The Greatest Horse Year Lineup of All Time: 5 World Cups in Hand

From Buffon to Klose, the Horse Year lineup brings together the most enduring and determined legends in football history, combined into a flawless squad using a 4-3-1-2 setup.

The strongest Horse Year lineup in football history is a collection of outstanding individuals who not only possess exceptional talent but also have left a deep mark with their titles and grit in crucial moments. Using a 4-3-1-2 formation, this team demonstrates a perfect balance between solid defense, midfield control, and lethal attack.

Goalkeeper

Between the posts, Gianluigi Buffon is the undisputed choice. Born in 1978, he is regarded as a symbol of endurance and class. Buffon stands out with his incredible reflexes, situational awareness, and rare leadership qualities. The peak of his career was winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy, alongside numerous Serie A titles and Best Goalkeeper awards worldwide. Buffon brings absolute confidence to the entire defensive system.

Defenders

The defense combines courage, speed, and consistency. Carles Puyol and Rio Ferdinand form a dream center-back duo. Puyol embodies the warrior spirit, always giving more than 100%, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s historic sextuple in 2009 and the 2010 World Cup. Ferdinand represents the modern defender, strong yet extremely intelligent, having won the 2008 Champions League and six Premier League titles with Manchester United. The full-backs are Kyle Walker, a right-back with exceptional speed and stamina, and Nacho Fernandez, a versatile and durable player linked to Real Madrid’s Champions League victories.

Midfielders

The midfield is the heart of the team with three central midfielders and one attacking midfielder. Gennaro Gattuso plays the role of the “sweeper,” bringing steel and relentless fighting spirit. Toni Kroos is the playmaker, known for his nearly flawless passing accuracy, a 2014 World Cup winner with a vast collection of Champions League trophies. Frank Lampard takes the box-to-box role, excelling at scoring from midfield. Ahead, Ilkay Gundogan operates as a flexible attacking midfielder, shining at key moments, exemplified by Manchester City’s historic treble in the 2022–2023 season.

Attackers

Up front, Didier Drogba and Miroslav Klose form a perfect striking partnership. Drogba is a symbol of finals, powerful, composed, and fearless, especially noted for Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League victory. Meanwhile, Klose is a master goal poacher inside the box, holding the record for most World Cup goals and winning the title in 2014 with Germany.