Champions League Historical All-Star Team: Messi and Ronaldo Join Benzema, Real Madrid and Barcelona Dominate with 10 Seats, Zidane's Inclusion Sparks Greatest Controversy

The 2025-26 Champions League quarter-finals are set to begin this midweek. International media Score90 has compiled an all-star team for the Champions League history starting from the 1992-93 season, selecting players according to their peak career performances. Real Madrid and Barcelona account for 10 positions, with Messi, Ronaldo, and Benzema comprising a terrifying forward trident. However, Zidane's selection continues to be the most contentious point.

Score90's Champions League Historical All-Star Team (4-3-3):

• Forward Trio: Cristiano Ronaldo/Real Madrid, Karim Benzema/Real Madrid, Lionel Messi/Barcelona
• Midfield Trio: Zinedine Zidane/Real Madrid, Toni Kroos/Real Madrid, Luka Modric/Real Madrid
• Defensive Line: Marcelo/Real Madrid, Paolo Maldini/AC Milan, Sergio Ramos/Real Madrid, Dani Alves/Barcelona
• Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas/Real Madrid

Paolo Maldini is the only member not from Real Madrid or Barcelona, but his peak period was played as a left-back, not a center-back. Besides this point of contention, Barcelona's iconic "Xavi-Iniesta-Busquets" midfield trio is entirely absent, while Real Madrid's "ceremonial" midfield trio only lacks Casemiro. Zidane's inclusion as a left midfielder is highly controversial.

Personal opinion: Zidane's inclusion in the Champions League all-star team seems somewhat forced; he might be more fittingly included as a star coach rather than a player. Regarding midfielders, Clarence Seedorf also deserves consideration for selection. This Dutch legend won the Champions League with three different clubs, which arguably presents a greater challenge than winning multiple titles with the same team. What are your thoughts on this?