Champions League: The ultimate XI which never won the CL

DEFENDERS 

Right-back: Lilian Thuram

Yet another veteran of that 90’s Parma outfit and subsequent Juventus star, Lilian Thuram enjoyed a stellar career with his club and country. Similar to Buffon, the Frenchman tasted defeat in the 2003 Champions League final against AC Milan. He mustered out whooping 148 caps for his national team and was ever-present for his nation – lifting the 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euro. Lilian Thuram is one of the best right-backs to have played football.

Centre-back: Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini is an academy graduate of Livorno. Due to the lack of first-team appearances, Roma came calling in 2002. He was eventually loaned out to his home club Livorno before spending a temporary spell with Fiorentina. Juventus signed him in 2005, where he has eclipsed as one of the world’s best. He has taken part in two Champions League finals against Barcelona and Juventus, with both being unsuccessful pursuits.

Centre-back: Fabio Cannavaro

Fabio Cannavaro became the second defender to win the Ballon d’Or in 2006. The Italian International had a stellar year by lifting the World Cup with Italy and La Liga with Real Madrid, but never got his hands on the Champions League. Since he spent the majority of his career with Parma, he was unable to bag more than 65 appearances in the Champions League. He never had the privilege to play in the Champions League final during his playing career.

Left-back: Gianluca Zambrotta

Gianluca Zambrotta played the majority of his career as a right-back, but sacrificed himself when his team was short of options through the left defensive flank. The Italian International played for Barcelona during a relatively dry spell. Either side of his time in Italy, the full-back enjoyed his time with AC Milan and Juventus but missed out on the Champions League glory in 2003. Ultimately, he ended his career with the Switz club Chiasso.