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#3 Virgil van Dijk
The only defender to feature on the Ballon d'Or podium in the last decade, Virgil van Dijk is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now.
Van Dijk arrived from Southampton in 2018 for a club record £75 million and immediately galvanized Liverpool's defense. The Dutchman helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final that year although they lost the trophy to Real Madrid.
The following season, however, van Dijk was easily the best defender during the season and went on to set several new records. He had a brilliant season with Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League and narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City.
He picked up the PFA Players' Player of the Year award that season and was also nominated for the Ballon d'Or. However, he finished second behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or podium.
In the 2019-20 season, Van Dijk played each and every minute of the Premier League campaign as Liverpool won the Premier League title for the first time in 30 years.
His absence due to injury last season really affected Liverpool as they struggled in defense. However, he is now back in action for the Reds as they look to challenge for the title once again.
#2 Roberto Carlos
Most of us remember Roberto Carlos for his thunderous free-kicks and goals from distance. But there was much more to the Brazilian's game than the incredible goals he used to score.
Roberto Carlos epitomized a modern-day full-back. He had electrifying pace and unmatched tenacity and would bomb down the left-flank with every chance he got of making himself available in dangerous areas.
Carlos spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, making 524 appearances and scoring 69 goals. He won four La Liga titles and three Champions League titles during his time at the club. He was also an integral part of the Brazil team that won the World Cup in 2002 and has also won two Copa Americas.
Carlos' performances earned him a nomination for Ballon d'Or four times in the 21st century. Notably, his best finish came in 2002, when he ranked second behind teammate Ronaldo in the race for the Ballon d'Or.
Carlos retired from football in 2015 after spending a season in the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos.
#1 Fabio Cannavaro
The only defender who has won the Ballon d'Or this century, Fabio Cannavaro, is considered by many as one of the best centre-backs of all time.
Cannavaro began his career at Napoli, but it was at Parma where he made his name at club level. He made 289 appearances for the club in all competitions before going on to play for the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.
However, it was his performances with the Italian national team that arguably sealed his legacy as one of the best in the world. He captained the Azzurri to victory in the 2006 World Cup and won the silver ball in the process. A Ballon d'Or followed that year and he was also named the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year.
Cannavaro was nominated for the Ballon d'Or again in 2008. He retired from football in 2012 and is currently the manager of Chinese Super League side Guangzhou FC.
