Sam Matterface has become the latest media personality to attempt to settle the hotly-debated matter of picking an all-time World Cup XI.
The 48-year-old presenter, best known for his work on TalkSport, TNT Sports, and ITV Sport, sat down with Daily Mail Sport to run the rule over the legends of the past and present.
Sam has left out some big names in his ultimate World Cup XI, perhaps most noticeably Brazil legend Pele as well as Cristiano Ronaldo… so, do you agree with his picks?
There’s no sign of Brazil legend Pele in Sam Matterface’s all-time World Cup XI
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to appear at his fifth World Cup, is also a notable omission
Sam Matterface’s all-time World Cup XI (4-3-3):
GK: Oliver Kahn
Kahn is widely considered the most intimidating goalkeeper of all time, constantly barking orders to his defenders and charging fearlessly to meet opposition strikers, so it’s little wonder why he was Sam’s first name on the teamsheet.
The German was capped 86 times for his country, selected in four World Cup squads – 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006. Kahn captained his side to the 2002 World Cup Final conceding only three goals throughout the tournament, two of which came in the final.
The Bayern Munich legend remains the first and only goalkeeper to be awarded the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament at a World Cup.
Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball at the 2002 World Cup, when Germany reached the final
RB: Cafu
Cafu, the yardstick all modern right-backs are measured against, is a legend who strolls into any team – including this one.
Capped 142 times for Brazil, a Brazilian record 20 of appearances at World Cups. Won the competition twice in 1994 and as captain in 2002. A goal threat too, having scored five times for his country.
CB: Rio Ferdinand
One of England’s greatest ever defenders and a veteran of four World Cup squads, Ferdinand is the only Three Lion on Sam’s list.
The Manchester United legend was capped 81 times and scored 3 goals for his country. Ferdinand never progressed past the quarter-finals but did play every minute of England’s five games in 2002 and 2006.
He was named in the 2002 team of the tournament for his part in keeping three clean sheets in five games.
Rio Ferdinand is one of England’s greatest ever defenders and a veteran of four World Cup squads, making 88 appearances during a 14-year career with the national team
CB: Paolo Maldini
This Italian legend strikes fear into any attacker. A veteran of four World Cups between 1990 and 2004. Nicknamed the Marathon Man, Maldini played 23 times at World Cups and was never substituted.
During the 1990 tournament in Italy Maldini led the defensive line to a record five consecutive clean sheets, conceding their first goal in the semi-final against Argentina after 518 minutes unbeaten.
Maldini never won the World Cup but reached the final, placed third and was named in a team of the tournament throughout his illustrious career.
LB: Roberto Carlos
Another positional GOAT here. All left backs’ dreams are of being Roberto Carlos when they grow up so it’s understandable Sam has picked him.
Carlos was selected for three World Cup squads at the height of Brazil’s powers. He won 125 caps and scored 10 goals including the famous ‘banana shot’ against France.
Carlos reached the final in 1998 and won it in 2002 playing 13 times across the two tournaments. Carlos brings a set piece threat to this team scoring a freekick in a group stage game against China in 2002.
Carlos (left) was selected for three World Cup squads at the height of Brazil’s powers
CM: Lothar Matthaus
The German midfielder has a wealth of experience at the World Cups, being a veteran of five tournaments, representing West Germany and Germany between 1982-98.
During Germany’s triumphant 1990 tournament Matthäus played a crucial role, scoring long distance goals with both feet, smashing home a winning penalty in a quarter-final shootout against Czechoslovakia and winning the Silver Ball.
The German is amongst the most capped in this team with 150, and 23 goals from midfield.
CM: Andres Iniesta
Winning the World Cup deep into extra-time for your country is a good way of getting on this list.
That’s exactly what this Catalan legend did. With 115 minutes on the clock in the final up popped Iniesta to fire his nation to the top of the world in 2010.
In addition to this small feat Iniesta was part of what many describe as the best midfield of all time. Made up of himself, Xavi and Sergio Busquets. Together they won a World Cup and a European Championship.
Iniesta made 131 appearances for his country, 14 of which came at World Cups.
Winning the World Cup deep into extra-time for your country is a good way of getting on this list – as achieved by Andres Iniesta in 2010
CAM: Zinedine Zidane
Whilst his World Cup career may not have ended in the best circumstances, Zizou is undeniably one of the best to lace up boots.
Capped 108 times, scoring 31 goals for France. The Frenchman loved the big stage, scoring three goals in World Cup finals, two against Brazil in 1998 and a panenka against Buffon’s Azzurri in 2006.
Zidane won the Ballon D’or in 1998 and the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament in 2006, despite being sent off in the final. Hailed by some as the best ever, and famously ‘your favourite player’s favourite player’ Zizou improves any team.
RF: Lionel Messi
From one GOAT to another, Messi cemented his place as football’s deity in Qatar 2022 by finally lifting the one trophy that had always evaded him.
The little magician has made 198 international appearances scoring 116 goals including 10 hattricks, and he’s not done yet as he captains Argentina to yet another World Cup.
He’s the only player named player of the tournament twice in 2014 and 2022. He holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 and goal contributions with 21, both of which are set to increase this summer.
Messi is undeniably a World Cup great.
CF: Ronaldo
Hot on Messi’s heels is R9 with 20 goal contributions over four tournaments for Brazil from 1994 to 2006.
His career may have been cut short through knee injuries but Ronaldo Nazário is still considered one of the very best to play the game. His speed, power and skills were a nightmare for defenders.
He shares the crown for most goals at a single tournament with eight in 2002 where he won the Golden boot and the Golden Ball in 1998.
Ronaldo shares the crown for most goals at a single tournament with eight in 2002 where he won the Golden boot and the Golden Ball in 1998
LF: Diego Maradona
Starting on the opposite wing to his successor Maradona rounds out Sam’s terrifying front three.
Maradona was one of the best to ever play the sport and truly impossible to defend against regularly slicing through entire teams on his way to goal in his prime.
Across his 91 cap international career, he scored 34 goals, eight at World Cups. He played a key role in Argentina’s triumphant 1986 campaign where he was awarded the Golden Ball.
Do you agree with Sam Matterface’s XI? Ferdinand over Beckenbauer or Varane? Can you improve on his front three? And who do you take out to get Pele in?
Pick your XI from the shortlist and submit your final selection HERE. You can then compare it to our Daily Mail football experts.
You can also share your team with your friends and see how your selection compares with thousands of other Mail readers…
