Ballon d'Or: Greatest XI to have never won the award

Modified Nov 25, 2018 21:27 GMT

Midfielder: Andres Iniesta

Like Xavi, Andres Iniesta is considered one of the best midfielders in the game. Alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, he pulled strings at the Barcelona midfield, with the trio becoming one of the most lethal midfields the game has ever seen.

During his time at Camp Nou, Iniesta won two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015. This achievement including nine La Liga trophies and four UEFA Champions League titles, making him the most decorated Spanish footballer of all time.

Internationally, Iniesta helped Spain win the 2008 and 2012 editions of the Euros. He also played a pivotal role in his country's World Cup winning side in 2010, scoring what is now deemed the famous goal in the history of Spanish football, in the final against the Netherlands.

The veteran midfielder came close to winning the Ballon d'Or twice in his career - in 2010 when he finished second to Messi and in 2012 when he finished third to Ronaldo and Messi.

Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo

Legendary playmaker Andrea Pirlo was one of the calmest players to ever grace the game.

The Italian established himself as a world-class midfielder under Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan, where he won two UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, two Serie A titles, a FIFA Club World Cup, a Supercoppa Italiana, and a Coppa Italia. He later moved to Italian giants Juventus where he continued his exploits to add four more Serie A titles, two Supercoppa Italiana titles, and a Coppa Italia to his cabinet.

Pirlo then joined MLS franchise New York City in 2015 before retiring in 2017.

Internationally, Pirlo played a vital role in Italy's World Cup winning team in 2006, winning the Man of the Match in the final.

The closest he came to winning the Ballon d'Or was in 2007 when he finished fifth.