In a groundbreaking move for 2025, France Football has embarked on an ambitious project to assemble the ultimate football Dream Team, compensating for the absence of the traditional Ballon d'Or ceremony this year. The prestigious publication has been systematically unveiling the top ten players in each position throughout recent months, building toward the grand revelation of the final eleven in December. This monumental undertaking represents a comprehensive journey through football history, spanning from the mid-1950s to the present day, with the editorial team meticulously evaluating generations of footballing talent based on pure ability, lasting impact, and undeniable class rather than just trophy cabinets.

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The selection process has already covered several key positions, including goalkeepers, right-backs, centre-backs, left-backs, defensive midfielders, and attacking midfielders. Each category has sparked intense debate among football enthusiasts worldwide, as France Football's experts have weighed the merits of iconic players from different eras against contemporary superstars. The methodology emphasizes talent assessment over mere trophy counting, ensuring that players from less celebrated teams or nations receive fair consideration alongside those from football's traditional powerhouses.

Recent weeks have seen the focus shift to the attacking positions, with right-wingers, left-wingers, and centre forwards taking centre stage. The left-wing category particularly captures the imagination, featuring an extraordinary assembly of talent that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, who many consider the greatest player of all time. He finds himself in illustrious company with Brazilian magicians Rivaldo, Roberto Rivelino, and Ronaldinho, alongside Premier League legends Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs. The diversity of styles and eras represented demonstrates the depth of quality that has graced the left flank throughout football history.

The right-wing selection has generated its own share of discussion, particularly regarding David Beckham's inclusion alongside unquestioned greats like George Best, Garrincha, Jairzinho, and Stanley Matthews. While Beckham's technical prowess and crossing ability are legendary, his placement among these iconic figures highlights the subjective nature of such historical comparisons. Ultimately, Lionel Messi emerges as the standout choice, with many considering him not just the greatest right-winger but potentially the finest footballer ever to grace the pitch.

Centre forward presents perhaps the most challenging selection of all, featuring pure goalscorers like Romario, Ronaldo Nazário, Marco van Basten, and Gerd Muller alongside the revolutionary Johan Cruyff. This category forces voters to choose between different types of attacking excellence—from clinical finishers to complete forwards who redefine the role. Cruyff's inclusion recognizes his transformative impact on football philosophy, proving that goalscoring alone doesn't define a centre forward's greatness.

Based on the positional rankings revealed so far, a provisional Dream Team begins to take shape that would feature:

  • Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin 🇷🇺

  • Right-back: Carlos Alberto 🇧🇷

  • Centre-back: Franco Baresi 🇮🇹

  • Left-back: Paul Breitner 🇩🇪

  • Defensive midfielders: Lothar Matthäus 🇩🇪 & Xavi Hernández 🇪🇸

  • Attacking midfielders: Pelé 🇧🇷 & Diego Maradona 🇦🇷

  • Left-wing: Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹

  • Right-wing: Lionel Messi 🇦🇷

  • Centre-forward: Johan Cruyff 🇳🇱

This hypothetical lineup represents a fascinating blend of different footballing philosophies and eras, with players from eight different nations showcasing the global nature of football excellence. The inclusion of both Matthäus and Xavi in defensive midfield roles suggests a balance between physical presence and technical mastery, while the attacking trio of Ronaldo, Messi, and Cruyff promises unimaginable creative fireworks.

The ultimate Dream Team selection in December will undoubtedly spark conversations about how these legendary players would actually function as a unit. Would Cruyff's total football philosophy mesh with Maradona's individual brilliance? Could Ronaldo's relentless goalscoring combine effectively with Messi's creative genius? These are the delightful hypotheticals that make such projects so compelling for football fans worldwide.

What makes France Football's approach particularly interesting is their commitment to evaluating players across different generations without modern bias. By considering players from the 1950s alongside contemporary stars, they acknowledge that football excellence transcends eras and tactical evolution. This historical perspective ensures that pioneers of the game receive their proper due while recognizing that today's players benefit from advances in training, nutrition, and sports science.

As the football world awaits the final revelation, the ongoing positional rankings have already achieved their primary objective: stimulating meaningful discussion about football history and celebrating the extraordinary individuals who have made the beautiful game so captivating across generations. The final Dream Team, when announced, will stand as a testament to football's rich heritage and the timeless quality of true greatness.