Best World Cup XI of ALL TIME

The World Cup doesn’t just represent the pinnacle of football – it is the crowning jewel in the sporting world.

But which players represent World Cup greatness more than any other? Today, that’s what we’ll aim to find out.

This XI will be based on World Cup performances alone. To be included, a player must have been part of a World Cup winning squad at least once – players like Johan Cruyff, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio will not be eligible.

Furthermore, we simply couldn’t limit this XI to just 11 players. As such, we added in five substitutes – think of them as honourable mentions.

GK: Gilmar

The most successful goalkeeper in World Cup history and a real pioneer for modern goalkeeping, Gilmar absolutely deserves his spot between the sticks.

No other goalkeeper has won two World Cups before or since – he made 94 appearances for Brazil during his 18-year professional career.

RB: Cafu

The best right-back of all time, Cafu played at four different World Cups for Brazil, winning two of them – he only failed to reach the final once, in 2006.

Cafu was the archetypal modern full-back. Defensively responsible and excellent going forwards, few players have been as effective at World Cup tournaments as Cafu was.

CB: Franz Beckenbauer

Known as ‘Der Kaiser’, Franz Beckenbauer is frequently cited as being one of the best – if not THE best – central defender of all time (despite predominantly playing as a sweeper).

Beckenbauer wasn’t the tallest defender in the world, but he made up for his physical deficiencies with phenomenal timing, tenacity and an undying will to win.

CB: Fabio Cannavaro

Italy’s World Cup performance in 2006 wasn’t pretty, but it was certainly effective. The Italians bullied their way to the trophy, with Fabio Cannvaro at the heart of their efforts.

This was Cannavaro’s coronation in football, but he also played at three other World Cups. His captain’s display in 2006 will never be forgotten – seldom has a defender led such a perfect tournament.