Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario names his all-time starting XI, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out

Ronaldo Nazario, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in soccer history, left an enduring legacy with his blistering pace, clinical finishing, and iconic performances for Brazil and clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner recently revealed his all-time starting XI — and made headlines by omitting fellow legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a 2023 appearance on fellow Brazilian Romário’s podcast, Ronaldo unveiled a lineup heavily dominated by Brazilian greats, walking through his selections from back to front.

“Goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon. Right-back, Cafu. Center-backs, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini. Left-back, Roberto Carlos. Midfielders, Zico and Diego Maradona. In attack, Lionel Messi on the right, myself as center forward, Pelé as a second striker, and Ronaldinho on the left,” Ronaldo explained.

It’s a lineup packed with flair, legacy, and attacking brilliance. His decision to deploy just two midfielders in Zico and Maradona allowed him to field an ultra-offensive front four — including himself — that would strike fear into any defense. Notably absent were names like Zinedine Zidane or Cristiano Ronaldo, further emphasizing his preference for creativity and Brazilian influence.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring Portugal’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Scotland at Estadio da Luz on September 8, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ronaldo revisits all-time XI, this time includes Cristiano Ronaldo

A year later, in a 2024 interview with Diario AS, Ronaldo was once again asked to name his all-time XI — and this time, he made some notable changes, including the long-awaited addition of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, this adjustment came at the expense of his former Brazil teammate Ronaldinho.

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“Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon. Defenders: Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, and Roberto Carlos. Midfielders: Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Pelé. Forwards: Messi on the right, me in the middle, and Cristiano Ronaldo on the left,” Ronaldo told AS.

The new lineup saw Cannavaro replacing Beckenbauer in central defense, Zidane stepping in for Zico in midfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo slotting into the attack in place of Ronaldinho. While the core remained largely intact, the tweaks reflected a different tactical balance — and perhaps a response to fan reactions from his earlier choices.

Regardless of the variations, both of Ronaldo’s lineups are filled with icons who shaped the modern game — a who’s who of soccer greatness.