A high-strength, soft-magnetic iron-cobalt-vanadium alloy selection is proposed, consisting of 35.0≦Co≦55.0% by weight, 0.75≦V≦2.5% by weight, O≦Ta+2×Nb≦0.8% by weight, 0.3<Zr≦1.5% by weight, remainder Fe and melting-related and/or incidental impurities. This zirconium-containing alloy selection has excellent mechanical properties, in particular a very high yield strength, high inductances and particularly low coercive forces. It is eminently suitable for use as a material for magnetic bearings used in the aircraft industry.