Summary
4-3-3 formation remains one of the most successful in history, enabling top players to flourish.
AI has named the greatest possible 4-3-3 XI in football history, featuring iconic players.
The best 4-3-3 manager was also named.
There are certain formations in football that are synonymous with the sport. For the longest time, the 4-4-2 setup was the go-to for most professional teams, featuring two solid defensive and midfield banks, supported by a striking duo leading the line.
In the modern game, we’ve seen more variations of a back three rise to prominence, with some managers evolving their systems to the point where, in possession, their teams effectively operate with just two at the back.
However, one of the most successful formations in history is the 4-3-3. Whether it was Real Madrid’s Champions League three-peat or the Barcelona side that dominated in the early 2010s, the 4-3-3 has been one of the best-ever utilised formations, enabling top players to flourish. And now, AI has named the greatest possible 4-3-3 XI in football history.
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Goalkeeper
Lev Yashin
What AI said: "The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or (1963). Known for revolutionising goalkeeping with his athleticism and command."
Nicknamed "The Black Spider," Lev Yashin is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of all time. As already touched upon, he remains the only keeper to win the Ballon d’Or, a feat he achieved in 1963. Representing Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union, he made 358 and 74 appearances respectively, winning the 1960 European Championship. In his honour, France Football introduced the Yashin Trophy in 2019, awarded annually to the world’s top goalkeeper, reflecting his enduring legacy.
Right-Back
Cafu
What AI said: "Two-time World Cup winner (1994, 2002). Unmatched stamina, attacking flair, and defensive solidity."
Cafu is widely hailed as the greatest right-back in football history, known for his exceptional pace, precise passing, and tireless energy on the pitch. Renowned for his attacking runs and defensive reliability, he set a new standard for the modern full-back. With 143 caps, he remains Brazil’s most capped player and played a crucial role in their World Cup triumphs in 1994 and 2002. His selection at right-back is almost impossible to argue with.
Centre-Back
Franz Beckenbauer
What AI said: "The "Libero" who redefined defending, World Cup winner (1974), and three-time European Cup champion."
Franz Beckenbauer revolutionised the art of defending with his elegant style and invention of the ‘libero’ or sweeper role. Blending tactical intelligence with athletic grace, he redefined what it meant to be a defender. Born in Munich, Beckenbauer earned legendary status through a glittering career, winning the World Cup both as a player and manager. He remains the only defender to win the Ballon d’Or twice. His legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Centre-Back
Paolo Maldini
What AI said: "Versatile, elegant, and consistent over two decades, with five Champions League titles."
A symbol of loyalty and elegance in defence, Paolo Maldini devoted his entire playing career to AC Milan, where he became one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history. Blending composure with steel, he was equally adept at left-back and centre-back, showcasing remarkable versatility and tactical intelligence. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he amassed seven Serie A titles and three Champions League crowns. With 126 caps for Italy, his legacy remains unmatched.
Left-Back
Roberto Carlos
What AI said: "Explosive attacking runs and iconic free-kicks, paired with defensive reliability. World Cup winner (2002)."
Blessed with blistering pace and a thunderous left foot, Roberto Carlos often seemed more like a video game creation than a real player. Renowned for his gravity-defying free-kicks - especially the unforgettable ‘banana shot’ against France in 1997—his highlights only scratch the surface of his all-around brilliance. A serial winner for both club and country, he earned 125 caps for Brazil, with only Cafu and Dani Alves ahead of him. His style, power, and athleticism would fit seamlessly into today’s game.
Central Midfield
Johan Cruyff
What AI said: "The architect of Total Football, three-time Ballon d'Or winner, and Ajax’s European Cup dominance."
The start of a very attacking midfield. Johan Cruyff was a footballing genius whose influence transcended generations. Gliding effortlessly across the pitch, he was a master of space, vision, and technique—so much so that one of the sport’s most famous moves bears his name. Equally capable of scoring and creating, Cruyff combined flair with footballing intelligence, earning three Ballon d'Ors during a glittering career.
His legacy didn’t end on the field; as a manager and thinker, he helped reshape modern football philosophy. But, it is his talent on the ball that gets him his place here.
Central Midfield
Zinedine Zidane
What AI said: "Graceful playmaker, World Cup (1998) and Champions League winner, with unmatched vision."
Renowned for his elegance and exceptional first touch, Zinedine Zidane combined strength, speed, and skill to dominate the midfield. Equally adept with both feet, his late runs into the box and crucial goals defined his career, highlighted by an unforgettable volley in the 2002 Champions League final. He would also bring some grit that would be needed in what is a very adventurous engine room chosen by the AI.
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Central Midfield
Diego Maradona
What AI said: "Dribbling genius, led Argentina to World Cup glory (1986), and transformed Napoli."
Diego Maradona was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite his small stature, the attacking midfielder had the ability to single-handedly dismantle entire defenses with his skill and creativity. Technically gifted and immensely talented, his goal-scoring record is unmatched. A true maverick both on and off the pitch, Maradona dazzled with his dribbling, scored stunning goals, and provided countless assists. His exceptional close control and leadership made him indispensable, earning adoration from clubs and his nation alike.
Right-Wing
Lionel Messi
What AI said: "Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, all-time great dribbler, passer, and goal-scorer. Barcelona’s and Argentina’s talisman."
He’s picked as the right-winger, but truth be told this front three would likely rotate throughout any game they actually played in to get the most out of each other. However, Lionel Messi did start his career on the right flank and even as his dominance became apparent he was given a fluid role, he would still start in that area and drift inside to harm teams. Arguably the greatest to ever play the game, there’s no surprise as to why the Barcelona icon has found himself in the team.
Centre Forward
Pele
What AI said: "Three-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962, 1970). Scored over 1,000 goals, with flair and clinical finishing."
While the number of goals the AI has claimed Pele scored during his career can be left for debate, the rest of the statement, nor his legacy, can't be questioned. The only player ever to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970), this legendary striker boasts an incredible tally of 756 goals in 858 appearances. He ranks second on Brazil’s all-time scoring list and enjoyed immense success with Santos, where he claimed 10 trophies, including six league titles. Once dubbed the King of football, he also needed his place in the front three.
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Left-Wing
Cristiano Ronaldo
What AI said: "Five-time Ballon d'Or winner, all-time top scorer in football history, with relentless drive and versatility."
Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed five Ballon d’Or awards, a feat surpassed only by one aforementioned Argentine legend. Over the past two decades, his transformation has been remarkable—starting as a lightning-fast winger known for dazzling skills, he evolved into one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history. Ronaldo’s relentless drive and adaptability have solidified his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Manager
Pep Guardiola
What AI said: "Masterminded Barcelona’s 2008-2012 tiki-taka dominance, with a 4-3-3 that revolutionised modern football."
No manager has crafted a more dominant team using the 4-3-3 system than Pep Guardiola. From his iconic Barcelona side, which perfectly embodied the formation, to his modern, fluid Manchester City squad, Guardiola has masterfully evolved the Total Football philosophy inherited from Cruyff. His teams’ seamless movement and control have set a new standard in football, and to this day, few have found a way to effectively counter his tactical brilliance.