Angel Di Maria snubs Cristiano Ronaldo for Zlatan Ibrahimovic while naming his ‘ideal’ all-time teammate XI

Angel Di Maria left out Cristiano Ronaldo in his all-time XI, despite sharing multiple successful seasons together at Real Madrid.

Angel Di Maria snubs Cristiano Ronaldo for Zlatan Ibrahimovic while naming his ‘ideal’ all-time teammate XI

Angel Di Maria surprisingly snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo from his all-time XI. (via Marca and X)

Argentine forward Angel Di Maria surprisingly omitted his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, as he named his all-time teammate XI, in an interview with Marca. He included his national team co-star Lionel Messi and two other Real Madrid players in the dream lineup.

The veteran Argentinean forward, who plays for his Portuguese side Benfica, has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning two decades. Spending his time at renowned clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United, and Juventus, Di Maria was made to compile a team of the best players he has played with throughout his career. The all-time teammates XI included five Argentine players, three from PSG, two from Real Madrid, and one from Benfica.

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The 2022 World Cup winner formed an attacking lineup of his former teammates, conspicuously omitting his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, opting for Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead. The Portuguese and Di Maria spent an impressive five years together at the club, winning the Copa De Rey twice, the La Liga once, and one UCL title. Despite playing 166 games together and scoring 28 goals jointly, Ronaldo failed to secure a place among one of Di Maria’s all-time best teammates.

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Apart from Ronaldo, another important omission in Di Maria’s dream XI was his former Los Blancos teammate, Iker Casillas, instead opting for his national team compatriot Emiliano Martinez, acknowledging the latter’s heroic performances in the World Cup.

Who are the superstars to make it to Angel Di Maria’s ideal XI?

Former PSG star and 2022 World Cup winner Angel Di Maria made an ideal XI of the best footballers he has played with in his 18-year-long football career. The dream team predominantly featured his national team compatriots, with a few players selected from his club sides at PSG, Real Madrid, and Benfica.

Di Maria all-time XI
Angel Di Maria compiled an all-time XI of the best players he played with. (via India Today, The Sun and La Equipe)

Di Maria selected a team consisting of a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. His defensive choices included Emiliano Martinez as goalkeeper, and Javier Mascherano, Nicolas Otamend, and ex-Real Madrid teammates Sergio Ramos and Marcelo defenders.

The midfield featured Benfica legend Rui Silva, former PSG star Neymar, and Di Maria himself. The formidable forward line comprised 2022 World Cup winner and Argentine captain Lionel Messi, PSG star Kylian Mbappe, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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