Shearer revealed his picks for the greatest players in World Cup history on May 22. The former England captain opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation to fit generational talents into a single lineup.
The team features Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon in goal, protected by a stacked defensive line of Cafu, Bobby Moore, Franz Beckenbauer and Roberto Carlos. Zinedine Zidane and Xavi anchor the midfield, while Pelé, Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazário occupy the attacking roles behind Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo cries after Portugal lost 0-1 to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the World Cup at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Dec. 10, 2022. Photo by AFP |
According to Daily MailCristiano Ronaldo’s absence is the most debated aspect of the squad. The Portuguese superstar is the highest-scoring player in men’s international football and the only male player to score in five different World Cups. However, he has never reached a World Cup final. His best tournament achievement remains a fourth-place finish with Portugal in 2006.
Messi secured his place after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. He scored seven goals in Qatar, including two in the final against France. Shearer noted that this triumph completed Messi’s legacy and ended any remaining debates about his all-time status.
Joining Messi in the attack are three South American icons. Maradona earned his spot for his legendary 1986 campaign, where he almost single-handedly carried Argentina to the title in Mexico, highlighted by his famous “Goal of the Century” against England.
Pelé remains the only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970). Ronaldo Nazário, who scored 15 tournament goals and led Brazil to victory in 2002, was praised by Shearer as one of the most dangerous and explosive finishers the game has ever seen.
In midfield, Zidane was selected for his talismanic role in France’s 1998 victory, where he scored twice in the final. Xavi represents Spain’s dominant era that culminated in their 2010 World Cup triumph.
The defensive lineup is equally decorated. Buffon earned the starting goalkeeper spot for his heroics during Italy’s 2006 title run. Cafu and Roberto Carlos bring legendary Brazilian flair to the fullback positions, with Cafu has played in three consecutive World Cup finals.
Beckenbauer, who famously revolutionized the libero role for West Germany, pairs in central defense with Moore. Moore is the sole Englishman to make Shearer’s squad, having captained the Three Lions to their only World Cup victory in 1966.
Comments are closed.