Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Buffon: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's incredible dream XI

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·7 July 2022

Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Buffon: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's incredible dream XI

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the greatest footballers in history.

That’s what happens when you represent Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United throughout the course of your career.

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Due to the fact he’s played for so many big clubs, Zlatan – who himself is among the best to have played the sport – has an enviable trophy collection.

The Swedish legend has won league titles in Italy, Spain and France, while he also scooped the UEFA Europa League with United in 2016/17

Only the Champions League trophy is missing from his cabinet and unless Milan shock the world in 2022/23 by winning the famous competition, ol’ Big Ears will avoid Zlatan’s grasp for all eternity.

But despite that, it’s certainly not bad being the 40-year-old icon and as we previously mentioned, his list of former teammates is among the best you’ll see.

Back in 2018, the maverick striker was asked to narrow it down and pick just one dream XI made up of men he’s played alongside at the very highest level.

Zlatan wasn’t able to name Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane or Ronaldo Nazario, but the team that was selected is still out of this world.

Check it out in all of its glory here…

Chelsea sign Raheem Sterling (Football Terrace)

Zlatan’s amazing ‘Dream XI’

Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Right-back | Lilian Thuram (Juventus)

Centre-back | Thiago Silva (AC Milan & PSG)

Centre-back | Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)

Left-back | Maxwell (Inter, Barcelona & PSG)

Centre-mid | Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)

Centre-mid | Patrick Vieira (Juventus & Inter)

Centre-mid | Pavel Nedved (Juventus)

Right-wing | Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Striker | Zlatan Ibrahimovic (n/a)

Left-wing | Ronaldinho (AC Milan)

Subs: Julio Cesar, Andres Iniesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf

What. A. Team.

Zlatan has played with so many legendary figures that the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry and Carles Puyol don’t even make the substitutes bench – outrageous stuff.

Of course, he named himself as the team’s striker, because that’s what Zlatan does.

After all, this is a man who believes he’s the best in the world and possesses the same qualities as Messi and Ronaldo.

“If you’re talking about intrinsic qualities, I have nothing less than them [Messi & Ronaldo],” Ibrahimovic bold said in an interview with France Football, per Goal.

“Deep down, I think I’m the best in the world. I don’t think it’s relevant to compare players with each other.”