Rage comments in three, two, one…
UEFA have named their definitive Team of the Century and it’s guaranteed to cause a mass debate.
The team was assembled based on players who were selected in Team of the Year most often since the Millennium Bug’s underwhelming attempt at an apocalypse.
So then, who made the cut?
Iker Casillas takes his place between the sticks.
The Spanish keeper has played more Champions League games than anyone else in history and lifted the trophy three times with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s recent dominance in Europe owes a lot to Sergio Ramos.
The combative defender is the man for the big occasion and has often saved his best performances (and most important goals) for key Champions League fixtures.
UEFA have made him reprise his old role of right-back…
That’s because they’ve opted for Ramos’ best frenemy, Gerard Pique, in the middle.
Shakira’s worse half lines up alongside his mentor, Carles Puyol — like Ramos and Casillas, both have three Champions League winners’ medals on the mantelpiece.
Philipp Lahm slots in at left-back to continue the theme of full-backs playing slightly out of position.
However, we would never argue with the German legend’s inclusion in any fantasy XI — what a magnificent human being.
In midfield UEFA have reunited Xavi with Andres Iniesta.
One of the game’s greatest double acts, the Barcelona passmasters won four Champions League crowns together.
Masters of their art.
Steven Gerrard lines alongside the Spaniards in midfield.
Stevie G was the beating heartbeat of Liverpool’s historic Champions League triumph of 2005 and was the architect of many famous European nights at Anfield.
Take a bow, son.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are obvious selections.
The superhuman pairing are the top two scorers in Champions League history and the only two men to have bagged seven hat-tricks in the competition.
Time and time again they have reminded us that they are on a level of their own.
And finally, there’s a spot up front for Thierry Henry.
The magnifique Frenchman won the Champions League just once (with Barcelona in 2009) but is one of only six men to reach a half-century of goals in the competition.
His talismanic performances nearly guided Arsenal to the holy grail in 2006 but alas it was not to be for the Gunners.
So, there you have it…
Any improvements?