Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time XI reveals the players he trusted most

January 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

Across more than 20 years at the top of football, Cristiano Ronaldo played with an unusually wide range of elite teammates. From his early breakthrough at Manchester United to his trophy-heavy peak at Real Madrid and a later chapter in Italy, individual brilliance was always paired with collective success.

In 2024, Ronaldo was asked to name the teammates he rated highest across his career. His answer, given in an interview with Goal Arabia and later relayed by Planet Football, offered a rare glimpse into how he judges those who shared the pitch with him.

An XI compiled and contextualised by GIVEMESPORT suggests that, for all his records and accolades, Ronaldo consistently valued authority, intelligence and sacrifice over reputation alone.

Authority and trust at the back

In goal, Ronaldo chose Iker Casillas, his longtime Real Madrid teammate. According to GIVEMESPORT, the selection came despite Ronaldo having also played with goalkeepers such as Edwin van der Sar, Gianluigi Buffon and Keylor Navas. Casillas’ calm presence during six shared seasons in Madrid appears to have carried particular weight.

Across the defence, Ronaldo’s choices lean toward personality as much as talent. Sergio Ramos, listed at right-back despite building his reputation centrally, reflects versatility and competitive edge. On the left, Marcelo earns his place for his attacking instinct and intuitive understanding with Ronaldo during Madrid’s most dominant Champions League years.

At centre-back, Rio Ferdinand represents Ronaldo’s formative period at Manchester United. Ferdinand later described the environment Ronaldo encountered as a teenager, recalling the physical demands of training:

“His mindset when he came to the club was I'm here to entertain people. He loved it. He used to get snapped in training. People would kick the hell out of him.

Some kids at that age would've gone under. Whereas Cristiano's intelligence was a key factor in that.”

Alongside Ferdinand is Giorgio Chiellini, the sole Juventus selection. Their time together came during the latter stages of Ronaldo’s career, but Chiellini’s inclusion reflects respect forged through shared experience rather than longevity.

Midfield shaped by control

Ronaldo’s midfield selections emphasise decision-making and composure. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric formed the technical spine of Real Madrid’s side that won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a period that coincided with Ronaldo’s final Ballon d’Or triumphs at the club.

Modric’s own Ballon d’Or win in 2018 — when he finished ahead of Ronaldo — did not prevent his inclusion. If anything, it underlines the esteem in which Ronaldo holds the Croatian.

Completing the midfield is Paul Scholes, whose influence during Ronaldo’s early Manchester United years was often understated. Scholes’ role in United’s 2008 Champions League victory remains a reference point for Ronaldo’s development at the highest level.

Attack built on adaptation

The attacking selections point to a recurring theme: teammates who adjusted their games to maximise Ronaldo’s output. Karim Benzema stands as the clearest example. During Ronaldo’s time in Madrid, Benzema routinely sacrificed scoring positions to create space and structure. After Ronaldo’s departure, he later led the club to Champions League success and a Ballon d’Or of his own.

Gareth Bale, who arrived at Real Madrid in 2013, added pace and directness from wide areas. While his adaptation to Spanish football was not immediate, his partnership with Ronaldo became central to Madrid’s most explosive attacking setups, particularly in knockout matches.

On the opposite flank is Wayne Rooney, a teammate whose relationship with Ronaldo was often strained away from the pitch. On it, however, their combination powered Manchester United through one of its most successful modern periods, with Rooney frequently taking on the less glamorous work to free Ronaldo in advanced positions.

What the selections suggest

Taken together, the XI offers a consistent message. Ronaldo’s choices favour players who combined elite ability with tactical discipline, leadership, and an understanding of collective responsibility. Rather than a simple list of stars, the team reflects the framework that allowed his own career to reach unprecedented heights.

All statistics referenced are via Transfermarkt, correct as of January 4, 2026.

Sources: GIVEMESPORT, Goal Arabia, Planet Football, Transfermarkt