Two continents have dominated football throughout history.
From Pele's Brazil to Manuel Neuer's Germany passing by Diego Maradona's Argentina and Johan Cruyff's Netherlands, superb sides from the two continents have battled it out on the field to win honours at the highest level from the early 20th century to nowadays.
Club and country rivalries have emerged through the years, and the SuperClasico in Argentina between River Plate and Boca Juniors is nearly as massive as Europe's Clasico between Barcelona and Madrid.
The players, no matter their native continent, battle it out every year in either the Copa Libertadores or the Champions League.
Let's see which players are the best from these continents and try to do a lineup of Europe's and South America's best.
South American XI:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Alisson is a superb keeper regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League - ahead of his fellow countryman Ederson - and one of the best in Europe. Indeed, before buying their Brazilian shot-stopper, Liverpool had so many goalkeeping problems.
The year they bought Alisson, Loris Karius had perhaps one of the worst Champions League final performances in recent history against Real Madrid and a year after that, they reached the final, this time without conceding a single goal against Spurs in a 2-0 win.
The Brazilian has kept clean sheets against the top sides in Europe and South America in Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Argentina at the highest stage in world football. He has kept 46 shutouts since joining the European champions.
His trophy haul is starting to grow ever since joining Liverpool, and he is bound to add a Premier League medal to Copa America and Champions League victories if the season is to be continued.
Defender: Marquinhos
Another former Roma Brazilian going to a big European club.
Scouted by Barca while he was still a teenager playing in Rome, the centre-back chose to go to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of 31 million euros in 2013.
It's fair to say he developed in a significant way at the Parc Des Princes and is now seen as an elite centre-back and the rightful heir to Thiago Silva's throne. Now vice-captain of PSG, he wore the armband on multiple occasions and most recently against Borussia Dortmund in their 2-0 comeback victory against the German giants.
In a team that's desperately in need of leaders, Marquinhos has shown incredible leadership skills and is one of South America's best defenders.
His trophy cabinet is littered with Ligue 1 titles and French cups. However, he is still searching his first Champions League title, as PSG have crumbled so many times under pressure and have gone into transition phases while Marquinhos has survived all of them.
He also won the Copa America alongside Alisson, helping the Liverpool man keep a clean sheet against Argentina in the semi-finals of the competitions.
Defender: Jose Maria Gimenez
Another heir to one of South America's greatest defenders, Jose Maria Gimenez learned so much under fellow countryman Diego Godin in El Cholo Simeone's well-oiled Atletico Madrid side.
In 5 years, Gimenez developed from a great prospect in Madrid's set up to a leader at the back, marshalling his side even after Diego's departure to Inter.
His Madrid side doesn't look lost as some expected the Rojiblancos to do with their captain gone and that's thanks to Gimenez and Felipe's superb work at the back to steady the ship.
Jose Maria is yet to win something at international level but has won a Spanish Super Cup, a Europa League title, a European Super Cup in a memorable 4-2 win over their Madrid rivals and qualified for a Spanish league winner's medal with a solitary appearance in Atleti's out of this world title win in 2014.
Defender: Nicolas Tagliafico
Nicolas Tagliafico was a nobody about two years ago and should look back at his transfer to Ajax with pride as he went from rags to riches last season.
His rise has coincided with Ajax's resurrection under Erik Ten Hag and has played up to the Amsterdam giants' level. His performances led Cruyff's former club to reach a Champions League semi-final and seconds away from the final only for Lucas Moura to dash their hopes of European glory with a sensational hat-trick goal.
The Argentinean is one of Europe's most sought-after left-backs, and it was truly bizarre to see him stay in the Netherlands in the summer after Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong left the Dutch champions for bigger clubs.
However, the defender can go to a bigger club if he chooses to.
Midfielder: Fabinho
Fabinho is perhaps one of the most potent holding midfielders in world football right now.
He began as a defender in Real Madrid's youth setup and evolved from an excellent fullback to an undroppable holding midfielder at Monaco.
In France, he was part of an excellent young squad that was crowned Ligue 1 champions ahead of Marquinhos' oil-rich PSG. The Brazilian took every penalty with an exquisite success rate.
In 2018, the Brazilian was bought to shore up the midfield at Anfield in a deal that could be touted as a bargain nowadays.
Indeed, 40 million for a great defensive midfielder that hasn't put a foot wrong since joining Liverpool in this market is beyond cheap.
He hasn't won the most trophies throughout his career but won the Champions League and the Copa America last summer and is also bound to win the Premier League if it is to be resumed.
Midfielder: Casemiro
Casemiro is another terrific holding midfielder that has plied his trade in one of Europe's best sides for years.
Real Madrid never lost a Champions League knockout round with the Brazilian in their side before getting knocked out in 2019 by Ajax. Indeed, he was loaned out to Porto in 2015 when Madrid were knocked out by Alvaro Morata's Juventus and tasted victory in Madrid's Decima in 2014 and the threepeat from 2016 to 2019.
In these four years, the Brazilian has been hated by Barcelona fans but loved by Madrid fans. In every Clasico, he plays with such passion and last time out, when Los Blancos won 2-0 at the Bernabeu, Casemiro was seen on his knees screaming at the top of his lungs because the White House was back on top of La Liga with that critical win.
Capable of shutting up opposition attacks as much as long-range efforts, the midfielder has won a plethora of honours in the Spanish capital with 4 Champions League wins, a single La Liga trophy, 3 Club World Cups, 2 Copa Sudamericana winners medals with Sao Paulo, 2 Spanish Super Cups and a unique Spanish Cup.
The Brazilian is a rock in the midfield and thoroughly deserves to be in this eleven.
Midfielder: Federico Valverde
Touted as one of Uruguay's best prospects, Fede Valverde is having an encouraging first season as an essential component of the Spanish side Real Madrid.
The Uruguayan has started Madrid's most notable games this season and has drawn comparisons with new Blaugrana signing Frenkie Dв Jong as both fanbases are defending their man.
Valverde is a tenacious and tireless midfielder that plays up to the Merengues' standards every time he sets foot on a football pitch.
Along with Argentinean Giovani Lo Celso, he's one of South America's brightest talents. He must continue on this vibe to fulfil his potential, especially if he wants to fill his rather empty trophy cabinet consisting of a Club World Cup, a Spanish Super Cup and an Uruguayan championship with Penarol in 2015.
Attacking midfielder: Paulo Dybala
When Paulo Dybala first came on to the scene at Palermo, there was a lot of talks about this Argentinean wonderkid tearing it up in Serie A, and his popularity rose as he transferred to Juventus in 2015 for the rather small fee of 40 million euros.
A man of the match performance against Barca in Europe and a few elite seasons in Italy later, Paulo Dybala's praises have been sung multiple times by the media.
Adapting to a new role at Juve, he excelled as the campaigns went by and he was deemed as Argentina's next best thing.
Argentina fans were left flabbergasted when the attacking midfielder was left on the bench for a good portion of La Albiceleste's abysmal World Cup 2018 campaign by Jorge Sampaoli.
It hasn't hampered his development and Dybala has gone on to prove himself since and has arguably played up to the Old Lady's standards since then.
At 26, he's already a four-time Serie A champion while winning two Italian Super Cups and three Italian Cups in a row in Turin.
Winger: Lionel Messi
Arguably the best player in the world, Messi is undoubtedly the best player in this team.
The right-winger is Barcelona's and Argentina's captain, and his achievements are quite outstanding for both club and country.
Despite being 32, he has had a terrific season at the Camp Nou and shows no signs of decline.
Injured for two months at the start of the season, he caught everyone in the Golden Boot race in Spain and is now the leading goalscorer and assist-maker in the league.
For Argentina, he has always given his all and has reached three international finals in a row from 2014 to 2016 and was named World Cup Golden Ball in 2014.
Being Barca's and Argentina's best goalscorer of all time, he was the first name on the lineup for the South Americans.
He has won so many trophies that it would be annoying to list them: a true leader, captain, legend.
Winger: Neymar
One of La Pulga's best friends. Neymar is perhaps the second most talented player to emerge from South America since the start of the millennium after Leo.
His skills and flair warrant a place in this team, and he would be the focal point along with his Argentinean colleague in such a lineup.
The Brazilian has played for Barcelona and has been a Paris player since 2017 following his history-making transfer to the Parc Des Princes.
Despite injuries troubling his stint in France, he has an outstanding amount of goals and assists with the Parisians and has won lots of trophies and honours there to accompany his great spell in Spain.
Other than national honours, the winger won the Champions League once in 2015, in an edition where he was the top scorer.
Striker: Sergio 'Kun' Aguero
It was in 2011 when Sergio Aguero cemented his place in the history books with his last-minute strike gifting the title to Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers.
Since then, 'El Kun' has become Man City's record goalscorer and has delivered on multiple occasions no matter the opponent. With 180 goals in the English League, he is the highest non-English goalscorer in history and has torn up the league in his decade spent with the Sky Blues.
For Argentina, he has been hit and miss but has reached the three finals in a row along with his best friend Leo with the golden Argentina side of 2014.
Injuries have stopped him a bit, but he has always managed to find consistency when fit.
Coach: Diego 'El Cholo' Simeone.
Diego Simeone was a hell of a player back in the day, but he's undoubtedly a better manager.
The Atletico Madrid icon has changed the Rojiblancos' history. After a decade in red and white, the Argentinean has won a plethora of trophies beginning with a Europa League against Marcelo Bielsa's Athletic Club in 2012 and repeating the feat in 2018 against Marseille. Other than that in Europe, he has guided his team to two Champions League finals, dismantling Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League a few weeks ago.
Domestically, his squad dethroned the white side of Madrid and Barca in 2014 winning the league thanks to a Diego Godin goal at the Camp Nou on matchday 38 to draw the game but win the league.
An enthusiastic defensive manager, he'd surely guide this team to glory.
European XI:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
When the German was bought from Borussia Monchengladbach to play as Claudio Bravo's deputy, little did Cules know he'd develop in such a brilliant manner.
Ter Stegen is as good with his feet as he is with his hands. This campaign, he's registered two assists, and even though Barca's defence has been lacking as of late, MATS has saved his team an insane amount of time with perfect saves under Valverde and outstanding footwork that matches Setien's ideologies.
As Jose Bordalas said, the German shot-stopper had 69 successful passes in the game against Getafe a few weeks ago.
Even though the Getafe boss intended it as criticism towards Setien's gameplan, it's just a testament of Stegen's out of this world ability with his feet.
His best moment in a Blaugrana shirt was against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final in 2015. In front of Robert Lewandowski, the German did not sweat and made an incredible double save to stop the comeback from the Bavarians. He went on to win the competition as a starter in the Champions League.
His trophy haul is also littered with honours and achievements, but the Champions League title he has is still the most prominent title he's won.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold's development under Klopp has been nothing short of superb. Ever since that free-kick against Hoffenheim in the Champions League qualifying rounds, Trent has transformed from a promising midfielder to the best right-back in the world.
His biggest moment in red also came in the Champions League, this time in the semi-final, with his quick corner against Barca making a comeback come true and booking Liverpool's place in the final they went on to win.
TAA is still young and could become even better with time even though he's already one of the best defenders in the world. Along with Alisson and Fabinho, he has won the Champions League and is on course to win the league with an astronomical margin separating Liverpool and Manchester City.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool's most exceptional singing in the past decade, Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool's defence since joining in 2018.
The giant centre-back has turned a shaky Reds defence into world-beaters.
In 2 years, Liverpool went from a laughing stock in Europe to serious contenders to win it last year, keeping a clean sheet against the likes of Barca, Bayern Munich and Spurs which would be unimaginable for pre-Van Dijk Liverpool.
Van Dijk hadn't been dribbled for over a year in March 2019 and the Dutchman looks like an impossible player to play against and his consistency makes him the most dominant defender in the Premier League.
The Dutchman is now regarded as the best centre-back in the world, and he surely deserves in this eleven.
Admittedly the best 75 million pounds Liverpool ever spent.
Right centre-back: Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is one of the best defenders in world football.
The Spaniard has developed tremendously ever since signing for Pep Guardiola's Barca in 2008.
Regarded as the Cules' main man at the back, Pique might not be the most consistent player but is incredible on his day.
With an eye for goal and imperial defending, he has helped Barca win a considerable amount of achievements and has been an integral part of Barcelona's two treble-winning squads and is one of the most decorated players in world football.
Winning 3 Champions League titles and a handful of domestic titles, he can add mesmerizing World Cup and European Cup titles in 2010 and 2012 to his trophy cabinet.
He's now retired from international football due to the criticism he faces for his political views every time he puts on a Spain shirt. However, he's still a great centre-back at 33 but is starting to look more interested in other businesses such as Kosmos Holding where he's the owner.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson
Robertson's profile is the same as Alexander-Arnold's.
While he got relegated with Hull City in 2017, he showed a lot of promise and Liverpool were keen to add him in their team.
Ever since joining the Reds, everything he has touched has turned to gold, and his crosses are feared in England.
A part of Liverpool's superb side this campaign, Robertson has been better than Jordi Alba or David Alaba in recent seasons.
The Scottish international has won the same titles as TAA, Van Dijk, Alisson and Fabinho and looks to add a few more in the coming seasons.
Defensive midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Sergio is perhaps one of the most consistent players in this lineup. An outstanding holding midfielder, his playing style is liked by Europe's best coaches.
Being promoted by Pep Guardiola, he was part of Vicente Del Bosque's Spain side that won it all alongside Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos; he's now new Blaugrana manager Quique Setien's favourite player.
Adept of great passing gameplans, the Spaniard's calmness and confidence help him dominate a midfield battle.
He has dominated Madrid's midfield in a handful of El Clasicos, and Barca has struggled in big games without the third component of Pep's dream team midfield.
He has won a large number of trophies and is also one of the most decorated players in world football, a true great.
Midfielder: Paul Pogba
Another World Cup winner.
Paul Pogba has got undeniable talent in midfield and although he hasn't played a lot for Manchester United this year, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still feels like the Frenchman is one of his best elements in midfield.
Pogba has a lot of tricks in his hat: Scoring bangers from long-range, controlling a game or having a bit of flair with flashy skill moves.
Pogba has shown his skills multiple times, and his best competition to date is the 2018 World Cup.
Starting for France and being their most unpredictable midfielder, he excelled and showed a broad arsenal to be lethal throughout the tournament.
His goal in the final was simply superb and cemented his place in this team.
Midfielder: Toni Kroos
A less flashy midfielder but a deserved entry in this eleven. Toni Kroos has had six outstanding seasons in the heart of the Los Blancos midfield.
Alongside Luka Modric, he ruled Europe for years and was an integral part of Madrid's three-peat in the Champions League.
Always calm, cool and collected, Kroos has shown unparalleled ability as a creative midfielder as showcased in his latest El Clasico performance.
Getting the ball at the edge of the area, he had time to tell Vinicius Junior where to run and give him a splendid ball for him to run in behind and score.
Kroos is an outstanding midfielder and can change the game with his tremendous vision and his long-range shooting ability.
A real winner, he has it all and has achieved a lot in an illustrious career.
Moreover, he's another World Cup winner.
Attacking midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne
Kevin de Bruyne has improved so much under Pep and is now regarded as the Premier League's best player.
The attacking midfielder is one hell of a player, creating an astronomical amount of chances for his strikers with club and country.
A World Cup semi-finalist alongside Courtois, De Bruyne is Belgium's and City's talisman.
The Belgian has had a few injury problems last season that he has shrugged off since and is now in the form of his career for the Cityzens.
Domestically, he has won everything there is to win with City and came close with Wolfsburg, coming second in the Bundesliga and winning the German Cup in 2015.
However, he still hasn't won the Champions League or an international trophy, and he might want to win these competitions before retiring.
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Leo Messi's nemesis.
Cristiano Ronaldo is, with the Argentine, the best player of this generation.
The Portuguese striker is an astonishing goalscorer, and after entering Manchester United's and the White House's hall of fame, he's now plying his trade at Juventus, also breaking goalscoring records.
He's the Champions League top goalscorer with 128 and has made the competition his own.
Winning La Decima with Madrid, he then followed that with the three-peat alongside Casemiro, Kroos and Ramos and is now hoping to win at Juve.
In Turin, he hasn't slowed the pace and is still the goalscorer he once was despite turning 35 in February.
With his Portugal side, he has won an international trophy, and he's the record goalscorer for his country.
A true legend, he was the first name in this lineup.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe is the hottest prospect in the world right now.
The Frenchman, another World Cup winner, has been regarded as the next big thing for three years now and isn't slowing down.
After his superb stint at Monaco, winning the league and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, he was bought for an astronomical fee by French giants PSG and is now the club's hottest prospect.
Alongside Neymar and Cavani, Mbappe has learnt a lot since going to the Parc Des Princes and now looks like a complete player. One of the most deserved entry in this eleven.
Coach: Pep Guardiola.
Pep is the most decorated coach in the last decade and has managed some of the best teams in the continent in Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Winning a treble in his first year as a senior manager, Pep has shown so many great achievements with his teams and is now regarded as the best coach in the world alongside Jurgen Klopp who could've coached this side too.
Obviously, both teams possess legendary footballers managed by the best and if they happened to play against each other the game would be close but the European best XI would perhaps win it, purely based on current ability.
