The Greatest 23-Man Squad of All Time, According to a Supercomputert
Picking the best-ever 23-man football squad is a task that’s sparked debates for decades. But this time, a supercomputer has crunched the numbers, analyzed the stats, and weighed historic achievements to assemble a dream team that stretches across eras. From timeless icons of the past to modern giants still dominating today, this is what the ultimate squad looks like — according to the power of advanced computing.
Lev Yashin
The only goalkeeper ever to win the Ballon d’Or, Russia’s Lev Yashin was a revolutionary shot-stopper known as “The Black Spider.” With cat-like reflexes, he led the Soviet Union to European glory in 1960 and remains the benchmark for goalkeeping greatness.
Gianluigi Buffon
Italy’s beloved Buffon combined longevity and leadership in spectacular fashion, winning the 2006 World Cup and countless Serie A titles with Juventus. His consistency over four decades cemented his spot among football’s immortals.
Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer redefined the goalkeeper’s role with his fearless sweeper-keeper style. As vital with his feet as with his hands, he played a key part in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and Bayern’s European dominance.
Read also: The 10 Highest Paid Football Pundits - Ranked
Franz Beckenbauer
The German legend was more than a defender — he was a tactical pioneer who turned the libero into an art form. Beckenbauer’s calm authority from the back laid the foundation for Germany’s World Cup and European success.
Paolo Maldini
AC Milan’s defensive rock, Maldini boasted elegant tackling and unmatched positioning. Whether at center-back or left-back, he helped Milan to five Serie A and three European Cup titles, shutting down attackers with effortless grace.
Franco Baresi
Baresi’s supreme reading of the game made him Italy’s defensive genius of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Alongside Maldini, he formed one of football’s greatest partnerships, orchestrating Milan’s legendary defensive records.
Sergio Ramos
A modern gladiator, Ramos combined rugged defending with a knack for clutch goals. His leadership fueled Real Madrid’s Champions League three-peat and Spain’s historic Euro-World Cup treble from 2008-2012.
Read also: The 30 Greatest Defenders in Premier League History - Ranked
Cafu
Cafu set the standard for attack-minded right-backs, blending endless energy with pinpoint crossing. Twice a World Cup winner with Brazil, he captained the 2002 squad and was a relentless force down the flank.
Roberto Carlos
With blistering pace and a cannon of a left foot, Roberto Carlos revolutionized the left-back role. His thunderous free kicks and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid made him a global superstar.
Philipp Lahm
Lahm’s football IQ was off the charts — he could play on either side and never seemed out of position. His tactical brilliance was a cornerstone of Germany’s World Cup triumph in 2014.
Javier Zanetti
Inter Milan’s loyal captain for 13 years, Zanetti combined tireless stamina with quiet class. Winning the 2010 treble, he set records for appearances while embodying the ultimate professional.
Read also: The World’s Most Valuable Football Trophies - Ranked
Lothar Matthäus
Germany’s ultimate box-to-box powerhouse, Matthäus won the Ballon d'Or in 1990 and led his country to World Cup glory. His thunderous shooting and leadership redefined the midfield general.
Xavi Hernandez
The heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain’s tiki-taka era, Xavi mastered the art of dictating tempo. His vision and precision passing orchestrated two Euro wins and a World Cup triumph.
Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo played with an elegance that made football look effortless. His sublime long-range passing turned defense into attack in seconds, guiding Italy to the 2006 World Cup and dominating Europe with Milan and Juventus.
Zinedine Zidane
Few could control a match like Zidane, whose graceful footwork and clutch goals lit up finals from the 1998 World Cup to the 2002 Champions League. A big-game artist, he delivered when it mattered most.
Read also: The 20 Biggest Spenders in Premier League History - Ranked
Diego Maradona
A footballing genius with a rebellious streak, Maradona dazzled with outrageous dribbling and vision. His 1986 World Cup — complete with the “Hand of God” and that solo goal vs. England — remains the stuff of legend.
Michel Platini
France’s Platini dominated the mid-1980s, winning three straight Ballon d’Or awards. A brilliant orchestrator with a lethal scoring touch, he led France to Euro 1984 glory and starred at Juventus.
Kevin De Bruyne
Modern football’s ultimate playmaker, De Bruyne blends vision, creativity, and laser passing to devastating effect. Manchester City’s most influential star has redefined the attacking midfield role.
Lionel Messi
Arguably the greatest ever, Messi mixes spellbinding dribbling with a jaw-dropping record for goals and assists. From Barcelona to Argentina’s long-awaited Copa and World Cup glory, he’s been football’s enduring magician.
Read also: The 20 Favorites for the 2025 Ballon d'Or - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Cristiano Ronaldo
A relentless athlete and clutch performer, Ronaldo evolved from a tricky winger to a devastating all-around forward. With Champions League records and international triumphs, his hunger for goals is unmatched.
Ronaldinho
The embodiment of Joga Bonito, Ronaldinho brought joy and unpredictability every time he touched the ball. His spell at Barcelona showcased samba flair at its dazzling best, leaving fans and defenders alike spellbound.
Pelé
The first global icon of football, Pelé won three World Cups and scored at a mind-blowing rate. His dazzling skills and youthful brilliance lit up Brazil’s golden age, setting records that still awe the sport today.
Ronaldo Nazário
“O Fenômeno” was the perfect striker — explosive pace, sublime dribbling, and clinical finishing. Despite knee injuries, he still claimed two Ballon d’Or titles and inspired Brazil to World Cup glory.
