The greatest XI of the 21st century to never win an international trophy would be unstoppable

Sadio Mane and Senegal claimed continental glory as they clinched their first Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday night.

After a turgid, tense affair, the honour of being crowned champions of Africa would be decided by a penalty shootout.

Having missed from the spot in regular time, Mane would’ve breathed the biggest sigh of relief ever heaved as his side efficiently out their spot kicks away.

What it meant, however, is that his Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah, would leave Cameroon with nought but heartbreak as Egypt fell short yet again.

Salah has made no secret of his desperation to win an international trophy but it just wasn’t to be in 2022.

However, as he returns to Merseyside, Salah can find solace in the fact that he isn’t the only global superstar to have never won international silverware.

In fact, a combined XI of 21st century players to have never tasted international glory actually makes for what would be a truly unstoppable side.

Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas

Navas played a key role in the Real Madrid dynasty that dominated Europe under Zinedine Zidane.

The Costa Rican won the title in his first three season at Los Blancos but sadly, even his spider like, lightning reflex saves weren’t enough to help guide his home nation to silverware.

Right Back: Javier Zanetti

Zanetti’s evergreen run bombing down the flank for his beloved Argentina never yielded any fruit in terms of silverware.

Despite spending 17 years in the famous blue and white shirt, and playing in some ludicrously talented sides, it just never panned out for the Inter Milan legend.

Centre Back: Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand spent his years at Manchester United swimming in silverware but was never able to help the English ‘Golden Generation’ do the same.