Champions League all-time XI

3-4-3 formation

Casillas

Probably the greatest goalkeeper ever, just in front of Buffon. The Spaniard has always played for Real Madrid and is a great shot stopper. 151 Spanish caps as well as 476 appearances for Real.  Casillas has won every single honour in the game with the exception of a Confederations Cup; he has captained Spain to their last two Euros’ and there sole World Cup. Casillas has lifted ‘old big ears’ on two occasions.

Cafu

The energetic and everlasting Brazilian was a real gem at Milan.  The Brazilian captained his country to glory at the 2002 World Cup and also won the Champions League with the Rossoneri.  Cafu’s energy and consistency was crucial to Milan’s march to their seventh crown.  Cafu also won three Uefa Super Cups and a Cup Winner’s Cup.

Nesta

Arguably the greatest centre back of his generation, the Italian won three Super Cups, Cup Winners’ Cup and two Champions’ Leagues.  He was also pivotal to Italy’s 2006 World Cup success.  The former Lazio man also won three Serie A.

Maldini was a ledgend. credit immortal
Maldini was a legend. credit wiki.org

Maldini

Words cannot describe this man.  The number three shirt at Milan has been retired due to his brilliance.  Maldini boasts five Champions Leagues, seven Italian championships, five Super Cups and three World Club Cups.  Maldini played 647 times for the Rossoneri.

Figo

One of the first galacticos acquired by Real, Figo was a winger with extreme skill and speed. Two Uefa Super Cups, Cup Winner’s Cup and a Champions League, were the rewards for Figo’s brilliance.

Zidane

One of the greatest players of all-time, Zizou lit up the football world with his brilliance. The Frenchman was twice beaten in Europe’s’ showpiece with Juventus before eventually winning the prize in 2002 with Real, whilst scoring one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition along the way.

Zidane after the 2002 Champions league final. Credit footy
Zidane after the 2002 Champions league final. Credit footy.com

Scholes

The greatest midfielder of his generation, enjoyed success twice in 1999 and 2008 and tasted defeat in 2009 and 2011.  Scholes was a catalyst for United and only for Barcelona would be boasting four crowns. Eight leagues with United and some wonderful goals make him the perfect partner for Zidane.

Nedved

The Czech was similar to Figo with his trickery and speed.  Nedved never won the Champions League but came very close in 2003, when his Juventus side lost out on penalties to Milan at Old Trafford.   Nedved, however, did manage a Super Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup with Lazio.

Messi

How could you leave this guy out? Three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and four Ballon D’Ors.  Messi really has to be included, he scored the winners in the two finals he played in and has consistently made the competition sparkle. One of the greatest ever footballers.

Raul

The Spaniard boasts three Champions Leagues and until last week held the record for appearances too.  Raul still has the record number of goals in the competition with 71.  Raul was arguably Real’s best ever player and was wonderful to watch.

Raul scored 71 times in Europe. credit golo
Raul scored 71 times in Europe. credit golo.com

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Man, the myth, the legend.  Ronaldo has to be one of the best players to have graced the competition.  Speed, power, two feet and what a prolific goal scorer he is. Ronaldo’s only crown came in Moscow in 2008, when United beat Chelsea, a runner up a year later, ‘CR7’ has been in four semi-finals three with Real.  Ronaldo also boasts a Ballon D’Or but has regularly been left second best to Messi.

Subs;

Buffon

Neville

Stam

Gerrard

Xavi

Iniesta

Trezeguet

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