Brazilian and Barcelona legend Rivaldo names his all-time greatest XI—Cristiano left out
Brazilian icon Rivaldo, a key figure in his country’s 2002 World Cup triumph and one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, has sparked debate with his all-time greatest XI. The former Barcelona star, known for his dazzling skill and lethal left foot, made some bold choices—most notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo. His selections have fueled discussions among fans and analysts, as one of the most iconic names in soccer history failed to make the cut.
In a 2015 interview with Goal, Rivaldo revealed his dream lineup, starting in goal with Dida. “He won everything with Milan and Brazil. At his peak, he was so difficult to score against.” For his backline, Rivaldo selected Cafu at right-back. “Our captain when we won the World Cup, one of the best professionals I have ever played with.”
At center-back, he picked Carles Puyol, highlighting his leadership. “A good friend, a good player, and an even better leader. He had the authority to lead any team.” Puyol was paired with Paolo Maldini, a player Rivaldo admired from his time at Milan. “When I arrived at Milan, he was already well into his thirties, but the class and composure were still there. Such an intelligent defender, he could read the game better than anybody.”
Completing the backline at left-back was Roberto Carlos, another Brazilian legend. “We were so lucky to have two full-backs who knew how to defend but were also incredible in attack. They played a huge part in our success.”
A midfield full of surprises
Rivaldo’s midfield featured some unexpected choices. On the right, he picked Luis Figo. “Running with the ball, he was a defender’s nightmare. They couldn’t get near him.” In central midfield, he chose Xavi Hernández, praising his selflessness. “An amazing player, but he never wanted to be the hero. Everything he did was for the good of Barcelona.”
Next to Xavi, Zinedine Zidane made the cut, with Rivaldo recalling their mutual respect on the pitch. “When he had the ball, I would shadow him, and he would do the same to me. Neither of us wanted to be embarrassed by the other—we knew what we were both capable of.”
On the left, Ronaldinho rounded out the midfield, edging out Cristiano Ronaldo. “A master with the ball. It would have been incredible to see him and Lionel Messi play together for longer at Barcelona.”
A deadly strike partnership
Up front, Rivaldo opted for a strike duo rather than a traditional front three. First, he named Lionel Messi. “Five years ago, I said he would be crowned the best player in the world five or six times over—and he will be. He can already be talked about alongside Pelé and Maradona.”
Alongside Messi, Rivaldo selected Ronaldo Nazário, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time. “I have played with some great players, but he is the one I enjoyed playing with the most. The best striker of all time.”
The biggest omissions
While Rivaldo’s XI featured Messi, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Nazário, the absence of Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo stood out as the biggest surprises. Instead, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho took their places—an intriguing decision that has sparked intense debate among soccer fans.
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