Former England captain Alan Shearer has unveiled his ultimate World Cup XI, assembling a team brimming with legendary figures from football's most prestigious tournament. The selection spans generations, featuring iconic captains, dazzling playmakers, and unstoppable forwards who have left an indelible mark on World Cup history.
Shearer's Dream Team
Shearer shared his lineup with Daily Mail Sport at the launch of Betfair's World Cup campaign, under the banner: "Everyone's got an opinion, back yours at Betfair." The team is set in a 4-2-3-1 formation, blending defensive solidity with attacking brilliance.
Goalkeeper and Defence
In goal, Shearer chose Italian great Gianluigi Buffon. Widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of all time, Buffon was the backbone of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning side. His reflexes, leadership, and composure under pressure defined a career spanning over two decades. Despite never winning the Champions League, his World Cup triumph in Germany cemented his place among football immortals.
At right-back, Shearer selected Brazilian legend Cafu, the only player to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Cafu lifted the trophy twice, in 1994 and 2002, and was renowned for his relentless energy and attacking runs that redefined the modern full-back role. On the opposite flank, another Brazilian icon, Roberto Carlos, is remembered for his thunderous left foot and explosive pace, making him one of the most feared attacking defenders. His performances during Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph remain unforgettable, and his famous free-kick against France in 1997 is still celebrated.
In central defence, Shearer paired England hero Bobby Moore with German great Franz Beckenbauer. Moore captained England to their only World Cup triumph in 1966, admired for his elegance, intelligence, and reading of the game. Beckenbauer revolutionised football with the sweeper role and won the World Cup both as a player and manager for West Germany.
Midfield
In central midfield, Shearer selected French maestro Zinedine Zidane alongside Spanish legend Xavi. Zidane led France to World Cup success in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. Xavi, the heartbeat of Spain's historic 2010 World Cup-winning side, used his passing range and football intelligence to define an era of dominance for both Spain and Barcelona.
Attack
On the right side of attacking midfield, Shearer included Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo Nazario. One of the deadliest forwards ever, Ronaldo starred at three World Cups and won the Golden Boot in 2002 as Brazil lifted the trophy. Despite injuries limiting parts of his career, at his peak he was virtually unstoppable, combining explosive speed with devastating finishing. On the left, Argentine icon Diego Maradona was an automatic choice. Maradona produced one of the greatest individual World Cup campaigns in 1986, inspiring Argentina to glory almost single-handedly. His 'Goal of the Century' against England remains a defining moment in football history.
The attack is completed by perhaps the two greatest names football has produced: Pele and Lionel Messi. Pele remains the only player to win three World Cups, becoming a global sensation as a teenager in 1958. Messi finally completed his football story by winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, delivering magical performances in Qatar. For many fans, that triumph settled the debate over his place among the all-time greats. Shearer's XI includes Messi as the lone striker, supported by a formidable attacking midfield trio.
Shearer's ultimate XI: Buffon; Cafu, Moore, Beckenbauer, Carlos; Zidane, Xavi; Ronaldo, Pele, Maradona; Messi.
