CRISTIANO RONALDO has failed to even make the bench of a team of the most decorated players in European history.
The Juventus forward has picked up major honours in England, Spain and Italy, but it wasn’t enough to make this squad.
There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the most decorated XI in European history
The team assembled by William Hill, has the three most decorated players from Europe’s top five leagues – which means there are also four subs.
Along with Ronaldo, one other notable omission from the squad is Dani Alves.
Despite the Brazilian legend winning an incredible 43 trophies, his 28 honours he picked up in Spain are bettered by three of his ex-Barcelona team-mates.
Here SunSport runs you down the complete team.
GK – GIANLUIGI BUFFON
The Italian shot-stopper returned to the Old Lady last summer from Paris Saint-Germain.
In his first spell with the club he picked up 24 titles, and with rumours that he will be rewarded with a new one-year deal, he looks set to add to his trophy collection.
Gianluigi Buffon has played the role of first reserve during this campaignCredit: AFP
RB – GARY NEVILLE
Neville burst on to the scene at Manchester United during the 1992/93 season, and spent his whole career at the club before retiring in 2011.
He won 20 medals with the Red Devils – including eight Premier League titles and the Champions League twice.
CB – THIAGO SILVA
After winning the Serie A with AC Milan, the Brazilian moved to PSG where he has been a key member of the side since 2012.
The Brazilian has racked up 310 appearances for the club, where he has won 20 trophies.
CB – PAOLO MALDINI
The legendary defender’s career spanned across three decades, with the one-club hero playing for AC Milan between 1984-2009.
In that time, he featured an incredible 902 times, where he won 25 titles.
LB – PHILIPP LAHM
Bayern Munich’s esteemed former defender won 21 trophies in Germany before he called it quits in 2017.
Named in Uefa’s Team of the Year six times, he finally manged to win the Champions League in 2013.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville is included in the European XICredit: Getty – Contributor
CM – ANDRES INIESTA
One of the best midfielders to ever grace the game, the Barcelona cult icon won 32 major honour in Spain.
Now plying his trade in Japan, he recently helped his side Vissel Kobe win their first trophy in their history.
CM – MARCO VERRATTI
Silva’s PSG team-mate has thrived in Ligue 1 since he swapped Italy for France, with the midfielder establishing himself as one of the finest players in Europe.
Still only 27, Verratti has already 22 winners medals with Les Parisiens.
CM – PAUL SCHOLES
One of the best midfielders in Premier League history, the Manchester United legend won 26 titles in England.
Like Neville, he retired having only played for the Red Devils, though he did have two spells at the club having come out of retirement to re-join his team-mates.
RW – LIONEL MESSI
Still continuing to turn heads, the Barca magician has picked up 34 major team honours – and six Ballon d’Ors.
For some, he is the best player to ever grace a football pitch.
LW – RYAN GIGGS
Another United one-club man, the Wales boss is tied with Messi having won 34 titles during his career.
He won the Premier League an incredible 13 times, which stands as a record still.
Credit: William Hill
Lionel Messi will go down as one of the best footballers that has ever lived
ST – THOMAS MULLER
A surprising name to lead the line, the Bayern forward has been a mainstay of the side since breaking through towards the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
Still only 30, he has plenty of time to add to the 21 trophies he has so far collected.
SUBS
Moving on to the subs, former Bayern ace Oliver Kahn grabs himself a spot on the bench with 22 trophies won, along with PSG defender Marquinhos (19), Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets (29) and former Juve star Alessandro Del Piero (18).
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
