When it comes to footballing rebels with flair, few embody the spirit better than Eric Cantona. The French icon, known for his creativity, leadership, and outspoken personality, once named his dream XI — and, naturally, it’s as unorthodox and imaginative as the man himself.
🧤 Goalkeeper: René Higuita
A showman between the sticks, Higuita revolutionized the goalkeeper role. His scorpion kick save is legendary, but so is his penchant for dribbling out of the box — pure Cantona energy.
🛡️ Defence:
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Right-back: Junior
The Brazilian full-back was a force going forward and solid defensively — classy and elegant with a Samba soul. -
Centre-back: Franz Beckenbauer
The original libero, “Der Kaiser” changed the way defenders played. Intelligent, composed, and stylish — a footballing aristocrat. -
Left-back: Giacinto Facchetti
A trailblazer at left-back, Facchetti was tall, technical, and tactically superb — a pillar of Inter’s great 1960s side.
🧱 Midfield:
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Defensive Midfield: Roy Keane
Fire, grit, and leadership. Cantona admired Keane’s warrior mentality — a no-nonsense anchor to balance the team’s flair. -
Right Midfield: Carlos Valderrama
The Colombian magician brought flair and vision, with his iconic hair and laid-back style masking a razor-sharp football brain. -
Left Midfield: Diego Maradona
The ultimate genius. Cantona was never shy in declaring his admiration for Maradona’s rebellious spirit and divine left foot.
🎨 Attack:
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Right Wing: Garrincha
The most joyful dribbler in football history. Garrincha’s unpredictability and love for the game would delight even Cantona’s high standards. -
Left Wing: Johan Cruyff
The philosopher. Cruyff changed how football is played and viewed — a visionary whose inclusion here speaks volumes about Cantona’s football intellect. -
Strikers: Mario Kempes & George Best
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Mario Kempes – The 1978 World Cup hero, powerful and clinical, Kempes brought chaos and charisma to the forward line.
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George Best – Cantona famously idolised the Northern Irishman. A dazzling dribbler, a rockstar in boots, and the essence of rebellious brilliance.
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🧠 A Team of Icons, Mavericks, and Artists
Cantona’s XI isn’t about structure or tactics — it’s about spirit. It’s about footballers who dared to be different; players who combined talent with charisma and changed the game in their own way. This team doesn’t just win — it entertains, provokes, and enchants.