Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi named in Ballon d’Or dream team

The Juventus Star Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona Forward Lionel Messi have found a place in Ballon d’Or all-time dream team that also features Pele and Diego Maradona (late).

As the annual Ballon d’Or award has been cancelled this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, France Football – the publication behind the Ballon d’Or has announced its best XI in history. The team is formulated by the votes of journalists from 170 countries and regions.

The Ballon d’Or dream team includes Brazil’s three-time World Cup winner Pele and legendary Argentinian Diego Maradona, who died last month of a heart attack.

The team that looks utterly unbeatable also includes goalkeeper Lev Yashin; defenders Cafu, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini; and mid-fielders Xavi and Lothar Matthaus.

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Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or a record six times said:

“For me it is an honour to have been included in the eleven of the Ballon d’Or Dream Team. I want to thank you for choosing me and also congratulate all the players who were selected … and all the nominees, there are real phenomena on that list.”

On the other hand, Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup winner and dual Ballon d’Or recipient, also expressed pride at being named in the No. 9 position.

He said:

I’m very honoured to be part of France Football’s All-Time 11. What an amazing Dream Team… They all deserve my respect and admiration and I’m obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you!

I’m very honoured to be part of France Football’s All Time 11. What an amazing Dream Team… They all deserve my respect and admiration and I’m obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/VHpuSdw89P

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 14, 2020

Full list of names included in the team:

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin (Soviet Union/Russia)

Defenders: Cafú (Brazil), Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), and Paolo Maldini (Italy)

Midfielders: Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Xavi (Spain), Pelé (Brazil), and Maradona (Argentina)