Very few players in football can match the longevity of Ildefons Lima, the Andorran centre-back who enjoyed a remarkable 26-year international career from 1997 to 2023. Over that time, Lima faced some of the greatest names in world football, from Ballon d’Or winners to World Cup champions and Champions League icons.
So, when asked to name the greatest XI of players he ever faced, Lima produced a lineup that reads like a fantasy team, blending legends from the 1990s with modern day superstars.
The XI
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, 2006/07)
The definition of consistency. Lima remembers Buffon as almost unbeatable between the posts, a true leader for both Juventus and Italy.
Right-Back: Cafu (Brazil, 1998)
Endless energy, speed, and attacking drive. Cafu was the ultimate flying full-back during Brazil’s golden years.
Centre-Back: Carles Puyol (Spain, 2004)
Tough, brave, and relentless. Lima highlights Puyol’s leadership and never-say-die attitude as the hallmarks of his game.
Centre-Back: Marcel Desailly (France, 1998)
A rock at the back. Strong, composed, and dominant, Desailly was part of France’s World Cup–winning team and a nightmare for opponents.
Left-Back: Roberto Carlos (Brazil, 1998)
The man with the cannon for a left foot. Roberto Carlos was as explosive going forward as he was solid defensively.
Central Midfield: Zinedine Zidane (France, 1998)
Elegance personified. Lima faced Zidane at the peak of his powers, a magician capable of dictating any game with vision and control.
Attacking Midfield: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus, 2006/07)
One of the most gifted forwards of his generation. Del Piero’s technique, intelligence, and ability to score from nothing made him unforgettable.
Right Wing: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 2016)
Ronaldo's speed, power, and finishing ability put fear into defenders everywhere.
Left Wing: Kylian Mbappé (France, 2019)
The modern superstar. Lima calls Mbappé’s pace and unpredictability frightening, marking him as one of the toughest wingers he ever faced.
Striker: Fernando Torres (Spain, 2004)
Quick, clinical, and clever with his movement. Torres was lethal in front of goal and a constant danger.
Striker: Ronaldo Nazário (Brazil, 1998)
Perhaps the greatest striker of all time. Lima describes him as the complete forward with pace, skill, finishing, and charisma.
A Team for the Ages
From Buffon’s saves to Ronaldo’s brilliance, this XI shows just how high the level was during Lima’s extraordinary career. He had the unique privilege of facing three generations of superstars, from Zidane and Cafu, to Cristiano Ronaldo and Torres, all the way to Mbappé.