In 2014, Zinedine Zidane revealed his best XI in world football. It was a snapshot of his preferences as a manager, but more importantly, his views as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
However, his selections left some fans and pundits scratching their heads, as he left out footballers many consider untouchable.
On the other hand, FourFourTwo—to mark their 30th anniversary—unveiled their own ultimate XI in 2024, celebrating the last three decades of the sport. Their selections were shaped by expert votes and included names that have redefined football in modern times.
Presenting the best team ever – of FourFourTwo’s lifetime, at least: an XI who have defined the past 30 years of football 💪https://t.co/qiQLk1EaSQ
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) October 15, 2024
Zidane’s picks versus FourFourTwo’s choices offer intriguing insights into how greatness is defined.
Zidane’s 2014 XI comprised Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Dani Alves, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Yaya Touré, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Karim Benzema.
It’s a team laced with individual brilliance, but also notable for its omissions. Zidane notably left out Andrés Iniesta, whom he later praised as deserving the Ballon d’Or.
Zidane said in 2018, “Iniesta deserved to win the Ballon d’Or, especially in the year he won the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, FourFourTwo’s ultimate XI was built on slightly different criteria, focusing on defining moments and dominance over the last three decades. They featured Manuel Neuer in goal, with Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, and Paolo Maldini in defence.
The midfield boasted legends like Zinedine Zidane, Andrés Iniesta, and David Beckham, while the attack was spearheaded by Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário, and Ronaldinho.
🗣️Journalist: “Did you want to be the best?”
🗣️Zidane: “I always wanted to be the best and I worked for it. I never lacked ambition. But I wasn’t the best, that’s all. Or even in the Top 5. Ultimately, I may be one of the twenty”
🗣️Journalist: “Who would you put in the 5,… pic.twitter.com/ehrbEtz9Db
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) September 24, 2023
Where Zidane was partial to the flair of modern players he had coached or played with, FourFourTwo took a broader historical approach. Zidane included the likes of Ibrahimović and Modric, both of whom he managed or admired closely at Real Madrid.
On the other hand, FourFourTwo included Ronaldinho, whose prime years were spent dazzling fans with his unparalleled creativity and joy on the pitch.
The goalkeeper position is a point of divergence. Zidane chose Iker Casillas, who was his teammate at Real Madrid and part of Spain’s golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup. Casillas was a safe choice given his leadership and shot-stopping ability.
In contrast, FourFourTwo selected Manuel Neuer, a ‘sweeper-keeper’ who revolutionised goalkeeping. Neuer’s ability to play with his feet and his unflappable shot-stopping earned him the position, even though Casillas has an equally glittering resume with two Euros and a World Cup to his name.
The defence in Zidane’s team included Dani Alves, Pepe, Marcelo, and Ramos. FourFourTwo kept Ramos in their team, acknowledging his longevity and leadership, but opted for Paolo Maldini, Carles Puyol, and Philipp Lahm instead of Alves, Marcelo, and Pepe.
Maldini’s defensive intelligence, famously summarised by his quote, “If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake,” set him apart as one of the finest defenders of all time. Lahm, a versatile full-back known for his football IQ, was another notable inclusion that Zidane’s XI lacked.
Zinedine Zidane:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. Yes, better than me. Even though I was also good (laughs)” pic.twitter.com/9ZNqvrdK6L
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) April 3, 2020
FourFourTwo’s attack provided a striking contrast to Zidane’s. While both teams included Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane added Zlatan Ibrahimović and Karim Benzema to his offensive line.
Ibrahimović is known for his technical prowess and audacious goals, while Benzema’s crucial role at Real Madrid, especially under Zidane’s management, earned him a place in his manager’s dream XI.
FourFourTwo, however, opted for Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário, two Brazilian legends. Ronaldinho is remembered for his artistry and flair, while Ronaldo Nazário, often referred to as O Fenômeno, is regarded by many as the best pure striker in football history.
Ronaldo’s peak years, notably at Barcelona and Inter Milan, where he scored 47 goals in 49 games during the 1996-97 season, were unmatched in terms of sheer explosive talent. Zidane, surprisingly, did not include him despite playing alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
The midfield selection also revealed key differences. Zidane paired Luka Modric with Yaya Touré, recognising their control of games and their contributions to his Real Madrid team. Modric, in particular, has been pivotal in midfield for over a decade, helping Los Blancos to multiple Champions League victories.
FourFourTwo went for a more expansive choice with Zinedine Zidane himself, Andrés Iniesta, and David Beckham. Iniesta was an obvious omission from Zidane’s team, despite Zidane’s later admiration for the Spaniard’s career.
Beckham’s inclusion by FourFourTwo reflects his crossing ability and work rate, as well as his overall impact on football’s modern commercial era.
Ultimately, the two teams showcase the evolution of football and the personal biases that come with selecting an all-time XI.
Zidane’s selections reflected his career’s proximity to these players, while FourFourTwo made broader selections based on football’s modern history, shining a light on legends who shaped the game over the last 30 years.
Both teams tell a story of football’s greatest talents—Zidane’s with a focus on those closest to his career, and FourFourTwo’s with a more balanced, historical view across eras.
