Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has stirred up conversation in the football world by leaving out Cristiano Ronaldo from his all-time starting XI — despite the duo playing together 130 times across both club and international level.

In a lineup dominated by players from Sporting CP and Manchester United, Nani’s choices reflect his personal football journey, but his decision to snub Portugal’s iconic captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

According to Planet Football, here is Nani’s Ultimate XI:

🧤 Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
🛡️ Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Bruno Alves, Patrice Evra, João Cancelo
⚙️ Midfielders: Paul Scholes, Deco, Bruno Fernandes
🔥 Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez

Notably, Bruno Fernandes made the list despite never playing alongside Nani at Manchester United, while Ronaldo — arguably the greatest Portuguese footballer of all time — was omitted entirely.

OPINION: Sentiment Over Stats? Nani’s XI Sparks Debate

Leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out of any “ultimate” XI, especially by a close teammate, feels almost unthinkable. This is a player with five Ballon d’Ors, over 800 career goals, and a staggering legacy with both club and country.

However, Nani’s selections may reflect more personal chemistry and admiration for work ethic, rather than pure statistics or fame. Players like Tevez and Rooney were warriors on the pitch, known for their relentless energy and team-first mentality — qualities Nani likely valued during his time at United.

Still, Ronaldo’s omission can’t help but feel like a statement. Whether intentional or not, it speaks volumes about how different players perceive greatness — for some, it’s about influence, while for others, it’s about connection.

That said, let’s not forget: Nani was never afraid to stand apart from the crowd — both on and off the pitch.

👀 What do you think about Nani leaving out Cristiano Ronaldo? Who would make your all-time XI from that era? Let’s discuss!
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