Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Pele, Zico and Roberto Carlos are just some of those to have been included in the selection of a two-time World Cup winner

Cafu graced three World Cups, winning two, and it is no surprise for him to select a star-studded Brazil all-time XI featuring legendary figures from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Santos.


One of the finest full-backs to have ever played the game could not find room for himself in a side of global icons, but plenty of talent was squeezed into a difficult selection.

With such a deep talent pool from which to draw from, the former Roma and AC Milan defender faced a tough task narrowing his choices down to just one starting line-up.

Cafu was, however, able to get some of the brightest global stars into his Brazilian galaxy, with only two members of his selection having failed to collect a World Cup winners’ medal – and both of those graced the 1982 side considered to be one of the best in history.

Between the sticks, Taffarel gets the nod on the back of 101 appearances for his country which included global glory at USA ’94.

Cafu happily surrenders the right-back berth he made his own to 1970 legend Carlos Alberto, while two more World Cup champions occupy centre-half berths in the form of Lucio and Aldair.


There was only ever going to be one choice for the final defensive spot, with Cafu telling The Guardian of a Real Madrid icon: “Left-back, for sure, is Roberto Carlos.

“A world champion, he played at a high level for many years, with the same quality and intensity whether defending or attacking. He was a giant. I have never seen a shot as powerful as his. He had a missile in his leg!”

Zico and Falcao are the two men without World Cup honours to their name to make the team in midfield, with their qualities complemented by the creative qualities of a former Barcelona star.

Cafu added: “Rivaldo, he was a genius. Come on! It was so wonderful to see him with the ball. He played with the same style as Falcao. Rivaldo was brilliant.”