There is something timeless about football trading cards. The nostalgia, the artwork, the legends captured in glossy print bring the magic of the game flooding back. The Topps Decade 1990s collection celebrates one of football’s most iconic eras, and this XI is the best team I could create using only the cards from the Topps Decade 1990s box I opened.
This lineup blends elegance, power, genius, and grit. It is a snapshot of pure 90s greatness shaped entirely by the cards the box gave me.
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
Before becoming a Premier League icon, Van der Sar was already one of Europe’s most reliable keepers. His Ajax success in the 90s set the foundation for a legendary career.
Right Back: Giuseppe Bergomi
A lifelong Inter icon, Bergomi was still a defensive force throughout the decade. Tough, disciplined, and a natural leader.
Centre Back: Aldair
Elegant and dependable, Aldair was a pillar at Roma. His anticipation and composure made him one of the most admired defenders of the time.
Centre Back: Franco Baresi
One of the greatest defenders the game has ever seen. Baresi defined defensive intelligence and remains a symbol of 90s Milan dominance.
Left Back: Javier Zanetti
Although he played everywhere, his 90s role at full back was central to his rise. Reliable, tireless, and endlessly consistent.
Right Midfield: Rui Costa
The Velvet Maestro. One of the most gifted creators of the decade with vision, balance, and style.
Centre Midfield: Patrick Vieira
A powerhouse whose arrival transformed Arsenal. Dominant, driven, and technically underrated.
Centre Midfield: Zinedine Zidane
A defining figure of 90s football. Zidane’s elegance and genius with the ball made him unforgettable long before becoming a global superstar.
Left Midfield: Pavel Nedved
Energetic, technical, and competitive. Nedved’s blend of work rate and quality made him one of Europe’s standout wide talents.
Striker: Ronaldo
The Phenomenon in his purest form. Explosive pace, unreal technique, and unstoppable finishing. A must in any 90s XI.
Striker: Marco van Basten
Even with his career cut short, his early 90s brilliance still earns him a place. A striker of flawless technique and presence.
A Team Built From Nostalgia
This XI may not represent every legend of the 90s, but it represents the best possible team I could build from the Topps Decade box I opened. That is the beauty of collecting. You work with what you pull, and sometimes the cards align to give you something truly special.