Benzema includes himself in his dream XI, but not Messi or Ronaldo

Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema (35) has revealed his dream XI during an interview with the Saudi Arabian club’s social channels. The former France international includes himself in the team, but notably not Lionel Messi (36), nor former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (38).

Messi and Ronaldo are considered by many to be two of the best players to have ever played the game; the former has won eight Ballon d’Or, the latter five. No players have won more than the pair. However, neither were good enough to make Benzema’s all-time XI.

The absence of Messi may not be entirely surprising, given their rivalry during their time at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, although that didn’t prevent him from naming Dani Alves at right-back. However, the absence of Ronaldo, with whom he spent nine years with Los Blancos (2009-2018) certainly constitutes a shock.

Benzema’s XI is full of former Real Madrid teammates, notably in defence, and also Les Bleus legends, notably Zinédine Zidane.

Manuel Neuer; Dani Alves, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Claude Makélélé, Paul Pogba, Zinédine Zidane; Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (R9), Karim Benzema.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle