Argentina’s Ángel Di María has had the privilege to play with some of the most renowned names in football during his stints at top clubs and the national team. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo—who was Di María’s teammate at Real Madrid—doesn’t make it into his all-time best eleven of teammates.

Di María’s selection is a testament to the myriad of talented players he has crossed paths with throughout his career, creating a star-studded lineup that any manager would dream of leading onto the pitch. In goal, he opts for Gianluigi Buffon, a stalwart and legend of the game. The defense is anchored by the likes of Sergio Ramos, a defender known for his scoring ability and leadership qualities; and Paolo Maldini, whose consistency and class were second to none.

The midfield is a blend of creativity, vision, and tenacity. Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández—the iconic Barcelona duo—are selected for their unparalleled ability to control the game and set up plays. Javier Mascherano finds a spot as well due to his aggressive defensive work and ability to break up opposition attacks.

Upfront, Di María’s choices highlight prolific goal-scoring and impressive versatility. Lionel Messi is an obvious pick; his long-time teammate for Argentina is widely regarded as one of the best players ever. Zlatan Ibrahimović also features in this elite squad, bringing in his unique blend of strength, skill, and personality.

While many might expect Cristiano Ronaldo’s name to feature given his illustrious career and successful partnership with Di María during their time at Real Madrid—which included winning La Décima—the Portuguese superstar doesn’t make the cut in Di María’s list. This could fuel speculation about their relationship or simply be an indication that Di María values different attributes or has shared stronger connections with other teammates on the pitch.

Nonetheless, Di María’s selected eleven showcases an incredible assembly of football talent that spans generations and exemplifies the heights of football glory—all players who have left an indelible mark on the game. It also serves as a reminder that football is about personal connections and moments shared on the pitch, sometimes transcending even the most glittering individual accolades or widespread fame.