Former England captain Alan Shearer has unveiled his personal selection for the greatest World Cup XI in history. The lineup, shared with Daily Mail Sport, features a collection of legends from various eras of the tournament.

A defensive foundation of Buffon, Moore, and Beckenbauer

The defensive structure of Shearer's dream team relies on iconic leaders from different eras of football. According to the report, Shearer selected Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the backbone of Italy’s 2006 championship-winning squad. He paired him with England’s Bobby Moore, who captained the nation to victory in 1966, and German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who won the tournament as both a player and a manager.

This selection reflects a broader trend in footballing debates where legendary captains are prioritized for their leadership as much as their technical skill.. by choosing Moore and Beckenbauer,Shearer anchors his team in the historical prestige of the 1960s and the tactical revolution of the German sweeper role,ensuring the team has a foundation of composure and intelligence.

The Brazilian influence of Cafu, Carlos, and Ronaldo

Brazil’s historical dominance of the World Cup is heavily reflected in Shearer's tactical setup. The report notes that Shearer included Brazilian full-backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos, both of whom redefined their positions through attacking prowess. Cafu is highlighted as the only player to reach three consecutive World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 1994 and 2002. Meanwhile, Roberto Carlos is noted for his explosive pace and his famous,thunderous left foot.

This Brazilian core extends into the attacking midfield with the inclusion of Ronaldo Nazario. The former striker, who won the Golden Boot during Brazil's 2002 triumph, provides the explosive finishing that complements the team's creative elements.

The Pelé and Messi attacking duo

The frontline of Shearer's XI brings together the two most decorated names in the history of the sport. The selection features Pelé, the only player to have secured three World Cup titles, alongside Lionel Messi, who completed his career legacy by winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Supporting this attack are two of the greatest playmakers to ever play the game: Zinedine Zidane and Xavi.

Zidane is recognized for his pivotal role in France's 1998 success, while Xavi is credited as the engine behind Spain's 2010 championship run. The midfield is further bolstered by the inclusion of Argentine icon Diego Maradona, whose 1986 campaign remains one of the most storied individual performances in history.

The omittd names from the 160-icon list

While the list is star-studded, it leaves several significant questions regarding the players left on the sidelines. The source mentions a broader pool of over 160 era-defining icons available for selection, yet many legendary figures are absent from Shearer's final eleven. Specifically, the report notes that players like Paolo Maldini were part of the wider discussion , yet he does not appear in the final XI.

It remains unclear why Shearer opted for a specific defensive configuration that excludes other defensive giants, or how he would balance the immense attackking talent of Maradona, Pelé, and Messi without sacrificing midfield stability.