ChatGPT, an AI model taking the internet by storm, seems to know everything – so we asked it for the greatest XI of all time.
Of course, there's no correct answer. Everyone has their own ideas and depending on when you were born, where you're from or even who you support, it's natural to subconscious favour some players over others.
So who does a robot think should make the GOAT XI?
ChatGPT's greatest XI of all time: 1. Lev Yashin (goalkeeper)
Arguably the most influential, iconic goalkeeper of all time and the only custodian to have ever won the Ballon d'Or, it's not exactly controversial to select the Black Spider between the sticks.
Lev Yashin is the classic option at No.1, as ChatGPT eschews a controversial modern choice of someone like Manuel Neuer, Gigi Buffon or even Iker Casillas. No complaints for us so far.
2. Cafu (right-back)
Cafu played three World Cup finals in a row, he's won two world titles and he's the very model of what you imagine when you picture a right-back. So two out of two: fair enough.
Dani Alves might have surpassed him, Philipp Lahm is a very different kind of argument for the position. But in terms of vibes, nostalgia and a glistening trophy cabinet at international level, there's no beating Il Pendolino in this position.
3. Franz Beckenbauer (right centre-back)
The recently departed Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time and has the record to match. It would be strange if Beckenbauer wasn't included.
Der Kaiser is arguably his nation's greatest-ever football figure but he's the only German that appears in this line-up. We reckon Bobby Moore may have been closest of any English player to selection…
4. Paolo Maldini (left centre-back)
Paolo Maldini was a rock for decades, for club and country, starting out as a left-back before moving centrally. ChatGPT chooses his later career in at centre-back, however, over his earlier days on the left.
Maldini's a good choice in our books, mind. No Sergio Ramos, Franco Baresi or Gerard Pique, who could have been options.
5. Roberto Carlos (left-back)
The greatest left-back of all time? It's debatable. Roberto Carlos was groundbreaking at the time but for some, he's since been surpassed by the likes of Ashley Cole or even his countryman, Marcelo.
Still, hard not to argue that he's not the most iconic. Fair play, ChatGPT.
6. Zinedine Zidane (central midfield)
Zinedine Zidane was a man for the big moments and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers who ever lived. What he was not, however, was capable of holding down a midfield all by himself.
ChatGPT lacks a little tactical nous and perhaps doesn't realise that Claude Makelele was the foil for Zizou to be more creative ahead. Still, Zidane is the only midfielder in this line-up. If you're picking the 11 best players ever, it's hard to argue against, to be fair.
7. Lionel Messi (right forward)
We're somewhat surprised that Peter Beagrie isn't chosen on the right wing instead.
We jest, of course. Lionel Messi is an obvious pick, isn't he? ChatGPT label him as the "Right forward" in this line-up, in some kind of… front five. We're not mad at it.
8. Diego Maradona (left forward)
Maradona and Messi are constantly compared – just imagine both of them in their pomp on either wing.
That's what ChatGPT recommends to us in the greatest XI of all time, as the two Argentines both get a say in this team. It's getting crowded for attacking talent, now.
11. Pele (ST)
Regarded as the greatest striker of all time by ChatGPT, Pele takes the centre-forward spot in this team ahead of Eusebio, Marco Van Basten, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo, Danny Welbeck and just about any other No.9 to ever have a profound impact on the game.
Still regarded by many as the ultimate GOAT, this seems entirely fair. And yet this incredible frontline still isn't finished…
10. Johan Cruyff (attacking midfield)
Johan Cruyff was an attacker – but given that Total Football meant that players were interchangeable, surely he can get about a bit?
With the deadly Dutchman as the No.10 in the system, that just leaves one more spot for yet another attacker…
11. Cristiano Ronaldo (left forward… again)
One left-winger is never enough, apparently – so Cristiano Ronaldo is in this team, too, in the most bonkers all-time XI we've ever seen suggested.
Is is a 4-1-5? A 4-4-2? A 4-3-3? Who cares, there's no beating it.
ChatGPT's all-time XI
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