Karim Benzema names his perfect XI including Chelsea legend but brutally snubs both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
KARIM BENZEMA has named his all-time dream XI… without including Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Frenchman’s side is jam-packed with friends and foes from years gone by… but has no room for the star duo.
Benzema, 35, played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid for nine years – providing the perfect foil for the Portuguese ace.
Despite that, he named a different strike partner for himself.
While elsewhere in the team, he included a Chelsea legend.
Benzema quit European football for Al-Ittihad in the summer, leaving Real Madrid after 14 years at the Bernabeu.
He is set to be back in the spotlight this week, with his Saudi side taking part in the Club World Cup.
Ahead of the competition Al-Ittihad’s social media team asked their star forward to name his dream XI.
The veteran forward began by including Bayern Munich stalwart Manuel Neuer.
He then went on to include Brazilian double act Dani Alves and Marcelo as his full-backs.
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At the heart of defence he picked his old Real Madrid team-mates Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
While in midfield he opted for French legend Claude Makelele alongside Les Bleus’ 2018 World Cup hero Paul Pogba.
Using a 4-2-2-2 formation, Benzema snubbed wingers in favour of two all-star No10s.
He picked his former manager Zinedine Zidane alongside Barcelona legend Ronaldinho.
And up front he went for himself alongside Brazilian icon Ronaldo.
Benzema is set to be in Club World Cup action tomorrow night as Al-Ittihad kick off their campaign against OFC champions Auckland City.
Should they beat the New Zealanders they will face African champions Al-Ahly in the second-round.
A potential semi-final with Brazilian South American champions Fluminense could follow, before a potential final date with Manchester City.