Zlatan Ibrahimović, known for his towering presence, brash personality, and mesmerizing skills, has graced many of the world’s biggest football stages. Throughout his glittering career, he’s played with some of the most talented players the sport has ever seen, representing clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, Zlatan picked his Greatest Teammates XI—a fantasy lineup of players he shared the field with, revealing just how fortunate he was to play alongside some all-time legends.
Let’s break down Zlatan’s ultimate squad, featuring a mix of defensive titans, midfield maestros, and attacking magicians.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
It’s no surprise that Zlatan picked Gianluigi Buffon as his shot-stopper. Buffon, one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, was Zlatan’s teammate at Juventus during their time in Serie A. Known for his consistency, agility, and leadership between the posts, Buffon’s presence gives this team a solid foundation. With Buffon at the back, Ibrahimović knows his defense is in safe hands.
Right-back: Lilian Thuram
Zlatan played with Lilian Thuram at Juventus, and the French defender is a perfect choice for his greatest XI. Thuram was a versatile player, able to operate as a right-back or a center-back, and his intelligence, physicality, and composure made him a defensive stalwart. He played a key role in France’s 1998 World Cup win, and his ability to neutralize opponents makes him one of Zlatan’s top picks.
Center-back: Thiago Silva
Zlatan’s Paris Saint-Germain years were marked by success and dominance in Ligue 1, and Thiago Silva was at the heart of the defense during that era. The Brazilian center-back is not just a rock defensively but also a calming leader. Silva’s intelligence, reading of the game, and ability to initiate attacks from the back complement Zlatan’s ideal defensive unit perfectly.
Center-back: Alessandro Nesta
When it comes to elegance in defense, few match the class of Alessandro Nesta. Ibrahimović and Nesta were teammates at AC Milan, and the Italian defender’s positional awareness, tackling ability, and composure under pressure made him one of the best in his position. With Nesta and Thiago Silva at the back, Zlatan’s team boasts a near-impenetrable defense.
Left-back: Maxwell
Maxwell may not always grab the headlines like some of the other players on this list, but Zlatan rates his former teammate highly. The Brazilian left-back played alongside Zlatan at multiple clubs, including Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Maxwell’s technical ability, reliability, and understanding of the game made him a vital piece in Zlatan’s puzzle over the years. His partnership with Zlatan is a testament to their long-standing camaraderie.
Central Midfielder: Xavi
Zlatan spent just one season at Barcelona, but it was enough to recognize the genius of Xavi. The Spanish maestro controlled the tempo of the game like few others, with his unrivaled vision and passing range. Xavi's ability to dictate the pace of play and keep the ball ticking over made Barcelona's tiki-taka style famous, and Zlatan knows that having Xavi in midfield guarantees control and creativity.
Right Midfielder: Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira is another colossus Zlatan played with at Juventus and later at Inter Milan. A powerhouse in midfield, Vieira combined physical dominance with technical brilliance, making him the perfect midfield enforcer. His ability to break up opposition play and then turn defense into attack with driving runs or precise passes makes him a crucial part of this lineup.
Left Midfielder: Pavel Nedvěd
Pavel Nedvěd was Zlatan’s teammate at Juventus, and the Czech legend is included in the lineup for his tireless work rate, creativity, and scoring ability. A Ballon d’Or winner, Nedvěd was a relentless player, capable of influencing the game both offensively and defensively. His energy and vision from the left side of midfield would provide Zlatan’s team with balance and dynamism.
Forward: Lionel Messi
Despite Zlatan’s turbulent relationship with Barcelona, his respect for Lionel Messi remains undiminished. The Argentine is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, and his inclusion in Zlatan’s team speaks to that. Messi’s dribbling, playmaking, and scoring abilities make him the ultimate forward. Whether creating chances or finishing them, Messi’s presence in any attack is game-changing.
Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Of course, no Zlatan XI would be complete without the man himself. Ibrahimović’s confidence in his abilities is legendary, and rightly so. His incredible goalscoring record, combined with his technical ability, flair, and physical presence, make him a nightmare for defenders. Zlatan’s unique combination of finesse and brute strength ensures that he would be the focal point of this dream team’s attack.
Forward: Ronaldinho
Rounding out the attack is Ronaldinho, the Brazilian magician who dazzled fans and opponents alike. Zlatan played with Ronaldinho at AC Milan, and their partnership was filled with creativity and flair. Ronaldinho’s dribbling skills, vision, and unpredictability made him one of the most entertaining players to ever grace the pitch. With Ronaldinho feeding passes and Messi alongside, Zlatan would have plenty of opportunities to showcase his finishing prowess.
Final Thoughts
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Greatest Teammates XI is a team filled with balance, power, and pure footballing genius. The defense is nearly unbreakable with Buffon, Thuram, Silva, and Nesta, while the midfield provides the perfect blend of artistry and steel. Up front, a terrifying trio of Messi, Zlatan, and Ronaldinho promises endless creativity, goals, and entertainment.
In true Zlatan fashion, he’s placed himself among the very best, and who could argue? This XI is a celebration of footballing greatness—a squad that could dominate any era.
With a team like this, the Zlatan legacy continues to grow, not just for his individual brilliance but for the remarkable company he’s kept throughout his career.