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Cristiano Ronaldo Named Best 11 of Teammates From His Career

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Summary

  • Cristiano Ronaldo has had an extraordinary career, playing with some of the best players in the world during his time at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
  • Ronaldo selected his best XI from teammates he had played with in an interview in 2023, with Real Madrid players such as Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas dominating the team.
  • Three Manchester United players were selected by Ronaldo, while Giorgio Chiellini was the sole player from Juventus chose by the Portugal star.

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch. Having shone for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, he has broken numerous records and solidified his status as one of the ‘GOAT’s’ of the game.

But who are the 40-year-old’s greatest teammates? Well, the legend himself gave his opinion on the matter just last year in an interview with Goal Arabia, via Planet Football. Given the number of incredible teams he played for, Ronaldo had a plethora of incredible talent to whittle down to.

Here at GIVEMESPORT, we are going to take you through the XI the Portuguese superstar named and take a look back at the time they spent together as teammates. With some big-name players such as Ryan Giggs, Mesut Ozil and Carlos Tevez missing out, this still might be the greatest team that could ever be assembled.

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Iker Casillas

Ronaldo’s decision to opt for Casillas as goalkeeper, even with the notable exclusions of Edwin van der Sar, Keylor Navas, and Gianluigi Buffon, is entirely reasonable. Having spent six years alongside the Spanish goalkeeper at Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Casillas clinched seven trophies together, solidifying CR7’s decision to choose his former captain between the sticks.

Casillas is unquestionably regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. Having won all that there is to win in the game, there is nothing the Spaniard didn’t experience in his star-studded career. You could hardly ask for a safer pair of hands in goal.

Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

228

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.38

Wins

170

Draws

32

Losses

26

Joint goal participations

0

Minutes

19,431

Right Back: Sergio Ramos

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos celebrates
Sergio Ramos celebrates

Despite plying his trade in the middle of defence while playing alongside Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos does have history at right back, starting his career there. So, while it may seem strange, his versatility makes it a sensible decision and allows for other quality players to play centrally.

We all know about the Spanish defender’s wild side and obsessive mentality. Like Ronaldo, he will stop at nothing to win, he’s just willing to bend the rules a little bit more. However, don’t let that take away from the fact that the now 39-year-old was arguably the best at the back for the last decade. He also had a knack for coming up clutch when needed, with the equalising goal in the 2014 Champions League final springing to mind.

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Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

339

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.27

Wins

237

Draws

57

Losses

45

Joint goal participations

15

Minutes

28,441

Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand

Played with Ronaldo at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand

The first of just four players on this list not to have played for Los Blancos, Ferdinand was around when Ronaldo first broke through at Manchester United. He spoke of the harsh treatment the winger received upon his arrival.

“His mindset when he came to the club was I’m here to entertain people. He loved it. He used to get snapped in training. People would kick the hell out of him.

“Some kids at that age would’ve gone under. Whereas Cristiano’s intelligence was a key factor in that.”

That mindset saw Ronaldo drive Manchester United to multiple league titles and his first Champions League in 2008, with Ferdinand also being an integral part of that incredible group.

Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

221

Teams

1 (Man United)

Points-per-game

2.15

Wins

145

Draws

41

Losses

35

Joint goal participations

0

Minutes

17,233

Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini

Played with Ronaldo at Juventus

Giorgio Chiellini

The Italian stallion Giorgio Chiellini is not long retired from football, but he is already truly missed. In his prime, the no-nonsense defender was one of the toughest men in the sport, with a sporting IQ to match his tenacious efforts.

The former European Championship winner is the only man on this list to have been alongside Ronaldo at Juventus, a period where the marksman’s career began to show its earliest signs of decline. While many hoped that they would be able to collect the Champions League that the likes of Chiellini and Buffon had come agonizingly close to, it wasn’t meant to be.

Giorgio Chiellini and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

55

Teams

1 (Juventus)

Points-per-game

2.24

Wins

38

Draws

9

Losses

8

Joint goal participations

2

Minutes

4,042

Left Back: Marcelo

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Marcelo

Marcelo shared a profound connection with CR7, extending beyond the confines of the pitch. Their partnership at Real Madrid was undeniably potent, showcasing their formidable synergy on and off the field. It’s unsurprising that Marcelo earns a spot in this XI for that reason alone.

The Brazilian is one of the most successful players to have played the game, with an astonishing 27 trophies in his senior career. It can be argued that no one had a better seat in the house to watch Ronaldo in his prime than the 37-year-old who stood directly behind the number 7 during the peak years of his career.

Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

332

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.35

Wins

243

Draws

50

Losses

39

Joint goal participations

33

Minutes

26,092

Central Midfield: Toni Kroos

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos

This may seem hard to fathom, but Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo only spent four years together at the Santiago Bernabeu. If it feels like longer, it’s probably down to the fact that the pair won an astonishing amount together in that nearly half a decade.

Between 2014 and 2018, the German was an instrumental figure in helping Zinedine Zidane’s men lift three consecutive Champions League titles, taking Ronaldo’s grand total to five. As incredible as the retired midfielder was, he wasn’t the only one to take credit for manning the engine room so diligently.

Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

170

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.22

Wins

115

Draws

32

Losses

23

Joint goal participations

16

Minutes

14,009

Central Midfield: Luka Modric

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Luka Modric with the Ballon d'Or award
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric with the Ballon d’Or award

One of two Ballon d’Or winners that Ronaldo has picked in his team, the Croatian playmaker is actually the man who dethroned Ronaldo back in 2018, preventing the Portuguese star from winning three straight Player of the Year awards.

While we’re sure Ronaldo is still unhappy about that nearly eight years later, it has not prevented him from acknowledging the former Spurs player as one of the very best midfielders of his generation. It arguably caps off an incredible turnaround for the 40-year-old, who was once voted as the worst signing in La Liga.

Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

222

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.22

Wins

152

Draws

37

Losses

33

Joint goal participations

16

Minutes

16,459

Central Midfield: Paul Scholes

Played with Ronaldo at Manchester United

Paul Scholes_

The man that was affectionately known as ‘GPS’ due to his incredible passing range and accuracy, Paul Scholes is a modern-day Premier League great worthy of making any XI. As a result, it’s the Englishman who breaks up the dominant midfield of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro, with the latter taking a back seat.

Likely being one of the men Rio Ferdinand mentioned that would kick lumps out of Ronaldo in training, Scholes watched Ronaldo develop from boy to man in the north-west of England. Their crowning moment together, no doubt, came in the 2008 Champions League victory against Chelsea.

Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

183

Teams

1 (Man United)

Points-per-game

2.08

Wins

115

Draws

36

Losses

32

Joint goal participations

9

Minutes

11,957

Right Wing: Gareth Bale

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool

In 2013, the transfer of the Welsh winger to Real Madrid marked a significant moment, breaking Ronaldo’s record transfer fee. Bale‘s acquisition injected new energy into the team, forming a formidable attacking duo with Ronaldo. With Bale on one flank and Ronaldo on the other, Real Madrid became an unstoppable force, terrorising opponents with their pace and skill.

Despite the former Tottenham man’s initial struggles to adapt to Spanish football, Ronaldo was one of his most vocal supporters, and the two managed to form a Batman and Robin partnership, with help from another familiar name. This display of camaraderie highlighted the strong bond between the two players and demonstrated Ronaldo’s leadership both on and off the pitch.

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

157

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.20

Wins

106

Draws

28

Losses

23

Joint goal participations

41

Minutes

11,119

Striker: Karim Benzema

Played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Real Madrid teammates Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo embrace after a goal.

There were a couple of other notable additions to the Real Madrid squad the year that Ronaldo arrived. One was Kaka, who broke the transfer record earlier in the window. The other was Karim Benzema. The Frenchman was still a promising young striker who very quickly settled into his role as CR7’s servant.

Benzema was unselfish in allowing Ronaldo to flourish, and when his time came to prove he could be the man at Madrid, he took it with both hands. He led a Ronaldo-less Los Blancos to their first Champions League title since his departure and was later awarded the Ballon d’Or for his efforts.

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo statistics when on pitch together

Matches

342

Teams

1 (Real Madrid)

Points-per-game

2.27

Wins

240

Draws

57

Losses

45

Joint goal participations

76

Minutes

22,367

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Arsenal in Talks to Sign Striker Christian Kofane

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Arsenal have opened talks to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The Gunners get to make a new signing this summer as they look to build on a phenomenal season that saw them lift the Premier League title.

It’s been a slow start to the window for Arsenal, with Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and PSG star Bradley Barcola their priority targets at the moment.

They are yet to get a deal over the line, but they do appear to be working on multiple transfers.

The Gunners shouldn’t need too many additions in the summer transfer window after winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final last season.


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Arsenal Hold Talks to Sign Striker

Mikel Arteta
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via Reuters

According to a report from German outlet Bild, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal’s interest in the forward, labelled ‘one of Europe’s most exciting strikers’, is described as serious, and he’s been on their radar since impressing against them back in March during a Champions League clash.

One of Kofane’s representatives, Eric Depolo, has already confirmed Arsenal’s interest, suggesting they’d have a top striker for the next ten years.

“Arsenal’s interest is serious. With Kofane, Arsenal would have a top striker for the next 10 years. He’s a €100m player.”

Arsenal do face competition for his signature, but Arsenal will be leading in the race due to having Champions League football.

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Arsenal brought Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres to the club last summer, but they might not have full faith in him, considering they are interested in signing another forward.

The former Sporting man scored a reasonable number of goals last season, but if Arsenal want to go to the next level, they might be looking to bring in an upgrade.

Kofane might not be that man right now, considering he is just 19 years old and he’s likely to be a striker for the future.

Despite his age, he did play 29 times for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season, providing nine goal contributions.

Signing a long-term option up front could be smart, as they don’t have a high-potential striker on the books.

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Mexico vs England Kick-Off Could Be Delayed at the World Cup

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England fans have been told to brace for a bumpy night, with reports from the ground in Mexico City suggesting the last-16 tie against Mexico may not get away on schedule.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side face the co-hosts in their World Cup Round of 16 clash at 6pm local time on Sunday, meaning UK supporters are looking at a 1am kick-off.

FIFA had spent several hours in talks about shifting the game forward to 7pm UK time before scrapping the idea, but forecasters and reporters on site say the original slot still carries real risk.

Presenter Warns of Severe Storms

England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference in England Press Conference in Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

TalkSPORT’s Olivia Buzaglo, reporting from Mexico City on Saturday, described torrential rain and repeated lightning strikes hitting the city less than 24 hours before kick-off, saying conditions made it seem “absolutely no way the game kicks off at 6pm tomorrow.”

Journalist Paul Brown posted similar footage of the downpour, noting the sheer intensity of the thunder overhead.


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Mexico’s last-32 win over Ecuador was already delayed by an hour due to a storm, and Buzaglo believes England’s game could face a similar delay.

BBC Weather Backs Up the Concerns

Estadio Azteca Mexico City World Cup 2026 REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo via Action Images

BBC lead weather presenter Ben Rich explained that daily storms are typical for Mexico City this time of year, but Sunday’s setup looks more volatile than usual.

He pointed to an unstable atmosphere driven by pressure troughs moving over central Mexico, which he said “will allow the air to rise rapidly – forming the big cumulonimbus clouds that produce thunderstorms.”

Rich added that storm activity typically peaks in the late afternoon and evening, which lines up almost exactly with the scheduled kick-off, and that hail can’t be ruled out either.

A midday start, he noted, would have carried a smaller — though not zero — risk of disruption.

Why the Kick-Off Change Was Scrapped

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the FIFA World Cup trophy during the press conference REUTERS/Henry Romero

FIFA’s original motivation wasn’t just the weather — the governing body was reportedly acting on fan-safety concerns after four people died following crowd issues at Mexico’s last World Cup match in the same city.

But the FA and Mexican federation pushed back over the impact on travel, logistics and player preparation, and the plan was dropped.


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Mexico boss Javier Aguirre had been unhappy at the prospect of losing preparation time, saying simply: “Fifa organises, Fifa decides, and I comply.”

England topped Group L unbeaten before needing a late Harry Kane brace to see off DR Congo in the last 32. Mexico, meanwhile, have not conceded a goal all tournament, beating Ecuador 2-0 to set up Sunday’s clash.

Whatever happens with the weather, kick-off remains locked in for 6pm local time — for now.

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Man Utd’s Dream Starting XI With Four New Signings

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Manchester United are yet to get going in the summer transfer window and will need to accelerate their business if they’re to build Michael Carrick’s dream starting eleven for next season.

The Red Devils enjoyed an impressive latter half of the 2025/26 campaign, finishing third and qualifying for the Champions League under Carrick’s stewardship. However, they played just 40 matches across all competitions, and now need to deepen their squad if they’re to remain competitive with the additional games they’re set to play next term.

Ederson is expected to sign from Atalanta for around £35million, with the deal for the Brazilian likely to be announced after his World Cup participation comes to an end.

A number of other areas still need to be addressed, with work needed to freshen up the full-back positions and to further bolster the midfield. With that said, GIVEMESPORT have put together a dream Manchester United eleven for next season, which includes four new signings.

Goalkeeper

Lammens

senne lammens manchester united

United are reportedly working on a deal to bring Wolves shot-stopper Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford. Johnstone came through the north-west club’s academy before leaving back in 2018, but could be reunited with his boyhood club this summer.

This won’t impact who dons the number one shirt moving forward, with Senne Lammens expected to be given the opportunity to build on his promising first season in English football. The Belgian arrived last summer from Royal Antwerp and impressed in between the sticks.

Elsewhere in this department, Andre Onana is expected to make way permanently after spending the last year on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Defence

Ryerson, Maguire, Martinez, Hall

lewis hall england via Reuters

For the first time in a while, Manchester United’s defence seemingly doesn’t need major work. That said, a few additions in the full-back areas could elevate Carrick’s team drastically.

At right-back, an acquisition could be made. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui endured difficult seasons in 2025/26, and a fresh face is needed. Few links on this front have surfaced, aside from United’s reported pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson.

Ryerson enjoyed an outstanding year last season, registering 18 assists from right-back for Dortmund. This profile of overlapping full-back would allow Bryan Mbeumo to spend more time further inside, providing United with a much more dynamic right-hand side moving forward.

At the heart of the defence, things look settled in Carrick’s squad. Harry Maguire enjoyed a renaissance under the former United midfielder, and is likely to be paired with Lisandro Martinez next season. The likes of Matijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will support the starting pair, in what is now a fairly strong cohort of centre-backs at Old Trafford.

At left-back, United could make a marquee signing as they look to move on from the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw. Lewis Hall is keen on a switch to the north-west, and would arguably be the ideal replacement for Shaw. Boasting exceptional passing and defensive instincts, the Newcastle United man ought to be playing in the Champions League again, and United can provide him with that.

Midfield

Tchouameni, Ederson, Fernandes

Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni

via Reuters

United’s midfield is in need of a rebuild, and Casemiro’s exit has seemingly set the wheels in motion for this to take place. The Brazilian is set to be replaced by his compatriot, Ederson, who will expect to play a starring role next term.

The Atalanta man will provide United’s midfield with additional defensive bite — something Casemiro began to lose as he grew older — while he’ll also provide a lot more than the veteran in possession.

Next to Ederson, the Red Devils still need an out-and-out number six. Links to the likes of Adam Wharton and Alex Scott persist, although one reported United target stands above the rest. Aurelien Tchouameni could be available this summer, and Carrick should do everything in his power to convince the Frenchman to swap the Spanish capital for rainy Manchester.

With Ederson next to Tchouameni, United would all of a sudden have one of the most complete double pivots in the league. Kobbie Mainoo can continue to develop under the pair, and rotate into the side regularly in what is set to be a congested fixture schedule.

Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes will once again pull the strings in the final third.

Attack

Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha

matheus cunha

United did a lot of work on their attack last summer, and thus, the need to strengthen in this area this time around is much less pressing. Benjamin Sesko, Mateus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all arrived for approximately £200 million combined, and the three of them began to forge an exciting partnership towards the end of the campaign.

Sesko took a while to hit the ground running, but started to pick up form as Carrick’s system set in. He ended the season with 12 league goals, and he ought to be given the opportunity to build on that return next year.

That said, with Champions League football bringing more high-intensity games, a striker who can compete with Sesko should be on United’s transfer list, particularly with Joshua Zirkzee potentially on his way out. Junior Kroupi was linked earlier in the summer, and the young Bournemouth man would certainly be the right profile given his age and style of play.

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Mbeumo netted 12 times last season and should be set up to improve on this debut campaign at Old Trafford in 2026/27. The Cameroonian has Amad Diallo to compete with, meaning United’s right-hand side is nicely poised for the time being.

Off the left, Cunha settled in well at United after a period of acclimatisation. While he may be the de facto starting left-winger for Carrick, there is an argument to be made that a more natural wide player should be added to provide the Red Devils with an alternative.

Patrick Dorgu can improvise in this role, but cannot be relied upon to play there regularly in the Champions League. United have opened talks with West Ham United over Crysencio Summerville, and this is exactly the sort of investment they should be making.


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