No space for Messi as Kaká names best 11 including teammates and opponents
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Despite winning eight ballon d’Ors, Lionel Messi was a notable absentee from Kaká’s Ultimate XI | Credits: Imago/ Illustration by Pulse Sports NG

No space for Messi as Kaká names best 11 including teammates and opponents

David Ben 09:51 - 23.04.2024

Despite winning eight ballon d’Ors, Lionel Messi was a notable absentee from Kaká’s Ultimate XI.

In a previous revelation, Brazilian football icon Ricardo Kaká unveiled his ultimate dream team, featuring a formidable lineup of past teammates and opponents.

While the roster boasts Ballon d’Or luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, there was one notable omission which was the absence of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi.

How Kaká selected his Ultimate Dream Team

Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, renowned for his flair and remarkable playmaking and goal scoring abilities, curated his dream team during an interview with the Daily Mail in 2015.

Kaká
Kaká won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 while at AC Milan | Credit: Imago

Having enjoyed an illustrious career spanning clubs like AC Milan and Real Madrid, as well as international competitions, the midfielder handpicked eleven players that stood out for him over the course of his professional career.

Kaká’s Dream XI features a star-studded lineup

Kaka
Credit: IMAGO

Kaka's XI was a brilliant collection of footballing royalty.

From the defensive prowess of his teammates at Milan, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, to the midfield mastery of Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta, and Andrea Pirlo, each position was fortified with the best talent the footballing world has ever seen.

Kaká also chose a mesmerizing trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, and Ronaldinho to spearhead his attack.

As mentioned earlier, a notable absentee, however, includes the prolific Lionel Messi, whose exclusion will certainly raise eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Below is a breakdown of the star-studded lineup as chosen by Kaka in 2015.

Goalkeeper (GK): Dida

Right Back (RB): Cafu

Center Back (CB): Paolo Maldini

Center Back (CB): Alessandro Nesta

Left Back (LB): Roberto Carlos

Central Midfielder (CM): Zinedine Zidane

Central Midfielder (CM): Andres Iniesta

Central Midfielder (CM): Andrea Pirlo

Right Winger (RW): Cristiano Ronaldo

Striker (ST): Ronaldo Nazario

Left Winger (LW): Ronaldinho