Maester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed his ultimate five-a-side lineup, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, and a surprise inclusion in Antonio Di Natale, in an engaging interview that offers a glimpse into the players who have most impressed him throughout his career.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the Portugal international crafted a highly attacking selection drawn exclusively from teammates he has played alongside at club and international level.
Fernandes made only one nod to defensive stability, choosing veteran centre-back Pepe as his lone defender. The 42-year-old, who retired from international football after Euro 2024, edged out Raphaël Varane due to their longer shared history with Portugal. Fernandes credited Pepe with helping him settle into the national team setup and humorously mentioned growing weary of the defender’s relentless cycling posts on social media.
In midfield, Fernandes picked two players renowned for their technical quality and flair. First was Juan Mata, whom he described as one of the most gifted technicians he has ever played with and an even better person off the pitch. Mata’s intelligence and precise touch, Fernandes said, make him ideally suited to the quick, intricate nature of five-a-side football.
Joining Mata was Paul Pogba, praised in glowing terms as the most complete midfielder Fernandes has seen in recent years. He recalled Pogba’s dominant displays at Juventus, admitting he struggled to contain the Frenchman when they faced each other in Serie A. While injuries limited Pogba’s impact during their time together at Manchester United, Fernandes remains in awe of his physical and technical attributes.
Up front, the choices were emphatic. Cristiano Ronaldo was an automatic selection, with Fernandes hailing his compatriot as the greatest goalscorer in football history. The final spot went to Antonio Di Natale, the former Udinese striker who scored prolifically in Serie A despite often playing for a mid-table or relegation-threatened side.
Fernandes highlighted Di Natale’s remarkable consistency and loyalty, noting that his goal-per-game ratio places him among the finest finishers in Italian league history. The choice ahead of more high-profile names underscores Fernandes’ admiration for understated excellence and personal connections.
The full team — Pepe in defence, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba in midfield, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Antonio Di Natale leading the attack — reflects a balance of stellar talent, shared experiences, and off-pitch relationships rather than pure star power alone.
Five-a-side selections have become a popular way for players to pay tribute to former teammates while sparking debate among fans. Fernandes acknowledged he could have chosen many others but opted for a group that combined footballing quality with genuine chemistry.
