Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of L’Équipe’s all-time UEFA Champions League XI, sparking strong reactions from football fans on social media.
The Portuguese forward, widely regarded as one of the competition’s greatest players, was omitted from the lineup despite his record-breaking achievements and five Champions League titles.
Messi Included Ahead of Ronaldo
Lionel Messi was selected in the attacking lineup, while Ronaldo was left out in favour of Alfredo Di Stéfano.
The XI also features former stars such as Johan Cruyff and George Best, alongside Luka Modrić and Andrés Iniesta in midfield. Ray Clemence was selected in goal, with Franz Beckenbauer, Franco Baresi, Dani Carvajal and Paolo Maldini completing the defence.
Fans Question Ronaldo’s Omission
Ronaldo’s exclusion quickly drew criticism from fans, with several describing the decision as difficult to understand given his record in the competition.
Some supporters pointed to his status as the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer and his five titles, while others questioned the decision to select players with fewer appearances in the competition ahead of him.
Ronaldo’s Champions League Record
Ronaldo remains the competition’s all-time leading scorer, with 140 goals in 183 appearances, and has won the Champions League five times.
He also holds the record for most goals in a single Champions League campaign, scoring 17 during the 2013/14 season, while his 67 knockout-stage goals remain the highest in the competition’s history.
The omission has therefore reignited debate over who deserves a place in the greatest Champions League XI of all time.
