Ronaldo Nazario picked unbeatable all-time XI in 2016, included Messi and Pele

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·21 January 2023

Ronaldo Nazario picked unbeatable all-time XI in 2016, included Messi and Pele

Ronaldo Nazario is one of the greatest players to ever step onto a football pitch.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner might not be widely regarded as the GOAT, but there can be no denying that he’s well in the conversation.

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Many a football fan would have the Brazilian icon leading the line in their own personal all-time XI – but would he make his own?

The Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid legend was tasked with picking his greatest XI to ever grace the game by England’s Youtube channel in 2016 – and yes, he did pick himself.

To play alongside him, Ronaldo picked a star-studded line-up that featured many of football’s most successful ballers. However, one person it didn’t include was Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese was overlooked in favour of the likes of Diego Maradona, Pele and Lionel Messi.

Check out Ronaldo’s selected team below.

Who did Ronaldo Nazario pick in his all-time XI?

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi BuffonRight-back: CafuCentre-back: Paolo MaldiniCentre-back: Fabio CannavaroLeft-back: Roberto CarlosRight midfield: Diego MaradonaCentre midfield: Zinedine ZidaneCentre midfield: Andrea PirloLeft midfield: Lionel MessiStriker: PeleStriker: Ronaldo

What. A. Team.

It’s quite a surprise Buffon got the nod in goal over Ronaldo’s former teammate Iker Casillas, but there can be no denying that the Italian is a true great.

The right-back springs no surprise, though, Cafu is revered as the finest to ever do it in his homeland. And it’s pretty much the same story at left-back with Carlos, who played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

Italian duo, Maldini and Cannavaro, would be make many a fan’s team.

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Whereas the midfield is simply sublime. Maradona and Messi occupy either wing, with creative geniuses Pirlo and Zidane in the centre – imagine trying to stop that lot!

To round the team off, Ronaldo picked his idol, Pele, to partner him in attack, solidifying what might have been the most formidable strike force in history had their paths crossed.