Dimitar Berbatov Snubs Cristiano Ronaldo, Picks Wayne Rooney in His Ultimate 5-a-Side Team
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has made a surprising choice in his all-time 5-a-side team, opting to leave out his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and instead picking Wayne Rooney as his striker.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, a podcast hosted by his ex-United colleague Rio Ferdinand, the Bulgarian explained his reasoning — and it’s not about disrespect, but practicality.
Berbatov’s dream lineup features Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in defense, Paul Scholes and James Rodriguez in midfield, and Wayne Rooney leading the attack.
When asked why he chose Rooney over Ronaldo, Berbatov gave an insightful response:
“I can say easily, Ronaldo, right? But Ronaldo, for me, is on the big pitch, where he can express everything.
In the small spaces, probably Wazza [Rooney] will be the best.”
💭 Opinion: A Tactical Snub or a Statement on Football Intelligence?
At first glance, leaving out Cristiano Ronaldo — one of the greatest footballers of all time — might sound shocking. But Berbatov’s explanation highlights something deeper about football: not every player shines under every condition.
In a fast-paced, close-contact 5-a-side setup, where quick decision-making and ball control matter more than long runs or aerial dominance, Wayne Rooney’s versatility, power, and vision arguably make him a better fit.
Rooney was a workhorse — strong in tight spaces, unpredictable, and able to both score and create. Ronaldo, on the other hand, thrives in full-pitch scenarios, where space and movement amplify his strengths.
Berbatov’s pick is a nod to football IQ over flair, and perhaps a subtle reminder that greatness can look different depending on the stage.
Still, it’s hard to ignore how symbolic this choice feels — a quiet acknowledgment of Rooney’s often-underappreciated genius, even in the shadow of a superstar like Ronaldo.
Sometimes, football’s finest artistry happens not in open fields, but in tight corners — and that’s where Berbatov believes Rooney rules supreme.
