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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the game for the better part of two decades. The duo is undisputedly the two best players of all time, and have won countless trophies and individual accolades over their careers.
Over the last two decades, many great players have had the privilege of playing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Whether it be the likes of Paul Scholes, Iker Casillas, Xavi or Andres Iniesta, Ronaldo and Messi have had their fair share of superstar teammates over the years.
However, there have been a few superstars who have never been teammates with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi for club or country. On that note, let's have a look at five such players:
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#5 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk has only played for two European heavyweights during his career. The Dutchman rose to prominence at Celtic, and is now plying his trade at Liverpool. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
Van Dijk's influence at Liverpool cannot be understated. His arrival at the club made the Reds a European powerhouse once again. At Liverpool, Van Dijk has become one of the best modern-day centre-backs of all time. His stature and physical attributes, mixed with his technical ability and intelligence in defence, has helped Liverpool win the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.
The Dutchman was awarded the Premier League Player of the Season and UEFA Men's Player of the Year award in the 2018-19 campaign. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons.
At this point in his career, it seems unlikely Van Dijk will get the opportunity to play with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne could have linked up with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in the past. However, the Belgian has been loyal to Manchester City over the years.
De Bruyne is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and has been a pivotal player in Manchester City's recent success. The Belgian has no weaknesses in his game, and is regarded by many as one of the best active players in the Premier League.
The midfielder has won three Premier League titles, five League Cups and one FA Cup during his stint at Manchester City. De Bruyne was named the 2019-20 Premier League Player of the Season as well as the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season. He was named in the IFFHS UEFA Team of the Decade too.
Despite not winning the UEFA Champions League, De Bruyne is unlikely to join Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in his quest to accomplish the same.
#3 N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)
N'Golo Kante is another player who has never played with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Kante's rapid rise to stardom has seen him linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Frenchman has settled in well in the Premier League and is unlikely to switch clubs immediately.
Kante has one of the most impressive resumes in the game, having won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, the Champions League, the Europa League and the FIFA 2018 World Cup. He has done all that in the span of just five years.
The Frenchman was named the 2016-17 Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the year, as well as the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season.
Kante is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, playing an integral role for both club and country. The Frenchman's work rate and doggedness in midfield is second to none. He has been a huge asset for any team he has played for.
#2 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
A forward who matches both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in goalscoring prowess, Robert Lewandowski has arguably been the best player in the world over the last two years.
The Polish hitman has scored goals for fun in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. He is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of all time, having broken countless scoring records during his illustrious career.
Lewandowski has also picked up many accolades over his career. He has won nine Bundesliga titles and one Champions League, along with one European Golden Shoe and the 2020 Best FIFA Men's Player award.
It would have been unfair to other teams if Lewandowski had ever teamed up with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
#1 Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
The most decorated player on this list, Manuel Neuer is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time. The German has cemented his legacy as one of the best goalkeepers in the last decade.
Neuer has revolutionised the goalkeeping position, acting as a 'sweeper keeper' for both Bayern Munich and Germany. The shot-stopper's composure and technical ability on the ball allows him to be an extra defender at times when required.
Neuer has also won multiple accolades during his illustrious career. That includes nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles and the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany. The German has been named the Best European Goalkeeper five times and the IFFHS Goalkeeper of the decade, along with a slew of other awards.
His loyalty to Bayern Munich has been a huge reason why he has never linked up with either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi during his long career.
