Arsenal entered Old Trafford on 24 October 2004 as football's untouchables, riding a 49-game unbeaten run in the Premier League that had earned them the legendary title of "The Invincibles." Their imperious form had seen them steamroll through the 2003/04 campaign without a single defeat, a feat unseen in English top-flight football since the late 19th century. But all good things must come to an end, and on a fiery afternoon in Manchester, Arsenal’s record-breaking streak came crashing down in controversial fashion.
When it comes to assembling an all-time XI, it’s always an exciting challenge to explore players from the same birth year. Here, we focus on a lineup of footballers born in 1985, a year that produced a range of exceptional talent across the globe. This team is built on a blend of experience, versatility, and star power, highlighted by iconic figures who left a significant mark on world football.