Curating a 23-man squad for an international tournament is a daunting task, often leaving some players feeling disappointed at not making the cut for major summer competitions. However, selecting an all-time best team adds an extra layer of difficulty, with countless football legends having graced the field since the sport’s inception.
As the standard of play has evolved, debates among fans, pundits, and players alike continue over who deserves a place in the ultimate lineup. In an attempt to resolve these discussions, GIVEMESPORT has unveiled the lineup chosen by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence that’s made its selections without including any British players.
**Goalkeepers**
The quest for the ideal goalkeeper is competitive, and the AI has opted for three exceptional names in keeping with the international tournament rule. Leading the list is Lev Yashin, the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or. Known as “The Black Spider,” Yashin spent his entire career at Dynamo Moscow, where he secured five Soviet Top League titles and won the Euros in 1960, even earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament twice.
Next is Gianluigi Buffon, who is celebrated for his remarkable longevity and commanding presence on the field. With a career that spanned four decades, most of it at Juventus, Buffon earned 176 caps for Italy. His accolades include a World Cup title, ten Serie A championships, and six Coppa Italia trophies.
Completing the goalkeeper trio is Manuel Neuer, known for revolutionizing the ‘sweeper-keeper’ position. He excels in both possession and shot-stopping, joining a prestigious group that includes notable names like Iker Casillas, who unfortunately did not make the AI’s final selection.
**Defenders**
Starting the defensive lineup is Franz Beckenbauer, a German star credited with reshaping the sweep er role and significantly contributing to his teams’ tactical advancements. Accompanying him are Italian legends Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi, both instrumental to AC Milan’s defensive success in the 1980s and 1990s. Baresi’s two-decade-long commitment to the club and his 81 caps for Italy are testament to his defensive genius, while Maldini’s versatility and defensive acumen helped Milan achieve historic records.
Finally, Sergio Ramos, a pillar of Real Madrid’s defense, rounds out the defenders. His aggressive playing style and knack for scoring crucial goals secured him a key role in both club and country victories, including Spain’s international trophies from 2008 to 2012.
**Full-Backs**
The full-back spots are held by the iconic Brazilian duo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos, both of whom are recognized for their attacking prowess from defense. Cafu, described as a ‘tireless’ right-back, boasts two World Cup titles and stints with clubs such as Roma and AC Milan. His accolades include Serie A titles and a Champions League winners medal.
Roberto Carlos, another stellar talent, is remembered for his explosive speed and powerful shots. His impressive stats from his time with Real Madrid showcase numerous La Liga titles and Champions League victories.
Adding to their ranks is Philip Lahm, admired for his tactical intelligence, capable of playing effectively on either flank. Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, renowned for his stamina and versatility, completes the full-back group, with a remarkable history at Inter Milan, including five title wins.
**Midfielders**
The midfield is split into defensive and attacking categories, featuring three defensive midfielders and four creative talents. Lothar Matthaus stands out as the leading deep-lying midfielder, a true box-to-box dynamo pivotal to Germany’s success. With numerous titles under his belt and a Ballon d’Or win, Matthaus’ impact remains legendary.
Alongside him are Xavi Hernandez and Andrea Pirlo, two of the greatest passers in football history. Xavi’s mastery in controlling play during Barcelona’s dominance and Pirlo’s exquisite long passing and vision added depth to their teams.
The attacking midfielders include the elegant Zinedine Zidane, whose clutch performances in pivotal moments solidified his status as a legend. Diego Maradona, a player of extraordinary skill, captured the world’s attention in the 1986 World Cup, while Michel Platini, known for his goal-scoring ability, and modern-day star Kevin De Bruyne further enrich the squad’s creative talent.
**Forwards**
No selection is complete without Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom have extraordinary records and accolades. Messi, regarded as one of the greatest players ever, impresses with his creativity, scoring ability, and dribbling skills. Ronaldo, originally a right-winger, evolved into a multi-faceted striker known for his goal-scoring prowess, marking an illustrious career.
Completing the offensive lineup is Brazilian star Ronaldinho, who captivated fans with his flair during his peak.
**Strikers**
Up front, the legendary Pele takes center stage as the starting striker. His accolades include three World Cup trophies, a remarkable goal record, and unparalleled influence on Brazilian football. Close behind is Ronaldo Nazario, whose potential was stifled by injuries, yet remains a figure of excellence in football lore.
**Honorable Mentions**
Several notables were narrowly excluded, including Johan Cruyff and Andres Iniesta, overshadowed by the brilliance of those selected. AI recognizes other legends like George Best and Thierry Henry as deserving, but ultimately unable to secure a place in this highly competitive lineup.
Statistics referenced are courtesy of Transfermarkt, accurate as of July 7, 2025.
