Ronaldo’s Greatest XI of All Time
When one of football’s greatest strikers, Ronaldo Nazário, selects his all-time dream team, the result is bound to be spectacular. His lineup is packed with legendary names, many of whom defined their respective eras with skill, creativity, and attacking brilliance. What stands out immediately is the offensive nature of the squad—there is little room for defensive stability, with a midfield built entirely on playmakers and goal-scoring icons.
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His longevity, shot-stopping ability, and leadership made him a key figure for Juventus and the Italian national team, where he won the 2006 World Cup.
Right Back – Cafu
As Brazil’s most-capped player, Cafu was the definition of a modern full-back. His incredible stamina and defensive discipline, combined with his ability to contribute in attack, made him a crucial part of Brazil’s 1994 and 2002 World Cup-winning teams.
Center Back – Franz Beckenbauer
“The Kaiser” revolutionized the role of a central defender, combining elegance, composure, and leadership. As a ball-playing defender, he helped shape modern football, winning three European Cups with Bayern Munich and leading West Germany to World Cup glory in 1974.
Center Back – Paolo Maldini
Maldini was the embodiment of defensive perfection, spending his entire career at AC Milan. His positioning, intelligence, and tackling ability made him nearly unbeatable. With five Champions League titles and countless domestic honors, he is regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever.
Left Back – Roberto Carlos
Famous for his thunderous free kicks and attacking flair, Roberto Carlos redefined the left-back role. A key figure in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, he enjoyed immense success at Real Madrid, winning multiple league titles and Champions League trophies.
Central Midfield – Zico
Zico was one of the most technically gifted playmakers of all time. Known for his vision, dribbling, and finishing ability, he was a maestro for both Flamengo and the Brazilian national team. Though he never won a World Cup, his brilliance remains undisputed.
Central Midfield – Diego Maradona
A footballing genius, Maradona could single-handedly change the course of a match. His dribbling, creativity, and playmaking skills were unmatched, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986. He remains one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.
Right Wing – Lionel Messi
Messi’s dribbling, finishing, and playmaking ability have made him one of the greatest players of all time. With an unmatched trophy haul, including multiple Ballon d’Or awards and a World Cup victory in 2022, his impact on football is immeasurable.
Attacking Midfield – Pelé
Pelé remains one of the most legendary figures in football, winning three World Cups with Brazil. His goal-scoring ability, flair, and leadership defined a golden era for Brazilian football, cementing his status as one of the sport’s true icons.
Left Wing – Ronaldinho
Few players have brought as much joy to football as Ronaldinho. His dazzling skills, creativity, and ability to produce magic moments made him one of the most exciting players ever. As a key player for Barcelona and Brazil, he won multiple major honors, including the 2002 World Cup.
Striker – Ronaldo (R9)
Leading the line is Ronaldo himself, a striker who combined speed, skill, and lethal finishing. He won two Ballon d’Or awards, two World Cups, and dominated for clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Injuries may have slowed him down, but his peak remains one of the greatest in football history.
No Room for Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the biggest surprises in Ronaldo (R9)’s lineup is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. With five Ballon d’Or titles, multiple Champions League victories, and goal records in nearly every competition he played in, many would expect CR7 to be included. However, R9’s preference for legendary playmakers and Brazilian flair meant that the Portuguese star was left out of his dream XI. Whether this omission is due to playing style or personal preference remains unknown, but it will certainly spark debate among football fans.
