarkable. Renowned for his pace, strength, aerial dominance, and ruthless finishing, Ronaldo redefined what it meant to be a modern forward. While some may have expected Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário, CR7’s relentless drive and record-breaking numbers secured his spot.