Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has announced his all-time World Cup XI, a selection that notably omits legendary figures Pelé and Diego Maradona. Walcott, who holds the record as England's youngest senior debutant at 17, selected his dream team after a career that saw him play alongside and against many of the sport's elite.
Goalkeeper and Defense
In goal, Walcott chose Italian icon Gianluigi Buffon. The 2006 World Cup winner, who retired in 2023, was recognized as the best goalkeeper of that tournament and holds the record for most appearances for Italy. His selection is complemented by a formidable all-Italian central defensive partnership of Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini. Cannavaro, nicknamed 'The Berlin Wall,' captained Italy to their 2006 World Cup victory and later won the Ballon d'Or. Maldini, a four-time World Cup participant, is regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever. At right-back, Walcott selected Brazil's Cafu, the only player to appear in three World Cup finals and a two-time winner. The left-back position is filled by Walcott's former England teammate Ashley Cole, whom he described as "the best left-back in Premier League history."
Midfield and Attack
The midfield is anchored by France's Claude Makelele, renowned for revolutionizing the defensive midfielder role with his physicality and tactical awareness. Alongside Makelele is Spain's Xavi, a key playmaker in Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph, noted for his exceptional passing accuracy. The attacking midfield is led by France's Zinedine Zidane, a World Cup winner in 1998 and a standout performer in the 2006 tournament, despite his infamous exit. Walcott's forward line features Argentina's Lionel Messi, a recent World Cup champion in 2022, and Brazil's Ronaldo Nazario, a two-time World Cup winner celebrated for his pace and goal-scoring prowess. Notably absent from the forward line are Pelé and Maradona.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal also makes an appearance, noted for his record international caps and goals, and as one of only three players to have featured in six or more World Cups. Walcott's selection process is part of a collaboration with Amazon to celebrate Prime Day.