Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
At 42 years old, Gigi Buffon is still going strong with Juventus. The Italian professional has been playing football for 25 years, an illustrious career which older than many of his teammates. He is a massive personality on and off the pitch and s a father figure for many current players at the Allianz stadium. Even at such a ripe age, it doesn’t look like Buffon will retire anytime soon.
Right Back – Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
At just 21, Trent is already one of the best right-backs in the world. A local lad from Liverpool, he became a fan favourite because of his performances. The Englishman broke his own record this season of most assists by a defender. Jamie Carragher compared him to Kevin De Bruyne, although he is a defender.
Centre Back – Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Having spent his entire playing career in Italy, Chiellini has etched his name in hearts of every football fan. Even at 35, Italian is one of the best players at Juventus.
Centre Back – Thiago Silva (PSG)
At his peak, Thiago Silva was one of the best defenders in the world. The current PSG Skipper will be leaving the club at the end of this season after 8 years of passionate service. Even at 35, it would not be difficult for him to go to a top club in Europe and fit in.
Left Back – Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Filled with pace, trickery and extreme agility, Marcelo is without a doubt one of the best left-backs in history. He is a fan favourite around the world. Even Barca fans appreciate him! He is exceptionally loyal to Real Madrid, having spent 13 years at the club although he’s had several offers in the past from the biggest clubs in Europe.
Midfielder – Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)
Without a doubt one of the greatest midfielders ever, Iniesta just can not be hated, no matter how hard you try. At 36, The Spaniard currently plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan, where fans fill up the stadiums just to watch him play.
Midfielder – David Silva (Manchester City)
After the announcement that he will be leaving Manchester City after his contract expires, fans have been trying to imagine a life without David Silva orchestrating the midfield in the Premier League. Several top clubs have since started wooing him to get his signature. It looks likely that Silva will go back to his home country of Spain.
Midfielder – Santi Cazorla (Al Sadd)
After an injury at his time at Arsenal, Cazorla was told that he would have to retire and it would be lucky if he could walk, let alone play football. He still pushed through and recovered from his injury. He went on to play for Villareal in Spain, getting into the LaLiga team of the season. He has recently signed for Al Sadd in Qatar where he will play under his former teammate Xavi.
Midfielder – Ngolo Kante (Chelsea)
Kante is, without a doubt, one of the humblest players in world football. He is famous for living a simple life. His instances of being kind deserve an article of its own. This list would’ve been incomplete without him.
Striker – Son Heung Min (Tottenham Hotspur)
The best Asian footballer on the planet, Son is also one of the nicest players in Europe. He is always seen smiling and is very popular among his teammates.
Striker – Mo Salah (Liverpool)
The Egyptian king Mohamed Salah is adored by football fans all over the world. Salah single-handedly qualified Egypt for the world cup in 2018. It isn’t easy to carry the hopes of an entire nation on your back. His performances have made people go mad behind him, with some even calling him a God in Egypt.
