All-time UEFA Champions League XI

#8 Zinedine Zidane - Attacking midfielder

This goal from Zidane in the 2002 final is considered by many to be the best goal in the Champions League so far

Zinedine Zidane was a footballer who defined an era. Renowned for his elegance, vision, ball control and technique, Zidane was named the best European footballer of the past 50 years in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll in 2004.

One of the best players to ever play the game, Zidane won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002 scoring a wonder goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the final. The impact of Zidane on the game can be best described by his peers.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic commented “Zidane was from another planet. When Zidane stepped onto the pitch, the ten other guys just got suddenly better. It is that simple.”

While choosing between Zidane and Ronaldinho was really tough for this spot, Zidane edged him out because of his wonder goal in the Champions League final. Ronaldinho himself was a huge admirer of Zidane and he had stated:

"Zidane is one of the best footballers of all time, one of my idols. He had such elegance and grace, a wonderful touch and superb vision."

A midfield of Xavi, Seedorf and Zidane in our dream team is truly the stuff of dreams.