Ranking 10 Best Defenders in Football History

Fabio Cannavaro

Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro played for clubs like Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid, and he remains the last defender to have won the Ballon d'Or award. He captained Italy to the 2006 FIFA World Cup title, with his other major trophies including a UEFA Cup and two La Liga titles, making him one of the game's greatest defenders.

Sergio Ramos

One of the most aggressive and top goal-scoring defenders of all time, Sergio Ramos is Spain's most-capped player with over 180 appearances. Ramos boasts a massive haul of over 25 major titles, including 5 La Liga and 4 UCL titles with Real Madrid, alongside the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA Euro titles (2008, 2012) with Spain.

Alessandro Nesta

Known for his elegance, Alessandro Nesta achieved immense success at both Lazio and AC Milan, winning three Serie A titles, two UCL titles, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Individually, the four-time Serie A Defender of the Year was a vital part of Italy's 2006 FIFA WC-winning squad, cementing his place as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

Carles Puyol

Former FC Barcelona and the Spain center-back Carles Puyol, who could also play as a full-back, spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, winning 21 major club trophies, including six La Liga titles and three UCL titles. He also played a crucial role in Spain's golden generation, winning the UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Roberto Carlos

Often recognized as the greatest left-back of all time, Roberto Carlos arguably had the most powerful shot in football history. A key figure for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, he won four La Liga titles, three UCL titles, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, while also earning individual accolades like three selections to the FIFA World XI.

Cafu

Roberto Carlos' Brazilian international teammate, AC Milan icon Cafu was celebrated for his relentless pace, exceptional stamina, and pioneering role as a full-back in modern football. As Brazil's most-capped player, Cafu holds the unique record of playing in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, while having captained the team to victory in 2002.

Franco Baresi

Another AC Milan legend to occupy a place on this list, Franco Baresi redefined the center-back role, combining tactical intelligence and elegant ball-playing ability with tenacity. His 20-year career saw him captain the Rossoneri for 15 seasons, winning 6 Serie A titles and 3 European Cups, while also securing the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy.

Bobby Moore

One of football's greatest defenders, Bobby Moore is most famously remembered for his tackle on Jairzinho in the 1970 World Cup. Having captained England to its only FIFA World Cup in 1966, he also won the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup 1965 with his lifelong club, West Ham United, where his number six shirt has been retired.

Paolo Maldini

Having spent his entire 25-year playing career at AC Milan as a left-back and a center-back, Paolo Maldini was lauded for his great longevity, leadership, and decisive abilities. Maldini's colossal trophy haul includes 5 UCL titles and 7 Serie A titles, along with numerous other domestic and international cups to add up to his tally of 26 total club trophies.

Franz Beckenbauer

Affectionately nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', Franz Beckenbauer redefined the role of the sweeper in football. A dominant figure for both club and country, he won three consecutive European Cups with Bayern Munich, and the 1974 FIFA World Cup with West Germany, culminating him into securing two Ballon d'Or awards twice, in 1972 and 1976.