Definition of defender includes as following ;
Full-Back, Wing-Back, Semi-Side Back, Center-Back, Stopper, Sweeper and Advanced Sweeper.
Full-Back, Wing-Back, Semi-Side Back, Center-Back, Stopper, Sweeper and Advanced Sweeper.
Defenders in the 2-3-5 Metodo system
is considered in either center-back or side-back depend on
role and style of player. In the 3-2-5 W-M system, it is a center-back
alongside twice semi-side-backs. Moreover, Definition includes both full-back in 4-4-2
system and wing-back in 5-3-2 system. Regarding of center-back include both
sweeper and stopper or marker and even attacking sweeper. The sweeping system
was originated by Alexandru Apolzan in the 1950s. The fact of matter, attacking sweeper must be very good in both defensive and offensive skills so they would
be advantage to be considered in higher place. Defending skill and tactical system was
just developed and reached high potential in recent decade especially influence
of defensive style of playing, thereby advantage will be sided on the second part of football history.
50. Billy Wright
Nation : England,
Height : 180 cm, Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Wolvehampton Wanderers
World Cup Participation : 1950, 1954, 1958 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times English Top Division, 1 Time FA Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1952 FWA Footballer Of The Year
3 Times European Defender of The Year (1956, 1957, 1958)
3 Times European Defender of The Year (1956, 1957, 1958)
1957 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1959 Order of The British Empire
English Football Hall Of Fame
Billy Wright is one of the great legends in history of British football, is the best defender in the Europe during the 1950s. He signed as professional at 17 years old and then became the first football player in the world to earn 100 caps. Wright was a central defender and a captain of England national team through decade of 1950s. He was the most popular player for English’s football fan during his era with his profession and reliability of football playing. Wright was a master of timing both in terms of beating taller players to headers and winning the ball in strong tackles. He also had a remarkable reading of the game, able to break up attackers with almost telepathic interception and launch quick break upfield. He made 541 appearances to Wolvehampton and regarded as club’s greatest player ever, Specialty, A statue of him was erected beside Wolves' Molineux Stadium in memory of him in 1996, three years after the completion of a stand at the stadium named in honour of him. He is rated by many as the second greatest defender of England only to Bobby Moore. Wright also finished 9th and 6th place Ballon'Dor in 1956 and 1958 respectively. He was named by Mundo Esportivo in 1954 FIFA World Cup All-Stars team.
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49. Alessandro Costacurta
Date
Of Birth : 24 April 1966
Nation
Italy, Caps : 59 Games
Height
: 183 cm, Position : Stopper
Major
Club : AC Milan
World
Cup Participation : 1994, 1998 (11 Games)
Club
Honours : 7 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia
5
Times UEFA Champion League (1989,1990,1994,2003,2007)
3
Times UEFA Champion League Runner-Up (1993,1995,2005)
2
Times Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
International
Honours : 1994 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual
Achievement : AC Milan Football Hall of Fame
"Grande Billy" Alessandro Costacurta was one of
the greatest man-markers in the World during the first half 1990s. He formed
the most formidable defensive units ever during his extensive career at Milan.
Costacurta is a tactical versatile defender, could play as center-back and
later as a full-back. He was a gifted and tenacious defender with tactical
intelligence, timing and strong tackling ability. He was also effective in
aerial combat and was outstanding in ability to read the game and anticipated
play with a great positional sense. Costacurta played for AC MIlan in
consecutive 20 seasons, being renowned for his professionalism and longevity
and is known as one of the most decorated footballers ever in international
club competition alongside Paolo Maldini. Due to an extreme high
competitiveness of Italian national team, he debuted lately at 25 years old. He
was never nominated in Ballon'Dor. He is named at 50th in UEF Jubilee Poll.
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48. Carles Puyol
Position : Center-Back/ Right-Back
Height : 178 cm, Major Club : Barcelona, Caps : 100 Games
World Cup Participation : 2002, 2006, 2010 (14 Games)
Club Honour : 5 Times Spanish La liga, 3 Times Spanish Cup
3 Times UEFA Champion League (2006, 2009, 2011)
2009 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : 2008 UEFA Euro, 2010 FIFA World Cup
Individual Achievement : 2006 UEFA Champion League Best Defender
2008 UEFA Euro Best XI, 2010 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
2009 FIFA Confederation Cup Team of the tournament
2010 World Defender of The Year
2010 World Defender of The Year
UEFA Ultimate Team of the year
European Championship All-Time XI
"The
Shark" Carles Puyol was one of the best defenders in the World during
second half 2000s and is one the most decorated defenders ever as being the
main pillar of both Barcelona and Spain in its glory years. He is regarded as
one the greatest captains of all-time, known for his leadership and work ethic.
Mainly a central defender, he was a versatile player who could also feature on
either flank mostly as right-back in the first part of his career. He was
known for his commanding presence in the air despite his modest stature, as
well as his ability to read the game, man-marking skill and ability to organize
the defense including his intense commitment and ruggedness. He was named in
UEFA Team of the year 6 times, FIFPRO World XI 3 times and ESM team of the month 22 times and team of the year 4 times. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor twice om 2006 and 2010. His best
place in BallonDor is 11th in 2010.
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47. Marcelo
Date Of Birth : 12 May 1988
Position : Left-Wing-Back ,Height : 174 cm
Major Club : Real Madrid
Caps : 58 Games
World Cup Participation : 2014 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Spanish La Liga
2 Times Copa Del Rey
3 Times UEFA Champion League (14,16,17)
2 Times Copa Del Rey
3 Times UEFA Champion League (14,16,17)
International Honours : 2013 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 2011 UEFA Team of the Year
3 Times FIFPro World XI (2012, 2015, 2016)
2014 FIFA World Cup All Stars
2 Times UEFA Champion League Squad of the Season
3 Times FIFPro World XI (2012, 2015, 2016)
2014 FIFA World Cup All Stars
2 Times UEFA Champion League Squad of the Season
IFFHS World Team of The Decade - 2010s
Marcelo is the greatest side-back in the world during the mid-2010s. He was an instrumental wing-back of Real Madrid who remarkably contributes on the left-wing. He is regarded as one of the most successful side-backs in history of UEFA Champion League with 4 times squad of the season. Unfortunately, he played for Brazil during its significant decline era. Known for his attacking capabilities, Marcelo mainly plays as a full-back or wing-back, but he can also play on the left wing or in midfield. His movement on the ball, explosive pace, agility, and dribbling skills frequently see him beat opponents in one-on-one situations with feints. He is a threat on counter-attacks, as he can penetrate the opponent’s defense with deep runs or get into positions where he can receive the ball often and create goals. Moreover, his crossing ability, precise passing, and his vision also allow him to function as a secondary playmaker for his team. While naturally left-footed, he is also adept with his right foot. However, he is cited his defensive abilities, work-rate, and awareness as weaknesses that are in need of improvement. He is named in La Liga team of the season 3 times, ESM Team of the month 11 times, ESM team of the year twice, L’Equip Team of the year four times. FIFPro World XI 6 times. He was nominated Ballon'Dor twice in 2017 and 2018.
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46. Manuel Amoros
Date Of Birth : 1 February 1962
Nation : France,
Height : 172 cm, Position : Left and Right-Back
Major Club : Olympique Marseile
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986 (12 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times French Champions, 1 Time French Cup
1993 European Cup Winners, 1991 Runner-Up
International Honours : 1986 FIFA World Cup Third Place
1984 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 1986 French Player Of The Year
1986 European Defender of The Year
1986 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
Manuel Amoros
was a versatile full-back who was able to play both left and right-side without
a significant difference due to his great in both feet. He was an extraordinary
wing-back in the world during 1980s with his fast, excellent movement,
intelligent and skillful with additional great scoring support. Amoros played
his first World Cup as a starter in 1982 in spite of his age 20 year olds only.
He often went forward to play like winger and his elegant style led him as a
popular defender especially his performance in match against Brazil in World
Cup 1986 and he was voted as the best right-back of tournament by
international-press. Amoros was one of the most successful French players
during his time, won the top trophies both club and international competitions.
He was finished 4th European footballer of the year in 1986 and also finished
12th in 1987. He was named in World Soccer XI in 1986 and 1987.
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45. Manfred Kaltz
Date Of Birth : 6 January 1953
Position : Right-Wing-Back, Height : 186 cm
Major Club : Hamburg, Caps : 69 Games
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982 (13 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Bundesliga, 2 Times DFB-Pokal
1977 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
1983 European Cup Winner, 1980 Runner-Up
International Honours : 1976 European Championship Runner-Up
1980 European Championship Winner
1982 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement :
1980 2nd Place Guerin Sportivo World Player of the Year
6 Times Bundesliga Team of the Year
6 Times Bundesliga Team of the Year
Manfred Kaltz is one of the greatest side-backs in the world duing the late 1970s to early 1980s. He was a world-class defender for Hambruge in its glory era, reaching 4 European international cup finals. Kaltz was also successful with Germany national team in 1980 Euro and 1982 European Championship. He is rated by Kicker in 1.5 World-Class Bundesliga seasons and 6 international class seasons. Kaltz was famous for his right-footed crosses, which he hit with so much spin that they curved like a banana. They were affectionately called "Bananenflanken" ("banana crosses"). He often used this technique to set up hulking striker Horst Hrubesch, whose 96 goals. Kaltz was voted at 5th Ballon Dor in 1979 and 10th in 1980. He was named in Bundesliga Team of the year six times. He was named in World XI twice in 1980 and 1981 by Onze Mondial and Guerin Sportivo.
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44. Laurent Blanc
Date Of Birth : 7 September 1968
Nation : France,
Height : 192 cm, Position : Advanced Sweeper
Major Club : Monpellier
World Cup Participation : 1998 (5 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time English Premier League
1 Time French League, 2 Times Coupe De France
International Honours : 1998 FIFA World Cup Champion
2000 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement : 1990 French Footballer Of The Year
2 times UEFA Euro Best XI (1992,1996,), 1998 Legion De Honour
Laurent Blanc
was voted as the fourth greatest French player of century according to France
Football’s poll. He holds the all-time record most appearances in European
Championship Team Of Tournament with 3. Blanc began his career as offensive
midfielder with Monpellier. Only a few years later did he settle as a defender.
He was one of several club’s players with 9 clubs to play in his overall
career. Blanc scored the first golden goal in World Cup history. He was known
as a surprisingly high-scoring defender, excellent anticipation, elegant
on-the-ball skill style. He was a threat to the opposition’s goal from the air
or from either foot. Blanc played for the middle-level team in the majority of
his career and won few trophies as a result. Blanc scored more than 133 goals
in his career and is named as Inter Milan Player of The Year in 2000. Blanc was
nominated in Ballon'Dor four times, finished best place at 14th in 1998.
43. Alan Hansen
Date Of Birth : 13 June 1955
Nation : Scotland,
Height : 188 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Liverpool
World Cup Participation : 1982 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 8 Times England Top Division
1 Time Scottish First Division
2 Times FA Cup, 3 Times League Cup
3 Times European Cup (1978, 1981, 1984)
1985 European Cup Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : None
Alan Hansen was known as the greatest defender ever to come from the Scotland and is one of the greatest defenders in history of English football league and European Cup. A stellar defensive organizer and technician, He was one of the most important player of “The Red Machine” Liverpool which is the most successful team in Europe for years between lately 1970s to early 1980s. Hansen played all 4 European Cup final matches and win 3 times. On the other hand, He unfortunately was not a long-period starter for Scotland national team after World Cup 1982 was ended just because of a compatible buddy of center-back from Aberdeen like Willie Miller and Alex Mcleish. He played as sweeper, had never been frighten on his face, coolness like stagnant and reliable in every situations. Hansen was never nominated in Ballon'Dor.
_______________________________________42. Ciro Ferrara
Date Of Birth : 11 February 1967
Nation : Italy,
Height : 180 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Napoli, Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1990 (No Game)
Club Honours : 6 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Copa Italia, 1989 UEFA Cup
1996 UEFA Champion League,
2 Times UFEA Champion League Runner-Up (1997,1998)
1996 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : Juventus Football Hall of Fame
Ciro Ferrara is one
of the most underrated defenders ever. He started his career at hometown club
Napoli before moving to Juventus and became captain soon after joining the
team, and soon became one of the most experienced and decorated players. A true
commader in Juventus's backline, being an experienced and dominating defender.
Internationally, He was never truly realized despite his impressive tally of
caps. There are two reasons for this: First of all, Italy had a host of other
world class players in his position that often blocked his route. Secondly, he
was very unfortunate with injuries. This was most notable in the buildup to the
1998 World Cup in France. He is not so well-known outside his native-country,
but within Italy he is regarded as just another illustrious defender in a
long-line of world class Italian defenders. Ferrara is considered as the best
defender in series A by media rating once in 1987. He was nominated in
Ballon'Dor once in 1997 and is named in ESM Team of the year in the same year.
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41. Daniel Alves
Position : Right-Wing-Back, Height : 170 cm
Major Club : Barcelona, Caps : 115 Games
World Cup Participation : 2010, 2014 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 6 Times La Liga, 5 Times Copa Del Rey
1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Coppa Italia
1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Coppa Italia
2 Times French League, 1 Time French Cup
2 Times UEFA Cup (2006, 2007)
3 Times UEFA Champion League (2009, 2011, 2015)
3 Times FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011,2015)
International Honours : 2 Times Copa America (2007, 2019)
2009 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 2006 UEFA Cup Most Valuable Player
2007 World Defender of the Year
2009 La Liga Defender of The Year
2019 Copa America Best Player
2019 Copa America Best Player
2013 FIFA Confederation Cup team of the tournament
IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the decade
"The Trantula" Daniel Alves is the best side-back in the world during the 2010s and is the best right-back in history of La Liga football and UEFA Champion League. He was known in particular for his pace, stamina, overlapping attacking runs and technical skills which also enable him to play as a side-midfielder. He is renowned for his gift in crossing accuracy and distribution with allow him to link up with midfielders and made him an effective assist provider with 227 assist in overall career and ability to score from long-range set-piece. Although not specialized in defensive aspect, he possesses great tenacity and anticipation to intercept passes or chase down and press opponents. Alves played 14 seasons in La liga and he met his career highlight with Barcelona in its golden era. However, Alves was not as successful with Brazil as Barcelona. He wasn't a regular starter in World Cup during his prime. He was named 5 Times UEFA Team of the year, 31 Times ESM team of the month and 5 Times ESM team of the year including 8 Times FIFPro World XI. He was nominated Ballon'Dor twice in 2007 and 2011.
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40. John Terry
Date Of Birth : 7 December 1980
Height : 187 cm, Position : Center-Back
Height : 187 cm, Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Chelsea, Caps : 78 Games
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Premier League
4 Times FA Cup, 2 Times League Cup
2008 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2005 PFA Player Of The Year
2006 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
3 Times UEFA Champion League Best Defender (2005,2007,2009)
5 Times FIFPro World XI, 4 Times UEFA Team of the Year
Chelsea All-Time XI
5 Times FIFPro World XI, 4 Times UEFA Team of the Year
Chelsea All-Time XI
John Terry is the greatest defender in the world during second half 2000s, is regarded as one of best defenders in history of UEFA Champion League as holds record the most UEFA Champion League best defenders. He was a leader in Chelsea’s back-line during glory year of the club. Terry was recognized for his physicality and aggressive defending style, A tall defender, he excelled in the air, which enabled him to defend crosses and high balls effectively, and also made him a goal threat for his team in the opposing penalty area, despite his defensive playing role. Although he was primarily known for his aggressive tackling, he was also an intelligent player, who was recognised by pundits for his positioning and anticipation, as well as his ability to read the game, which compensated for his lack of pace or athleticism. He also stood out for his leadership and bravery throughout his career, as well as his ability organise the back–line.. He was voted 4 times PFA Team of the year, 4 Times UEFA Team of the year, 22 times ESM team of the month, 3 Times ESM team of the year and five times FIFPro World XI. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor once in 2005 and finished 11th.
39. Sergio Ramos
Date Of Birth : 30 March 1986
Nation : Spain, Height : 183 cm
Caps : 180 Games
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010, 2014
Club Honours : 5 Times Spanish La Liga
2 Times Copa Del Rey, 3 Times World Club Cup
4 Times UEFA Champion League (2014,2016,2017,2018)
International Honours : 2010 FIFA World Cup
2 Times UEFA Euro Winners (2008, 2012)
Individual Achievement : 5 Times La Liga Best Defender
2005 La Liga Breakthrough Players of the Year
4 Times ESM Team of the Year (2008, 2012, 2015, 2017)
2010 FIFA World Cup All-Star Teams, 2012 UEFA Euro Best XI
2014 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball
2017 LFP La Liga Player of the Season
2017 UEFA Champion League Best Defender
2 Times World Defender of the Year (2014, 2017)
IFFHS World Best Defender of The Decade
"The Tarzan" Sergio Ramos is the most decorated defender ever and the greatest defender of the world during the mid-2010s and is known as the most important defender of Real Madrid in is dominant era that won UEFA Champion League 4 times. Ramos is not known as being world-class in his defensive skill but he is extraordinary in offensive skill, excel in air due to his elevation and heading accuracy and very dangerous in set-pieces. He is an aggressive tackler and is gifted with pace, technical ability as well as great distribution. He is one of fastest footballer in a long run with 30.6 Km per hour. He is tactically versatile allowed him to deploy as full-back at beginning of his career and center-back in his prime career. He incredibly won 2014 FIFA CLub World Cup top scorer, proving him being excellent in scoring task which he made around 90 goals through his career. His is named in FIFPro World XI 8 times, UEFA team of the year 7 times and ESM team of the month 26 times and team of the year 4 times. He achieves 5th place FIFA Footballer of the year in 2017.
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38. Marcel Desailly
Date Of Birth : 7 September 1968
Nation : France, Caps : 116 Games
Height : 188 cm, Position : Stopper
Major Club : AC Milan, Chelsea
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time FA Cup
2 Times European Cup (1993, 1994)
1995 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours : 1998 FIFA World Cup Champion
2000 European Championship Winners
2 Times FIFA Confederation Cup Winners (2001, 2003)
Individual Achievement : 1998 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
2 times UEFA Euro Team of Tournament (1996, 2000)
Premier League Team of The Decade
Marcel Desailly is the greatest defender ever to born in the Africa continent and is one of the most international team decorated defenders of all-time, was a stalwart center-back and note for his superb strength and stamina, domination in the air, radiation confidence and leadership. Desailly was one of a few players in history to win 2 consecutive European Cup with different team. He had firstly avhived it with Olympique Marseile before going on his career in AC Milan and won the second one. There, He was a World-Class deep-lying defensive midfielder in front of back-line. Then, He was transferred to English Premier League with Chelsea. He basically played as a man’s marker for France national team and being one of the best stoppers in the World, was voted as 4th place best player of the 1998 FIFA World Cup tournament. Desailly was voted in top eleven Ballon D’or 4 times during 1994 to 1996 and 1998, finished best place in 1996 at 8th.
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37. Philippe Lahm
Date Of Birth : 11 November 1983Position : Left and Right-Back, Height : 170 cm
Major Club : Bayern Munich, Caps : 113 Games
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010, 2014
Club Honours : 8 Times Bundesliga, 6 Times DFB-Pokal
2013 UEFA Champion League, 2 Times Runner-Up
2013 UEFA Champion League, 2 Times Runner-Up
International Honours : 2008 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
2014 FIFA World Cup Champion
2014 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 2 Times UEFA Euro Best XI (2008, 2012)
3 Times FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team (2006, 2010, 2014)
3 Times FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team (2006, 2010, 2014)
IFFHS World Team of The Decade 2010s
2021 IFFHS All-Time Europe Dream Team
"Masgic Dwarf" Phillip Lahm is the best defender in the World during the first half 2010s and is one of the most successful defenders ever in international football. He was grown up with Bayern youth team and settle down for his club through his career. Lahm spent his prime period during the first half 2010s. He was captain of both Bayern in the 2013 winning treble and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion. The transition from 2013 to 2014 saw his change in left-back to defensive midfielder position and was rated by kicker in world-class in both role. Although Lahm is right-footed player, he is able to play on both sides in the back-line effectively utilized from his tactical intelligence and versatility. He often cuts from the flank to the inside area. In particular, he is renowned for his pace, technique, stamina, and precise tackling abilities. Lahm was incredibly chosen in World Cup and UEFA Euro all stars team 5 consecutive tournaments. He was named in FIFPro World XI and ESM team of the year twice with 17 times ESM team of the month and get the highest place in Ballon'Dor at 6th in 2014. He is also named in the 2015 UEFA Ultimate team of the year and The 2016 All-Time Euro XI. He was rated by kicker in 2.5 world-class Bundesliga seasons.
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36. Claudio Gentile
Date Of Birth : 27 September 1953
Nation : Italy,
Position : Left/Right-Back
Height : 178 cm, Major Club : Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982 (13 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Copa Italia, 1977 UEFA Cup
1983 European Cup Runner-Up
1984 European Cup Winners Cup
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 1982 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
1980 European Championship Team Of Tournament
Italian Football Hall of Fame
Italian Football Hall of Fame
Gentile born in Libya, is one of the toughest and roughest defenders in the history of the game, considered by many as one of football 's greatest ever man markers. Gentile generally played at Centre Back but switched to Left or Right Back when needing to mark certain wide-playing attackers. One of Gentile's most favored tactics was to stand behind the striker who had the ball while kicking between his opponent's legs to play the ball, leaving the opposing player's legs beaten and bruised. Gentile was also a master of the hard tackle to get the ball, not the player, and was rewarded for his skill by a career that lacked even a single sending off. Gentile is considered as the best defender in Series A once in 1977. In World Cup 1982, He notably man-marked Diego Maradona out of the game, also performed a violent tackle from behind on Zico and later ripped the Brazilian's shirt in half during a tussle. Gentile was never nominated in Ballon'Dor. He was chosen by 10 medias from total 14 in 1982 FIFA World Cup best XI. He is also named in 1982 Sport Ideal European Team of the Season.
_______________________________________35. Domingos Da Guia
Date Of Birth : 19 November 1912
Nation : Brazil,
Height : 186 cm, Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Flamengo, Corinthians
World Cup Participation : 1938 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Uruguay Champion
1 Time Argentina Champion
International Honours : 1938 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1938 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
1943 Brazilian League Best Player
Brazil Football Museum Hall Of Fame
“The Divine Master” Domingos Da Guia is considered as the greatest South American defender during the 2nd half 1930s and the 1st half 1940s as well as the greatest Brazilian central defender of all-time. He was noted for his reliable in defensive duty and going forward to support attacking game by his technical abilities particularly dribbling, skillful on the abll and never resouricng to violence. He was never the quickest of players, but defended with a great sense of calm which filled his team-mates with confidence. He was also one of the first defenders to dribble the ball away from danger rather than just making big clearances. He quickly rose to fame as one of Bangu's key player. Despite the fact Bangu had a history of fielding black player, Domingos might have witnessed racism in football. Afterwards, Domingos Da Guia settled down as an idol of Flamengo and Corinthians club for a decade until he had became club’s legend.
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Date Of Birth : 25 July 1958
Nation : West Germany,
Height : 178 cm, Position : Stopper
Major Club : VFB Stuttgart, Olympique Marseile
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Bundesliga Champion
2 Times French Champions, 1 Time French Cup
International Honours : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up(1982,1986)
1980 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement : 1982 German Footballer Of The Year
1982 Third Place Place Guerin Sportivo World Footballer of The Year
2 Times European Championship Best XI (1980, 1984)
VFB Stuttgart Greatest Player Ever
VFB Stuttgart Greatest Player Ever
Karlheinz Forster is the greatest man’s marker in history of the Bundesliga games. Kicker ranking rated him 1.5 world-class seasons and 7.5 International-class seasons. However, the rating is underrated if compare to SCD rating which shows he could be also considered in world-class in 1984. Forster was the most important player in defensive line of both VFB Stuttgart and Germany during the 1st half 1980s. After Germany had to be disappointed with 2 consecutive losing in World Cup final round, Forster feel his mission for West Germany should be enough and decide to retire from international competition in spite of his 28 year olds of age only and immediately moved to play in France. This regrettably led him not participate in World Cup 1990 which West Germany was able to win a title and he was still in good performance with Olympic Marseille. Forster never played in final match in any European Competition and he reached once semi-final in each of three major European club competitions According to German Footballer of the year voting, He finish finish 3rd place in 1986, was German defender of the year four times and is named in Bundesliga team of the season twice. Forster was nominated in Ballon'Dor once in 1986.
_______________________________________33. Fernando Hierro
Date Of Birth : 25 March 1968
Nation : Spain,
Height : 188 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 1994,1998,2002 (12 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Spanish La liga, 1 Time Spanish Cup
3 Times UEFA Champion League (1998, 2000, 2002)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1998, 2002)
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 1997 El Pas Spanish Footballer Of The Year
1998 UEFA Champion League Best Defender
Fernando Hierro was famous as a leader in Real Madrid’s defensive line in the era of “Galaticos Version II” and regarded as the greatest Spanish defender in the modern era. He was equally at ease as a central defender or defensive midfielder, he had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range and surprising goalscoring talent, dominated air battles in front of his goal, which made him one of the world's most sought-after players. He played with an intensity that served to motivate him and deflect spotlight off the skill player. As a defender, Hierro had a remarkable scoring record. He led Spain in total goals with 29 before being overtaken by Raul Gonzalez, and in club play was fourth in the world for defensive player goals with 105 in 497 first division games. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times during the 2nd half 1990s and finished in top twenties twice.
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32. Djalma Santos
Date of Birth : 27 February 1929
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 98 Games,
Position : Right-Back, Major Club : Portugesa, Palmeiras
World Cup Participation : 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Brazilian National Champions
3 Times Brazilian State Championship
3 Times Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo
Copa Libertadores Cup Runner-Up (1961, 1968)
International Honours : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Winners(1958,1962)
3 Times Copa America Runner-Up (1953, 1957, 1959)
Individual Achievement : 1952 Brazilian League Best Player
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
3 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star (1954, 1958, 1962 Best Defender)
3 Times Copa America Team of The Tournament (1953, 1957, 1959)
1954 World Cup Best Defender, Brazil Football Museum Hall Of Fame
Djalma Santos is the greatest right-back in the Word during the first half 1960s. He is one of the two players in history of world cup to be unofficially voted in All-Star team 3 times which is the record together with Beckenbauer. He was selected in world team of century more sources than any right-back with 4 from total 9 sources. A rock-solid right back for the great Brazilian Cup teams of 1958 and 1962, Djalma was the first Brazilian player to make 100 caps. A physical specimen While primarily known for his defensive skills, he found time to raid down the right flank and was steadfast in support of the attacking game. He was a tough, rugged and uncompromising right back, Known for his soccer sense and intelligence on the pitch, he was often given the role of marking the opponent's fastest wing player, Djalma was also a deadball specialist. His consistency and longevity with around 1060 total games career was done at his retirement in NT career at 39 years old as the oldest player to appear in Brazil national team and holds the record longest span career of Brazil with more than 16 year. He retired from his club career at 40 years old. For media rating of FIFA World Cup best XI, he was chosen by Mundo Esportivo in 1954, being named by 1 media from total 2 in 1958 and wasn't chosen in 1962 by France Football.
_______________________________________31. Giuseppe Bergomi
Date Of Birth : 22 December 1963
Nation : Italy,
Position : Stopper, Semi-Right Back
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Inter Milan
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998 (20 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Italian Cup
3 Times UEFA Cup (1991, 1994, 1997)
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Winner
1990 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1988 UEFA Euro Team of Tournament
Inter Milan Football Hall of Fame
Inter Milan Football Hall of Fame
Italian Football Hall of Fame
“Lo Zio” Giuseppe Bergomi is regarded by many as the greatest marker of all-time, was a roughness defender but it was full of talent and qualities. He was best remembered as one of the best youngest player ever to play for World Cup final at only 19 year olds of ages and surprisingly marked Rummenigge lost his great performance. Bergomi was a consistency World-Class defender during the 2nd half 1980s. In 1990 World Cup, he was selected as captain for Italy. After miss the 1994 FIFA World Cup squad, he was selected to play in 1998 FIFA world cup in France in his age of 35 year olds. However, media rating shows he was never the best Series A defender in any year. Bergomi tied with Facchetti to be retired number for Inter Milan. He mainly played as sweeper in his career and hold record most appearance for Inter Milan with 757 matches of play. He also finished one runner-up and twice semi-finalist in UEFA Cup with Inter Milan. Bergomi was never nominated in Ballon'Dor. He was chosen by 3 medias from total 12 in 1990 FIFA World Cup best XI. He is also named in Onze Mondial Team of the year 3 times.
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30. Jose Santamaria
Date Of Birth : 31 July 1929
Nation : Uruguay
Height : 180 cm, Position : Stopper
Major Club : Real Madrid
Caps : 20 Games For Uruguay and 16 Games For Spain
World Cup Participation : 1954, 1962 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Uruguay Champions
5 Times Spanish La Liga
4 Times European Cup (1958, 1959, 1960, 1966)
2 Times European Cup Runner-Up (1962, 1964)
1960 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1956 Copa America Winner
Individual Achievement : 1954 FIFA World Cup All Stars Team
1958 Spanish La Liga Footballer of the Year
1961 European Defender of The Year
1958 Spanish La Liga Footballer of the Year
1961 European Defender of The Year
Jose Santamaria is the greatest South American man-marker of all-time, is the best defender in history of Real Madrid club and was the best defender in the World during the 1950s, is one of the most international club decorated defenders of all-time, was an indispensable defender of Real Madrid “The First Decade of Galaticos” He was known for his toughness, uncompromising, top-class stamina and strength. Real Madrid brought him due to his world cup’s performance. Santamaria first played for Uruguay but later moved to play for Spain after playing for Real Madrid just one year. Nonetheless, he was dropped for Spain’s first team of the 1962 FIFA World Cup because of his failing down performance, had never been called for Spain any longer.
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29. Marcos Cafu
Date Of Birth : 7 June 1970, Height : 176 cm
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 142 Games
Position : Right-Wing-Back, Major Club : AS Roma, AC Milan
World Cup Participation : 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 (21 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Brazil National Champions
2 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa CONMEBOL
2 Times Copa Libertadores Cup (1992,1993)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1992, 1993),2007 FIFA Club World Cup
2007 UEFA Champion League, 2005 Runner-Up
International Honours : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Winners (1994,2002)
1998 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
2 Times Copa America Winners (1997, 1999)
1997 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 2008 Officer Of The Order Of Rio Branco
1994 South American Footballer Of The Year, 1993 Bronze Ball 2021 IFFHS All-Time World Dream Team
Marcos Cafu is best known as the only player in history of World Cup to play in 3 final matches which is the record. He became a superstar since early career with Sao Paulo where he won South American Footballer of The Year. He started playing the first one in 1994 which he was fortunately replaced of Jorginho because of his injury in the 22nd minute. Afterwards, Cafu participated the second in 1998 which Brazil was just runner-up. Thirdly, He was selected as captain in World Cup 2002 leading Brazil to win that tournament. Cafu is a right wing-back with outstanding pace, technique and dynamic defensive and offensive force. He was similar to many legendary Brazilian wing-back not able to perform world-class defensive quality but his intelligent always help him to prevent opponents well. Cafu was nominated in Ballon'Dor once in 2002 and being voted in top twenties. He was also selected by El Pais as the best right-back in South Americas four times between 1992 and 1995.
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28. Fabio Cannavaro
Date Of Birth : 13 September 1973
Nation : Italy, Caps : 136 Games
Height : 176 cm, Position : Stopper, Major Club : Parma
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002, 2006 (15 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Spanish La Liga
2 Times Copa Italia, 1 Time UEFA Cup
International Honours : 2006 FIFA World Cup Winners
2000 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : Parma Greatest Player Ever
2000 UEFA Euro Team of The Tournament
2 Times Series A Defender of the Year (2005, 2006)
2000 UEFA Euro Team of The Tournament
2 Times Series A Defender of the Year (2005, 2006)
2006 AIC Oscar De Calcio Footballer Of The Year
2006 Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
2006 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball, Best Defender
2006 Ballon'Dor, FIFA/World Soccer Player of The Year
Fabio Cannavaro is best known as the only defender in history to win FIFA world player of the year award as well as the oldest recipient. Cannavaro actually could play as both sweeper and stopper, noted for his outstanding in his fierce defending, aggressive and interception but has a limitation in setting the game from the back-line. Cannavaro was always overshadowed by Nesta,being voted 2nd on Italian series A defender of the year 4 times. His tall is just lower-average as defender and it has been his disadvantage to manage with aerial ball especially his mistaking to lose winning goal in EURO 2000. 2006 was Cannavaro’s best year which he won 10 individual awards. Afterwards, He had a hard time to sustain his performance with Real Madrid because of loosely defensive system of the team. Cannavaro is named in ESM team of the month 9 times and team of the year once time. He was never voted in Ballon'Dor in other year than 2006.
_______________________________________27. Javier Zanetti
Date Of Birth : 10 August 1978
Nation : Argentina,
Height : 178 cm, Position : Right-Back
Major Club : Inter Milan
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002 (8 Games)
Club Honors : 5 Times Italian Series A, 3 Times Copa Italia
1998 UEFA Cup, 2010 UEFA Champion League
International Honours : 2 Times Copa America Runner-Up (2004, 2007)
1995 Pan American Games Winners
1996 Olympic Games Silver Medal
Individual Achievement : None
“The Tractor” Javier Zanetti is one of the greatest-oldest players of all-time, is an all-round full-back with his strength, resilience, stamina, acceleration, work rate and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position. He is also referred to by team supporters and media as "The Captain" as he has captained the club for over decade. He has appeared in more than 775 official matches for the club and over 550 Series A matches which is the highest all-time total among non-Italian born players. He sometimes switched to play as right-side midfielder or central defensive midfielder. Zanetti is regarded as Inter Milan's greatest player in the 2000s. He is the best defender in Series A in 1996 according to media rating. Unfortunately, he was excluded in squad of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup despite being the best Argentine player in his position undoubtedly. He holds the all-time record most appearances first level career games in defender posiiton with more than 1060 games, also holds the record most appearances for Argentina national team with 145 matches of play and the most appearances in Copa America with 22. Zanetti was never nominated in Ballon'Dor and retired his career at 41 years old. He was named in ESM team of the month only 4 times.
_______________________________________26. Jurgen Kohler
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Date Of Birth : 6 October 1965
Nation : Germany,
Position : Stopper, Major Club : Juventus, Borussia Dortmund
Position : Stopper, Major Club : Juventus, Borussia Dortmund
World Cup Participation : 1990, 1994, 1998 (13 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Bundesliga Champions
1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia
1993 UEFA Cup, 1997 UEFA Champion League
1997 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1990 FIFA World Cup Winners
1996 European Championship Winners, 1992 Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1997 German Footballer Of The Year
1992 European Championship Best XI
Jurgen Kohler is
widely considered as the finest European stoppers or man’s markers ever. He was
one of the most completed stopper with his strong, positional play and
precision tacking , Although an aerial ability and speed were skills he was
just in average only but Kohler always manage it with his tactical ability,
known as a pure defender not available in technical option. Kohler was totally
rated by kicker in 2.5 world-class seasons and 8.5 international-class seasons,
noted for his world-class in a half season for 5 years.In the 1991 - 1992
season, Italian Media's rating to him is overlapped to world-class even kicker
rates in international-class only. He was strong as if being a steel wall could
mark many superstars out of their games. Kohler used to give an interview that
there was no strikers who could make him trouble through his career. According
to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German defender of the year in
only twice times and was named in Bundesliga team of the season six times and was
the most weekly appearances of a Bundesliga team of the season once in 1988.
Kohler was nominated in Ballon'Dor once in 1997 and finished 11th place. He
was chosen by 3 medias from total 12 in 1990 FIFA World Cup best XI.
25. Jose Nasazzi
Date Of Birth : 24 May 1901
Nation : Uruguay,
Height : 182 cm, Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Bella Vista, Nacional
World Cup Participation : 1970 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Uruguay Champions
International Honours : 1930 FIFA World Cup Winner
3 Times Copa America (1923, 1924, 1926)
2 Times Olympic Games Gold Medal (1924, 1928)
Individual Achievement : 1930 FIFA World Cup Best Player
2 Times Copa America Best Player (1923,1935)
2 Times Copa America Best Player (1923,1935)
“The Great Marshal” Jose Nasazzi is widely considered as the greatest defender in the pre-war era, is the most national team decorated footballer of all-time, is regarded by many as one of the greatest Uruguayan legends of all-time and is the only defender in history of World Cup to win Golden Ball award, and is the only defender ever won Copa America MVP more than once time. He was captain for Uruguay in their glory years which was the most successful team in the world especially winning the first World Cup in 1930 and basically noted for his leadership and reliability. Nasazzi played as right-side central defender in 2-3-5 system. Regrettably, Uruguay refused to defend their title in World Cup 1934 despite they are still rated as one of the best teams in the World.
_______________________________________24. Carlos Alberto
Date Of Birth : 17 July 1944
Nation : Brazil,
Height : 180 cm, Position : Right-Wing-Back
Major Club : Fluminese
World Cup Participation : 1970 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Brazilian National Champions
International Honours : 1970 FIFA World Cup Winners
1974 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1970 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
1998 FIFA World Team Of Century
1998 FIFA World Team Of Century
Carlos Alberto Torres is widely regarded as the finest right wing-back of all-time during his peak. He was all-round full-back with his ball control, dribbling, playmaking ability, brilliant positioning, great tackling and reading of the game. Carlos Alberto could play as sweeper as well. He selected as captain, was best remembered in world cup 1970 with his scorer in final match which has been regarded as one of the best score in world cup history because of a very beautiful co-ordination between several players prior to his decisive finishing. However, His big getting injury impacted his career not to be as great as he should have been and disappeared a considerable amount of his NT career. Carlos Alberto was not among the best in his defensive skills but reputable for his first-class offensive skill. He was never voted in top ten South American Footballer of The Year which began in 1971 and never participated in Copa Libertadores Cup and Copa America.
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23. Andreas Brehme
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Date Of Birth : 9 November 1960, Height : 175 cm
Nation : West Germany, Caps : 86 Games (8 Goals)
Position : Left-Wing-Back
Major Club : Kaiserslautern, Inter Milan
World Cup Participation : 1986,1990,1994 (16 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Bundesliga, 1 Time DFB-Pokal
1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time UEFA Cup
International Honours : 1990 FIFA World Cup Winners
1992 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1990
1989 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
1990 Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1990 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
2 Times UEFA Euro Best XI (1984, 1992)
Andreas Brehme is
considered to be one of the greatest free-kick takers and crossers of all time
as one of a few players in the world who could play with both feet equally
well, making him valuable as an outfield player. He was best remembered as a
winning-scorer with taking penalty in World Cup 1990 final round. Brehme was
great in stamina, positional play, precision crossing and teamwork ability. In
Bundesliga Game, He was rated in international-class 5 seasons as left
wing-back plus a season as central defensive midfielder. His individual
performance in Italian Series A coud be rated in 2 World-Class seasons. Brehme
totally scored 65 goals in his whole professional career. According to German
Footballer of the year voting, He finish 2nd place in 1990 and was German
defender of the year only once time. He was also nominated in 1989 Ballon'Dor,
finished 14th.
22. Virgil Van Dijk
Position : Center-Back, Height : 193 cm
Major Club : Celtic, Liverpool, Caps : 96 Games
World Cup Participation : 2022
Club Honours : 2 Times Premier League
2 Times Scottish League, 1 Time FA Cup
2019 UEFA Champion League, 2018 and 2022 Runner-Up
2019 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement :
2019 Premier League Player of the Season
2019 UEFA Defender of the Season
2019 UEFA Nation League Best XI
2019 UEFA Men Player of The Year
2019 Premier League Player of the Season
2019 UEFA Defender of the Season
2019 UEFA Nation League Best XI
2019 UEFA Men Player of The Year
2019 Silver Ball Ballon'Dor
2019 Silver Ball FIFA Best Men Player of the Year
2019 Silver Ball FIFA Best Men Player of the Year
3 Times UEFA CHampion League Squad of the season
2 Times World Defender of The Year (2019, 2022)
IFFHS World Team of The Decade - 2010s
"Aquaman" Virgil Van Dijk is the best Dutch player and greatest defender in the World during the late 2010s to early 2020s and is considered as one of the most all-round center-backs of all-time. He is superb in positional sense, physically strong, possesses aerial prowess and great pace and agility for his height, is also described as a smooth ball-playing defender, effective set-piece taker and ability to read the game and know how to judge his timing and wait for the right moment to challenge. Van Dijk played as a pivotal role in defense for Liverpool that reached 3 UEFA Champion League finals. He was named in 5 Times PFA team of the year, 3 Times UEFA team of the year, 5 times UEFA Champion League squad of the season, 28 Times ESM team of the month and 4 Times team of the year and 5 Times FIFPRO World XI. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor twice in 2019 and 2022 and finished the highest place for defender position.
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21. Karlheinz Schnellinger
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger was the best defender in the World in the first half 1960s. He was not only rated in 3.5 world-class seasons in Bundesliga and all World Cup tournaments he played from kicker ranking but also a consistency world-class defender in Italian series A in several years. Schnellinger mainly played as left-back in 4-4-2 system but he sometimes was used as sweeper for Germany which he was still rated in world-class in world cup 1970. He was noted for his superlatively positional play, tackling ability, physical power pace and his winning mentality. Moreover, Schnellinger also did offensively duty well especially his long passing. His best year was 1962 which was the only year he won 2 major individual awards. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German defender of the year only twice times. Schnellinger was voted in 5th, 11th and 12th Ballon'Dor between 1963 and 1965, respectively.
20. Antonio Cabrini
19. Ronald Koeman
Date Of Birth : 21 March 1963
Date Of Birth : 31 March 1939
Nation : Germany, Caps : 47 Games
Position : Left-Full-Back/ Center-Back
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : FC Koln, AC Milan
World Cup Participation : 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970 (16 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Bundesliga
1 Time Italian Series A, 4 Times Copa Italia
2 Times European Cup Winners’ Cup
1969 European Cup, 1969 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1966 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1970 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1962 German Footballer of The Year
1962 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
1962 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
3 Times European Defender of The Year (1962, 1963, 1964)
1962 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
3 Times European Defender of The Year (1962, 1963, 1964)
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger was the best defender in the World in the first half 1960s. He was not only rated in 3.5 world-class seasons in Bundesliga and all World Cup tournaments he played from kicker ranking but also a consistency world-class defender in Italian series A in several years. Schnellinger mainly played as left-back in 4-4-2 system but he sometimes was used as sweeper for Germany which he was still rated in world-class in world cup 1970. He was noted for his superlatively positional play, tackling ability, physical power pace and his winning mentality. Moreover, Schnellinger also did offensively duty well especially his long passing. His best year was 1962 which was the only year he won 2 major individual awards. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German defender of the year only twice times. Schnellinger was voted in 5th, 11th and 12th Ballon'Dor between 1963 and 1965, respectively.
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Date Of Birth : 8 October 1957
Nation : Italy,
Height : 178 cm, Position : Left-Back
Major Club : Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1978,1982,1986 (18 Games)
Club Honours : 6 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Copa Italia, 1977 UEFA Cup
1983 European Cup Runner-Up
1984 European Cup Winners Cup
1985 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 1978 World Cup Best Young Player
3 Times Italian Series Team of the Year
Italian Football Hall of Fame
“The Beautiful Antonio” Antonio Cabrini is considered as the greatest full-back of the world during the first half 1980s. Because of his popularity as a fascinating and good-looking football player, On the field, his technical and physical qualities made of him the most popular defender of the history of Italian football. Cabrini was almost a completed side-back, showing his world-class defensive and offensive quality but his right-foot was the only disadvantage that it was not rather useful in some occasions. But still, His left-foot was good enough to create many goals for his team especially scored 9 goals for Italy is the all-time record for Italian defender. He was one of the main players of Juventus in their glory era which was the most successful team in Italy. According to media rating, he is the best defender of Series A twice times in 1984 and 1986. He was voted from www.channel4.com as a starter in Juventus all-time XI. Cabrini was voted in 13th and 14th Ballon'Dor in 1978 and 1983, respectively. He was chosen by 4 medias from total 14 in 1982 FIFA World Cup best XI. He is named in Onze Mondial Team of the year 4 times and 3 times Sport Ideal European Best XI.
_______________________________________19. Ronald Koeman
Nation : Netherlands,
Height : 183 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Barcelona
World Cup Participation : 1990, 1994 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Spanish Cup
4 Times Dutch Champions, 3 Times Dutch Cup
2 Times European Cup (1988, 1992)
International Honours : 1988 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement :
2 Times Dutch Footballer Of The Year (1987, 1988)
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1988, 1992)
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1988, 1992)
Ronald Koeman was well-known as the greatest defender-scorer in history of the game with 225 goals in 647 matches which is an all-time world record. Koeman scored not less than 10 goals in a season almost every years during his career. Most were done by his free-kick specialist, powerful and rocket long shooting and penalty taking. He was also a great sweeper with intelligent play ensured an organized defense and provided excellent distribution from the back, always generated precision passing. His leadership ability enabled him to excel as captain of Holland in 1994 World Cup final. He played for all three big of Holland like Ajax, PSV and Feyenood. Koeman was known for his low speed which made him a hard time to catch high-speed attackers. He was voted in 5th and 8th Ballon'Dor in 1988 and 1992.
_______________________________________18. Leovegildo Junior
Date Of Birth : 25 June 1954
Nation : Brazil,
Height : 174 cm, Position : Left-Wing-Back
Major Club : Flamengo
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Brazil State Champion
4 Times Brazil National Championship, 1 Time Brazil Cup
1981 Copa Libertadores Cup, 1981 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1983 Copa America Runner-Up
Individual Achivement : 1982 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
1981 Bronze Ball South American Footballer Of The Year
1992 Brazilian League Footballer of The Year
2 Times South American Defender of The Year (1981,1982)
1981 Bronze Ball South American Footballer Of The Year
1992 Brazilian League Footballer of The Year
2 Times South American Defender of The Year (1981,1982)
Leovegildo Junior is a notable technical gift Brazilian defender and midfielder in the 1980s and is also one of the most sustainable Brazilian players ever. A style of balance player between defense and offence, Junior was famous for his incredible dribbling ability and accurate short-passing. He is one of the indispensable players in the golden age of Flamengo club during the first half 1980s that was the period he regularly played as left-back and was named three times Brazilian League Best XI. Then, he settle down playing in Italian Series A with new roles as defensive midfielder and won 1985 unofficial Italian Series A player of the year as a central midfielder role and media rating to him in the 1984 - 1985 season is one of the highest average points ever. He then returned to Brazil and still played as DM and won Brazilian League Best XI twice include once player of the year, retried at around 40 years old. In total, he played more than 1100 matches includes unofficial games. Junior also finished 5th and 9th South American Footballer of The Year in 1982 and 1983 as the best defender, respectively. He was chosen by 10 medias from total 14 in 1982 FIFA World Cup best XI
_______________________________________17. Hector Chumpitaz
13. Lilian Thuram
Date Of Birth : 1 January 1972
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Date Of Birth : 12 April 1943
Nation : Peru,
Height : 168 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Universitario
World Cup Participation : 1970, 1978 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Peruvian League
1972 Copa Libertadores Cup Runner-Up
International Honours : 1975 Copa America Winner
Individual Achievement : All-Time Copa America All-Star Team
2 Times South American Defender of the Year (1969, 1971)
CONMEBOL All-Star Team In The Last 50 Years
“The America’s Captain” Hector Chumpitaz is one of Peru’s most recognized footballer player, was known for his great technique, his leadership, his organization ability on the field, A strong reader of the game with excellent ball skills and distribution but the weak point is his aerial ability. He marshaled a capable defense to support Peru’s attack led by Teofilo Cubillas. Chumpitaz was selected captain of the American continent's team in 1973. He was an impressive defender-scoring with 74 goals in 530 career matches. Chumpitaz is considered as the best South American defender in the early 1970s. He was named to the list of best World Cup players of all time by Terra.com in 2006. He was elected the 35th best South American footballer of the 20th century in a poll by the IFFHS in 2000.
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16. Matthias Sammer
Date Of Birth : 5 September 1967
Nation : Germany, Position : Advanced Sweeper
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Borussia Dortmund
Caps : 51 Games (Germany), 23 Games (East Germany)
World Cup Participation : 1994 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Bundesliga Champions
2 Times East Germany Champions
1997 UEFA Champion League, 1997 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1996 European Championship Winner
1992 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : Dortmund's Greatest Player Ever
2 Times German Footballer of The Year (1995,1996)
1996 UEFA Euro Player Of Tournament
1996 European Footballer Of The Year
“The Prince Of East Germany” Matthias Sammer is one of three defenders in history to win European footballer of the year although he won the awards nonunanimously, only one vote more than Ronaldo . He early start as central midfielder. He was ranked in international-class 3.5 seasons in Bundesliga until the end of Germany in world cup 1994, moving down to play as attacking libero instead of Lothar Matthaeus, showing his fantastic vision when support attacking game. As libero, He reached world-class 2 seasons leading both Dortmund and Germany winning the biggest title of Europe. He was even compared as the same footage with Franz Beckenbauer. Unfortunately, Sammer was gotten a big injury leading to retirement eventually. All in all, His career as defensive player was performed in only 3 years. He was also voted 9th and 4th FIFA world player of the year in 1995 and 1996 respectively and also finished in top ten Ballon'Dor in 1995 and 1997. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German defender of the year twice times and was named Bundesliga team of the season four times.
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15. Alessandro Nesta
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Date Of Birth : 19 March 1976
Nation : Italy,
Height : 187 cm, Position : Sweeper
Major Club : Lazio, AC Milan
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002, 2006 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Italian Series A, 3 Times Copa Italia
1 Time UEFA Cup Winners’s Cup
2 Times UEFA Champion League (2003, 2007), 2005 Runner-Up
2007 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : 2006 FIFA World Cup Winners
Individual Achievement : 2000 UEFA Euro Best Defender
4 Times Series A Defender Of The Year (2000,2001,2002,2003)
2000 European Defender of The Year
Alessandro Nesta is considered as the greatest defender of the World during the 1st half 2000s. He was known for his unlucky with often getting injury particularly missing to play in World Cup 2006 final round. Plus, Nesta was out of action for the whole 2008-2009 season in Series A. The fact of matter, Nesta won 5th European footballer of the year in 2000, was the best defender in Italian Series A in early 2000s which he won defender of the year almost every seasons. He was known for his talent to manage with opponent attacker, Outstanding agility, Intelligent , Excellent anticipation. Nesta started well-known in career as sweeper with Lazio which he was a valuable asset of the club and played with them for decade before transferring to AC Milan. He is also the best defender in series A in 1999 by media rating. Nesta is named in ESM team of the month 15 times and team of the year once time. His best year was 2000 which he was voted in 5th both Ballon D’or and 8th FIFA world player of the year. Additionally, he finished 14th and 13th Ballon'Dor in 2001 and 2003, respectively.
14. Roberto Carlos
Date Of Birth : 10 April 1973, Height : 169 cm
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 125 Games (11 Goals)
Position : Left-Wing-Back, Major Club : Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002, 2006 (13 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Spanish La Liga
2 Times Brazil National Champions
2 Times Brazil National Champions
3 Times UEFA Champion Leagues (1998, 2000, 2002)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1998, 2002)
International Honours : 2002 FIFA World Cup Winner,1998 Runner-Up
2 Times Copa America Winners (1997, 1999)
1997 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 1998 EFE Trophy, 2002 FIFA Dream Team
2 Times UEFA Champion League Best Defender (2002, 2003)
1997 Silver Ball FIFA World Player Of The Year
2002 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998, 2002 Best Defender)
Brazil Football Museum Hall Of Fame
Roberto Carlos is one of the most team decorated footballers of all-time and was the greatest South American defender between the late 90s to early 2000s, was one of the best football entertainers and one of the most popularity iconic defenders with his trademarks like powerful and banana free-kick, excellent technique, recuperation, high work-rate and speed, All of those was formed such an awesome style of play led him as a superstar in spite of being defender. On the other hand, Roberto Carlos has never been a World-Class in defensive performance, often lost his position because of his routine running forward to wing-line. He has already scored 92 goals in all official competitions in club level. R.Carlos is named in ESM team of the month 34 times and team of the year 7 time as the record for defender. He is named in La Liga Team of the season seven times. He was also voted in top five FIFA world player of the year in 2002 and 2003 and Ballon D’or in 1997. In 2002 Ballon D'or, he got significant more 1st place votes than the first place but finally lost in final points.
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Nation : France, Caps : 142 Games
Position : Right-Full-Back/ Center-Back/ Semi-Right Back
Height : 185 cm, Major Club : Parma, Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002, 2006 (16 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia
1 Time Copa De France, 1 Time UEFA Cup
International Honours : 1998 FIFA World Cup Champion
2000 European Championship Winner
2006 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1997 French Footballer Of The Year
1997 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
1998 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball, 1998 Legion de Honour
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998 Best Defender, 2006)
1998 European Defender of The Year, 2000 UEFA Euro Best XI
Lilian Thuram is the greatest French defender of all-time, was a world-class all-round defender and one of the best defenders of the World between lately 1990s to early 2000s. Although he always mentioned his favorite position was Center-Back which he mostly played in his club career but Thuram reached in his prime as a right-back as media rating shows Thuram has the highest seasonal average rating among defenders since 1975. As a full-back, His performance is regarded as one of the greatest right-back the World has ever seen particularly for international level, was best remembered as a scorer two goals in match against Croatia in World Cup 1998 semi-final and was finally rated by kicker as the best player of the tournament . He possessed top-level stamina and strength, excellent positioning and above-average skillful. Thuram is named in ESM team of the month 15 times and team of the year twice times. He holds the record with other five players most EURO tournaments play with 4. Thuram finished 7th place Ballon'Dor in 1998.
12. Jose Leandro Andrade
Date Of Birth : 2 November 1901
Nation : Uruguay,
Height : 172 cm, Position : Right-Wing-Half
Major Club : Bella Vista, Nacional, Penarol
World Cup Participation : 1930 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Uruguay Champions
International Honours : 1930 FIFA World Cup Champion
3 Times Copa America Winners (1923, 1924, 1926)
Individual Achievement : 1926 Copa America Best Player
1924 Olympics Games Best Player
1924 Olympics Games Best Player
1930 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
“The Black Winder” Jose Leandro Andrade was the greatest footballer in the World during the middle 1920s, was credited with being an intelligent and honest player who never celebrated his goals. He was a football artist who could simply do anything with the ball. He was a tall guy with elastic movements, who always preferred the direct, elegant game without physical contact and was always ahead with his thoughts by several moves. He preferred to play a direct style without the physicality of many of his team mates. Andrade won his first Olympic gold medal at the 1924 Olympic football tournament in Paris. He was recognized as being the first black international football player to play Olympic football, once perform phenomenon dribbling get through seven opponents. Despite not being at his peak he managed to be one of Uruguay's best players as they won the 1930 World Cup. At the end of the tournament he was selected in the All-Star team. In 1994 he was selected by France Football as number ten in their World Cup Top-100. He was also voted 29th World’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
11. Nilton Santos
Date Of Birth : 16 May 1925
Nation : Brazil,
Position : Left-Wing-Back, Semi-Left-Back
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Botafogo
World Cup Participation : 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962 (15 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Brazil State Championship
2 Times Torneo Rio Sao Paulo
International Honors : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Winners(1958,1962)
3 Times Copa America Runner-Up (1953, 1957, 1959)
Individual Achievement : 1958 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
2 Times Copa America Team of The Tournament (1953, 1957)
1998 FIFA World Team Of The Century
Brazil Football Museum Hall Of Fame
Nilton Santos is the greatest South American side-back of all-time, was selected in FIFA world team of century in 1998. Nilton Santos was very outstanding in his attacking duty with his pace, world-class dribbling, crossing and noted for his incomparable technique, his superb reading of the game, actical knowledge of the his great fair play on the pitch. He was one of the first defenseman to advance deep into opposition territory as a legitimate offensive weapon. Considering of his defensive skills, He was not among the greatest ever in this point but he was still a world-class one during his era. Nilton Santos was based on left-side defender but sometimes moving to inside defender. He was selected in Brazil team for world cup 1950 which they won runner-up but he was not a starter until his 25 year old as he just start his professional club career at 23 years old.. He is rated by Swedish newspaper to achieve the highest grade in every games in the 1958 World Cup. Afterwards, He gradually reached his prime and become an indispensable player of Brazil national team.
_______________________________________
10. Ruud Krol
Date Of Birth : 24 March
1949
Nation : Netherlands, Caps : 83 Games
Height : 184 cm, Position :
Left-Back/ Sweeper
Major Club : Ajax
Amsterdam, Napoli
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1978 (14 Games)
Club Honors : 6 Times Dutch Champions, 4 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times European Cup (1971,
1972, 1973)
1972 Intercontinental Cup
International Honors : 2 Times
FIFA World Cup Runner-Up(1974,1978)
Individual Achievement : 1976 UEFA Euro Team Of Tournament
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star
Team (1974, 1978)
1979 Bronze Ball European
Footballer Of The Year
1981 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1978, 1979)
1981 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1978, 1979)
Ruud Krol is the greatest defender ever in history of Dutch football. He was a remarkably all-round defender who could play anywhere in defensive line according to “Total Football” style of play creating by Rinus Michels. Krol played as left-back for both club and national level until his 29 year old of ages before switching to play as libero in World Cup 1978 which he was captain of team. Afterwards, He moved to play as libero for Napoli and became one of the best defender in Italian series A. An intelligent, skillfully elegant and physically commanding player, Krol played very important role helping Ajax Amsterdam won 3 consecutive European Cup trophies and reaching world cup final round 2 times. Krol obtained the highest point average seasonal rating by media among defenders in history of Italian Series A, was also rated by media as the best foreign player in the 1981 -1982 season of Italian Series A. Krol also finished 6th place Ballon'Dor in 1978 and finished in top twenties in other three years. He was chosen by 1 from 3 medias in 1974 World Cup best XI and 6 from 9 medias in 1978 World Cup best XI.
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
9. Elias Figueroa
Date Of Birth : 25 October 1946
Nation : Chile,
Height : 183 cm, Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Penarol, Internacional
World Cup Participation : 1966, 1974, 1982 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Brazil National Championship
2 Times Uruguay Champion, 2 Times Chile League
International Honours : 1979 Copa America Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 2 Times Chilean League Best Player
3 Times Uruguayan League Best Player
1981 Chile Sportsman Of The Year
2 Times Brazilian League Footballer Of The Year (1972, 1976)
5 Time South American Defender of the Year (1973 - 1977)
3 Times Uruguayan League Best Player
1981 Chile Sportsman Of The Year
2 Times Brazilian League Footballer Of The Year (1972, 1976)
5 Time South American Defender of the Year (1973 - 1977)
3 Times South American Footballer Of The Year (1974, 1975, 1976)
1977 Bronze Ball South American Footballer of The Year
1999 IFFHS Chile Player of The Century
Elias Figueroa is the greatest South american defensive player of all-time, is one of the best domestic defenders ever and is the greatest Chilean player of all-time, holds the record as the most winners in South American footballer of the year, beat many world-class attackers in that era. He was also designated as the best player in Uruguayan league in 1967 and 1968 and the best player in Chile league in 1977 and 1978. He was noted for his elegant style of play, his calmness in the center of defense and his ability to cut out opposition attacks and immediately launch counter attacks from the back. He was also praised throughout his career for being a gentleman on and off the pitch. Figueroa is also renown for his technique skills like vision and ball controlling. He was considered four times as the best CB of the world and six times of the Americas by CEDEP. He was voted as 8th best South American footballer of century from IFFHS poll. FIFA named him as the best player in the World in 1976, was also voted in top 7 South American Footballer of The Year in 1972 and 1973.
_______________________________________8. Berti Vogts
______________________________________
7. Gaetano Scirea
Date Of Birth : 25 May 1953
_______________________________________
Honourable Mention
Date Of Birth : 30 December 1946
Nation : West Germany,
Height : 168 cm, Position : Right-Full-Back
Major Club : Munchengladbach
World Cup Participation : 1970, 1974, 1978 (19 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Bundesliga, 1 Time DFB-Pokal
2 Times UEFA Cup, 1977 European Cup Runner-Up
International Honours : 1974 FIFA World Cup Winners
1970 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1972 European Championship Winner, 1976 Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1977 European Defender of The Year
2 Times German Footballer Of The Year (1971, 1979)
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1974, 1978)
“The Terrier” Berti Vogts is the best European right-back of all-time. He was the most instrumental player in a backline of Germany to success in every international tournament between 1970 -1976 especially World Cup 1974 final round which his best highlight was appeared, was able to effectively neutralizing and mark Johan Cruijff not to reach his prime level. However, He was very overshadowed by Beckenbauer whom he partly forced his greatness. He was known for his aggressive style, uncompromising, tireless and world-class tackling was not only great in defensive game as a right full-back. He was rated as a world-class player 5.5 seasons and International-Class 6.5 seasons from kicker ranking in Bundesliga. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He also finish second place twice times, was German defender of the year five times and was named in Bundesliga team.of the season ten times and was the most weekly appearances of a Bundesliga team of the season twice in 1971 and 1976. He is also rated by Kicker as player of the bundesliga four times. Additionally, Vogts was finished 5th of Ballan D’or in 1975 and also finished 15th, 10th, 13th and 10th Ballon'Dor in 1971, 1974, 1976 and 1977, respectively. He was chosen by 1 media from total 3 in 1974 World Cup best XI and 2 from 9 medias in 1978 World Cup best XI.
______________________________________
Nation : Italy,
Position : Advanced Sweeper, Major Club : Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982, 1986 (18 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Times Italian Series A, 2 Times Copa Italia
1977 UEFA Cup, 1984 UEFA Cup Winners’s Cup
1985 European Cup, 1983 Runner-Up
1985 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Winners
Individual Achievement : 1980 UEFA Euro Best Defender
Gaetano Scirea is one of the best defenders the world has ever seen, was a World-Class classic libero and was the best defender of the World in the 1st half 1980s, has never been as well-known from fan around the world as his great ability. Consequently, He is regarded as one of the most underrated footballers of all-time. Scirea was a graceful defender of great vision and ball controlling skills and tactical ability, played the sweeper, or libero, role for most of his career, and contributed to the development of this position initiated by Franz Beckenbauer in the 1970s. In the latter part of his career, Scirea played a more defensive central-defender role, which he excelled at just the same. According to media rating, he is the best Series A defender only once in 1979. He was a gentleman never got sent-off or suspended in his career. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football that won all three major UEFA football competitions. Scirea was nominated in Ballon'Dor only once and finished 12th place in 1982. He was chosen by 8 medias from total 14 in 1982 FIFA World Cup best XI.
_______________________________________6. Daniel Passarella
Date Of Birth : 25 May 1953
Nation : Argentina,
Height : 173 cm, Position : Advanced Sweeper
Major Club : River Plate, Fiorentina
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982, 1986 (12 Games)
Club Honors : 4 Times Argentina Champion
International Honors : 1978 FIFA World Cup Winners
Individual Achievement :
1976 Argentina League Footballer Of The Year
3 Times South American Defender of The Year (1978,1979,1980)
3 Times South American Defender of The Year (1978,1979,1980)
“The Great Captain” Daniel Passarella is one of the greatest defenders ever to come from the Americas and one of the best defender-scorer in history of the game. His leadership, passion and his organization prowess on the field led him as an outstanding captain leading Argentina to make a victory winning their first World Cup. He was a libero who excellent in the air despite his medium height and often join the attack to make a lot of scores. He was also noted for using his elbows against rivals whilst managing to avoid the referee's gaze. Passarella kept the second best record as top scoring defender only to Ronald Koeman. He scored more than 180 goals in his club career. His wonderful season was 1976 that he incredibly scored 24 goals from 35 matches. Passarella is considered the best defender in Series A once time in 1986 according to media rating. Unfortunately, He didn’t play any game in world cup 1986 just because of fractious relationship with Bilardo and Maradona. Passarella finished 7th, 4th, 8th, 6th, 6th and 7th South American footballer of the year in 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982, respectively.
_______________________________________5. Giacinto Facchetti
Date Of Birth :
18 July 1942
Nation : Italy, Caps : 94 Games,
Position : Left-Back, Major
Club : Inter Milan
World Cup
Participation : 1966, 1970, 1974 (12 Games)
Club
Honours : 4 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa
Italia
2 Times European Cup
Winners (1964, 1965)
2 Times European Cup
Runner-Up (1967, 1972)
2 Times Intercontinental
Cup (1964, 1965)
International
Honours : 1968 European Championship Winner
1970 FIFA World Cup
Runner-Up
Individual Achievement
: 1970 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
1965 Silver Ball
European Footballer Of The Year
1968 UEFA Euro Best Defender
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1965, 1968)
1968 UEFA Euro Best Defender
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1965, 1968)
Facchetti is best remembered as the
greatest wing-back ever in history of the European football. He primarily played as wing-back in club career, would make
marauding run upfield using his wonderful running, dribbling and crossing, even
sometimes done well as left-attacker to make scores. When switch to play for Italy, Facchetti played deeper as a full-back and in the late career he could also play as
center-back which his tackling was used great effect, possessed excellent
stamina, great leadership and scored important goals. He is compared by some as
“Beckenbauer in version of side-back” for his leadership and technical ability.
He was one of the Le Grande Inter which was notable with completely defensive
game. He was also voted in 5th Ballan D’or in 1968 and also finished 13th and 12th in 1971 and 1973 Ballon'Dor, respectively. Facchetti is the only player
to be retired number for Inter Milan which he is one of the greatest players n
history of the club and played 634 official games with scoring 75 goals.
_______________________________________4. Bobby Moore
Date Of Birth :
12 April 1941
Nation : England, Caps : 108 Games,
Position : Sweeper, Major Club : West Ham United
World Cup
Participation : 1962, 1966. 1970(18 Games)
Club Honours :1 Time FA Cup, 1 Time Cup Winners’s Cup
International
Honours : 1966 FIFA World Cup Winner
Individual Achievement
: 1964 FWA Footballer Of The Year
1966 Silver Ball, 1970
Bronze Ball FIFA World Cup
1966 BBC Sports
Personality of The Year
1966 FIFA World Cup Best Defender, European Defender of The Year
1966 FIFA World Cup Best Defender, European Defender of The Year
UEFA Jubilee Award
(Golden Player of England)
English Football Hall
of Fame, 1967 Award to O.B.E
1968 UEFA Euro Best XI, 1970 Silver Ball Ballon'Dor
1994 FIFA World Cup
All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of Century
1998 FIFA World Team of Century
Bobby Moore is one of the most
iconic English footballers evert and is one of the greatest international defenders of all-time. His greatness has been appeared with a statue
outside Wembley stadium. Moore was admired for his reading of the game and
ability to anticipate opposition movement, played as center-back mostly by his
genius positional play, as he had uncanny intuitive sense for where the ball
was headed. His timing in the tackle was unmatched, and he was rarely off of
his feet while winning the ball back for his team. Moore is known as a true
leader and gentleman with his fair play. Moore is the best defender in English league 4 times according to reader poll in 1960s and analysis of the 1970s performance. In 1966, He was voted as the fourth
best of Ballon D’or, and he was also voted in top ten Ballon'Dor in 1971 and 1972. Moore was voted seventh place the best player in history
of World Cup by France Football.
_______________________________________3. Franco Baresi
Date Of Birth : 8 May 1960
Nation : Italy, Caps : 81 Games,
Position : Sweeper, Major Club : AC Milan
World Cup Participation :
1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 (10 Games)
Club
Honors : 6 Times Italian Series A
3 Times European Cup
(1989, 1990, 1994), 1993 Runner-Up
2 Times
Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
International
Honors : 1994 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1990 FIFA World Cup
Third Place
Individual Achievement
: 5 Times Series A Team of the Year
1990 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
1989 Silver Medal
European Footballer of The Year
1990 Guerin Italian
Series A Footballer of The Year
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1989, 1993)
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1989, 1993)
2000 Series A Player of the Century
2021 IFFHS All-Time Dream Team
AC Milan Player of
Century
Italian Football Hall of Fame
“Piscinin” Franco Baresi is
acknowledged by many as the greatest center-back in history of the game. He perfectly
played as sweeper and being the most important role for AC Milan’s famous
defensive line which kept record without conceding a goal in consecutive more
than 900 minutes. Baresi was honoured to retire number 6 for AC Milan. Even his
lower-average tall of his, He still always managed with aerial ball well.
Baresi was a footballer leader with excellent technique, vision and courage on
the pitch. In spite of his world-class performance, He was just a start of
Italy national team because departure of Gaetano Scirea. Baresi is considered as the best defender in Series A four times (1989 - 1992 and 1994) according to media rating. He was voted in 8th, 6th and 11th Ballon'Dor in 1988, 1993 and 1994, respectively and was voted in top ten FIFA World Player of the year in other three different years (1991 (6th), 1992 (9th), 1994 (9th)). Baresi was voted in
top twenty in Europe’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll and in the greatest
player of century in World Soccer’s poll.
_______________________________________2. Paolo Maldini
Date Of Birth
: 29 June 1968
Nation
: Italy
Position :
Left-Full-Back/ Center-Back
Height :
187 cm
Major Club
: AC Milan
Caps : 126
Games
World Cup
Participation : 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 (23 Games)
Club Honours
: 7 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia
5 Times UEFA Champion
League (1989,1990,1994,2003,2007)
3 Times UEFA Champion
League Runner-Up (1993,1995,2005)
International
Honours : 1994 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
2000 European
Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement
1989 Bravo Award
2 Times European Championship Team Of Tournament (1996,
2000)
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star (1990, 1994)
1994 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
1994 FIFA World Cup Best Defender
2 Times Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year (1994,
2003)
1994 World Soccer Player Of The Year
1995 Silver Ball FIFA World Player Of The Year
2004 Series A Defender Of The Year
2007 UEFA Champion League Best Defender
4 Times European Defender of The Year (1994, 1995, 2003, 2005)
4 Times European Defender of The Year (1994, 1995, 2003, 2005)
Paolo Maldini is regarded by so many
as the greatest defender of all-time after his retirement at 41 years old. He
was honoured to retire number 3 for AC Milan where he holds the record all-time most appearances with totally playing 902
matches for 25 seasons and also holds all-time record most appearance in
European Cup with 139 games. In total career games, he made more than 1020 appearances. He incredibly debuted in Italian series A at 16
year olds and becoming a world-class defender since his only 20 years old for
AC Milan and Italy and sustain his level through 1990s before switching from
left-back to center-back during 2000s which he still reach world-class in some
years. He was also voted in top ten Ballon D’or in 1993 (7th), 1995 (7th), 2000 (10th) and 2005 (6th),
also being voted in top ten FIFA World Player Of The Year in 1994 (5th), 1996 (7th) and 2005 (9th).
Maldini is a modern defender with considerable technique and vision, solid
defensively, quick and with excellent recuperation skills. He is the best defender in Series A four times according to media rating (1988, 1993, 1995 and 2004). Maldini holds the
all-time World Cup record of 2,217 consecutive minutes played and also holds
with Francisco Gento of the all-time most appearances in European Cup final
with 8. Maldini was finished 10th in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European
footballer in last 50 years. He was named in ESM team of the year 23 times and team of the year 3 times.
1. Franz Beckenbauer
Date Of Birth
: 11 September 1945
Nation : Germany
Position : Advanced Sweeper
Height : 181 cm
Major Club : Bayern Munich
Caps : 103 Games (14 Goals)
World Cup
Participation : 1966, 1970, 1974 (18 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Bundesliga, 4 Times DFB Pokal
3 Times European Cup
(1974, 1975, 1976)
1 Time Cup Winner’s
Cup, 1976 Intercontinental Cup
International
Honours : 1974 FIFA World Cup Winners
1966 FIFA World Cup
Runner-Up
1972 European
Championship Winners
1976 European Championship Runner-Up
1976 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Achievement
4 Times German Footballer Of The Year
(1966, 1968, 1974, 1976)
3 Times FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team (1966, 1970, 1974)
2 Times UEFA Euro Best Defender (1972,
1976)
1966 FIFA World Cup Young Player Of Tournament
1974 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball - Best Defender
1966 Bronze Ball European Footballer of The Year
European Footballer Of The Year : Gold (1972, 1976),
Bayern Munich - Bundesliga Greatest Player Ever
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team Of Century
1999 IFFHS Germany Player of The Century
1999 Silver Ball IFFHS European Player of The Century
1999 Silver Ball IFFHS European Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball IFFHS World Player of The Century
“Der Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer is
regarded as one of the greatest footballers ever in history of the game and the
greatest German footballer of all-time. He originally started playing as
defensive midfielder before moved to attacking libero which he controlled
rhythmic in defensive able to advance on offensive mission with his elegant
style of play. Beckenbauer was rated for Kicker magazine in 10.5 world-class
seasons and 2.5 international-class seasons, This would be according to his
record the most appearances in top five of Ballon D’or with 10 times. He was
known for his leadership and effectiveness to read the game. According to German
Footballer of the year voting, He also finished second place four times, was
German defender of the year 8 times and holds the record most appearances in Bundesliga team of the season with 12 and holds the record most seasons with most weekly appearances with 7 and most weekly appearances in a single season with 16. Beckenbauer is not the greatest ever
as defensive player but his creativity, passing, long shooting, holding with ball and
defensive game led him as one of the most completed footballer the world has
ever produced. He scored more than 50 goals and made 67 assists in his whole club career.
Beckenbauer was voted 4th and 6th World player of century from World
Soccer and France football’s poll, respectively, was voted 3rd the best player
in history of World Cup by France Football, was finished 2nd in UEFA Jubilee
Poll as the best European footballer in last 50 years.
_______________________________________Paul Janes
Date Of Birth : 10 March 1912
Nation : Germany
Caps : 71 Games
Caps : 71 Games
Position : Right-Full-Back
Height : 178 cm
Major Club : Dusseldorf
World Cup Participation : 1934, 1938 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time German Champion
International Honours : 1934 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : None
Paul Janes is the
best defender in the world in the second half 1930s and is considered as a
player who helped to shape the beginning phase of German football was a member
and leader of the famous legend "Breslau Eleven" which is refer to
Germany national team in the 1930s .Paul Janes established a record for most
German caps which wasn’t broken until 1970. Janes started out as a right half
back, but during the 1934 World Cup he debuted as right back and stayed at that
position for the rest of his career. One of Janes’ best assets was his powerful
yet accurate shooting ability, which gave him the nickname "World Champion
of Precision". His trademark was hard shots from all possible angles. He
rarely was caught off-guard on the pitch, as he had the ability to anticipate
what the opponent was planning and he interpreted defensive play always as the
first step in building up the next attack. His career was interrupted by World
War I but still return to play firs-level matches in the post-war era and
retired at 38 years old. The DFB list him in the top 20 best German footballers
of all time. Paul-Janes Stadium, homeground of Dusseldorf in the past was named
after him
_______________________________________
Branko Zebec
Date Of Birth
: 17 May 1929
Nation : Yugoslavia,
Position : Left-Wing-Back/ Center-Back
Height : 176 cm, Major Club
: Redstar Belgrade
World Cup
Participation : 1958, 1962
Club
Honors : 1 Time Yugoslavian
League
2 Times Yugoslavian
Cup
International
Honours : 1952 Olympic Game Silver Medal
1960 European
Championship Runner-Up
Individual
Achievement : 1952 Olympic Games Top Scorer
Branco Zebec is one of greatest
players in Yugoslavian history and is one of the most completed and versatile
footballers of all-time, could play everywhere on the pitch, primarily perform as
left-winger and occasionally switched to many other positions, notably reached world-class in the late career as center-back. True
leader, fast thinker, understood the game superbly. He was tough and a little
bit skinny, but with muscles. He began his senior career at only 16 years old
as a left-winger, played with great acceleration, speed and mobility. He could
ran 100m for 11s, in football boots. Zebec played very good with his head and
he was very calm in important moments. He was also very strong in duels and
practically unstoppable on the left side. Zebec wasn't too sophisticated
technical player, but he controlled ball very well. In the game he was very
brave and rational as well. Never made a move too much, used dribble only when
it's necessary. Zebec was known for his reliability of playing, really hard to
see him mistake. However, He was never nominated in Ballon'Dor.
_______________________________________
Renzo De Vecchi
Date Of Birth : 3 February 1894
Nation : Italy
Position : Semi-Left-Back
Height : 163 cm
Major Club : Genoa
Caps : 43 Games
Olympic Games Participation : 1912, 1920, 1924
Club Honours : 3 Times Italian Series A
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : Genoa's Greatest Player Ever
Renzo De Vecchi is the greatest defender in the World between the 2nd half 1910 and 1st half 1920s. He played in amateur era of Italian Football, made his debut with Milan in Serie A when he was just 15 year olds and, when he was only 19, Genoa (italia's best team at the time) bought him for a record price. He was the leader and the best player of the Genoa side who won three Scudetto (he was the captain for 8 years) ; he's then been the youngest player ever to make his debut with the Italy national team (16 years old) at 20 he was already the captain of Italia, and was by far the best player of the team. As a player he was a left-back and had amazing skills: the press and his team-mates called him "Il Figlio di Dio" (The Son of God, literally) because he had no flaws. He was fast, strong, agile; he was a great tackler and passer and had an amazing technique even he was a defender. De Vecchi participated in three Olympic Games which Italy failed in all tournaments.
_______________________________________
* John Charles and Paul Breitner
These two players were not best at defender position although they both ever achieved world-class as defender. John Charles played as center-back in a few seasons before switching
to settle down playing as target striker which he spent his peak performance. Paul Breitner played as left wing-back in more seasons than midfielder and
was rated in a world class season which did not include his performance in Real
Madrid. But still, He was similar to Matthias Sammer to find his best position
in late career. Breitner changed his position to play as central midfielder and
becoming one of the greatest midfielders in the world. Accordingly, I would not
rank them in anywhere in DF list as a rule that player was eligible to be ranked only one
position in the series.
_______________________________________
Statistics
By Position
Left-Back : 9.5
Right-Back
: 12.5
Center-Back
: 14
Sweeper : 9
Advanced
Sweeper : 5
By Nation
Italy : 12
Germany : 8
Brazil : 8
France : 4
England : 3
Argentina : 2
Argentina : 2
Uruguay : 2
Spain : 2
Spain : 2
Scotland : 1
By Decade
1910s : 0.5
1920s : 2.5
1930s : 1.5
1940s : -
1950s : 5
1960s : 5
1970s : 7
1980s : 10
1990s : 10.5
2000s : 5
2010s : 4.5
2010s : 4.5
2020s : 0.5
____________________________________
CLASSIFICATION
Class : Crown
None
|
||
Class : King
|
||
Gold
None
|
Silver
Franz Beckenbauer
|
Bronze
Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi
|
Class : Queen
|
||
Gold
Bobby Moore, Daniel Passsarella,
Giacinto Facchetti,
Gaetano Scirea, Nilton Santos, Elias
Figueroa, Ruud Krol
|
Silver
Giuseppe Bergomi
Carlos Alberto, Djalma Santos, Alessandro Nesta, Berti Vogts, Matthias Sammer, Jose Leandro Andrade
Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram Roberto
Carlos, Jose Nasazzi, Jurgen Kohler, Billy Wright
Andreas Brehme, Antonio Cabrini
Domingos Da Guia,
Leovegildo Junior, Karlheinz Schnellinger Hector Chumpitaz, Javier Zanetti |
Bronze
Albert Shesternev, Claudio Gentile
Carles Puyol, Marcel Desailly
Alessandro Costacurta
Daniel Alves, Ciro Ferrara
Phillipe Lahm, Manuel Amoros Laurent Blanc, Fernando Hierro, Marcelo, Manfred Kaltz
Karlheinz Forster, Jose Santamaria, Marcos Cafu |
Substitution Group : First-Class
Wili Schulz : West Germany/60s
Bixente Lizarazu : France/90s
Thiago Silva : Brazil 2010s
Jaap Stam : Netherlands/90s to Early 2000s
Hans Peter Briegel : Germany 80s
Albert Shesternyov : Soviet Union 60s
Pietro Vierchowod : Italy/80s to Early 90s
Pietro Vierchowod : Italy/80s to Early 90s
Marius Tresor : France/Late 70s to Early 80s
____________________________________
The Highest Defender's Peaks of All-Time
1. Franz Beckenbauer
2. Matthias Sammer
3. Jose Leandro Andrade
3. Jose Leandro Andrade
4. Elias Figueroa
5. Daniel Passarella
6. Paolo Maldini
7. Gaetano Scirea
6. Paolo Maldini
7. Gaetano Scirea
8. Bobby Moore
9.
9. Lilian Thuram
10. Ronald Koeman
9. Lilian Thuram
10. Ronald Koeman
