👑 Like the Three Wise Men: Football’s greatest trios in history

On January 6th, the Three Wise Men travel through the lands, traditionally bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In football, you don't need camels for this, but rather passes, goals, and a whole lot of magic. Because even the world's most beautiful sport has been shaped time and again by very special trios. Trios that decided games, defined entire eras, and continue to make fans swoon to this day. 

In honor of Epiphany, we take a not entirely serious, but reverent look at seven of the best trios in football history.

Messi – Suárez – Neymar (FC Barcelona)

This trio was simply unfair. Messi as the brilliant conductor, Neymar as the unpredictable wizard, and Suárez as the ice-cold finisher. Together, they were simply indefensible. "MSN" combined joy of play with relentless efficiency.

What made them special: It was not a marriage of convenience. The three understood each other blindly, both on and off the field. In 2015, it culminated in the treble. And who knows: Had Neymar not moved to PSG in 2017, MSN might have been even more successful.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Benzema – Bale (Real Madrid)

Less playful, but maximally powerful. This trio thrived on speed, physicality, and an unwavering will to win. Ronaldo as the goal monster, Bale with raw power down the right wing, Benzema as the chronically underestimated and highly intelligent link-up player.

"BBC" was a force especially in the Champions League. Three consecutive titles speak volumes. It doesn't get much more regal on the European stage.

Xavi – Iniesta – Busquets (FC Barcelona & Spain)

Unlike the previous combinations, this trio cannot boast absurd scoring figures. This trident is much more for true football purists. Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets controlled games with passes, positioning, and incredible calm.

They formed the heart of Tiki-Taka, both at Barça and with the Spanish national team. In 2010, they became world champions, followed by the European Championship title in 2012 – for Xavi and Iniesta, their second after 2008.

Van Basten – Gullit – Rijkaard (AC Milan & Netherlands)

Three Dutchmen, three world stars, three completely different types. Van Basten as the elegant striker, Gullit as the physical powerhouse, Rijkaard as the strategic anchor.

At AC Milan, they formed the core of one of the best teams of all time, and with the Dutch national team, they won the 1988 European Championship in Germany. Quite an achievement!

Salah – Firmino – Mané (FC Liverpool)

This trio thrived on speed, intensity, and embodied Jürgen Klopp's heavy-metal football almost to perfection. Salah and Mané came down the wings, Firmino acted as a false nine – not necessarily a world-class scorer, but constantly in motion, constantly dangerous.

At FC Liverpool, they became the epitome of modern attacking football and triumphed in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Ronaldo – Ronaldinho – Rivaldo (Brazil)

In the case of this Brazilian connection, it was less about tactics or systems, and much more about pure magic. Ronaldo was an unstoppable force of nature, Rivaldo just a sly fox, and Ronaldinho had the genius of a street footballer.

At the 2002 World Cup, they led the Seleção to their fifth World Cup title. For years, this trio showed why Brazil is generally considered the football kingdom for gifted technicians.

Best – Charlton – Law (Manchester United)

The "Holy Trinity" of Old Trafford. George Best as the eccentric genius, Bobby Charlton as the strategist and leader, and Denis Law as the uncompromising goal scorer were ahead of their time.

📸 IAN HODGSON - AFP or licensors

In the 60s, they led Manchester United to the top of Europe. To this day, their statues stand in front of the stadium. A legacy can hardly be more regal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Denis Doyle - 2017 Getty Images