The 21st century has given us Cristiano
Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, It has
supplied us with one of the greatest
Barcelona teams in recent history.
With UEFA’s 2017 Team of the Year set
to launch next week, we take a look
back at those who have featured most
over the 16 editions in order to create
an all-time XI.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker
Casillas features between the sticks. The
Spaniard made over 500 appearances
for Los Blancos during a successful 16
year spell with the club
Uefa ultimate team of the year.
Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles
Puyol and Philipp Lahm make up the
back four, Steven Gerrard is the only
English player to feature in the side.
The former Liverpool midfielder won
the Champions League in a famous win
against AC Milan, and made over 500
appearances for the club.
Xavi and Iniesta make up the three man
midfield, while Thierry Henry, Lionel
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the
line.
In recent times, Cristiano Ronaldo has
been part of UEFA’s team of the year 11
times, while Messi has secured a spot
eight times.
Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Carles
Puyol and Sergio Ramos have also
featured six times.
Many fans have had their say about the
list, some think some players don’t
deserve to be in it, but Uefa apparently
know the parameters they used in
selecting these names.
