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In recent years, we have seen several examples of how world-class defenders can help transform a side. Every strong team needs a formidable backline to rely on. Teams are built on solid bases and having excellent defenders on your payroll is a necessity for every team that harbours lofty ambitions.
The great Sir Alex Ferguson once said,
"Attack wins you games but defence wins you titles. "
Defending is the less glamorous side of the game. So even though all the accolades and the attention goes to the goalscorers and creators, it doesn't mean that defenders are any less important.
There are plenty of world-class defenders in the world. But not all of them earn a hefty sum in wages. But here we take a look at five defenders who do.
Without further ado, let's dive right into it and see who are the five highest paid defenders in the world.
#5 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) - £220,000 per week
Virgil van Dijk is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now. Liverpool signed the Dutchman from Southampton in the 2017-18 season's winter transfer window for a club record £75 million. He was also the most expensive defender in the history of the Premier League at the time.
Van Dijk immediately solidified Liverpool's backline. His impact was so immense that the Merseysiders' went from being one of the most vulnerable defensive units in the league to one of the strongest almost overnight.
The Dutchman won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year in 2019 and also finished runner-up for the Ballon d'Or and the Best FIFA Men's Player Awards that term. He extended his contract in August earlier this year and earns £220,000 per week in wages.
#4 John Stones (Manchester City) - £250,000 per week
John Stones was signed from Everton by Manchester City in 2016 for a sum of £47.6 million. The Englishman was seen as a big signing and was hailed as a future star. However, he only impressed in parts and in a star-studded Manchester City squad, he soon became a peripheral figure.
But as Aymeric Laporte struggled with an injury in the 2020-21 season, Stones was brought back into the lineup to partner Ruben Dias. Together, the duo were incredible for Manchester City and helped Pep Guardiola's men cruise to the Premier League title.
He has the ability to start attacks from deep, possesses good spatial awareness and also showcases great leadership skills at the back. Stones signed a contract extension in August earlier this year which ties him to the club until 2026 and he earns £250,000 per week.
#3 Marcelo (Real Madrid) - £266,000 per week
Marcelo has been an exceptional player for Real Madrid. He is one of the best Brazilian players of his generation and the left-back is a generational talent. Marcelo was a crucial part of the Real Madrid side that won four Champions League titles in the last decade.
However, his best days are well behind him and the 33-year-old has become a bit of a liability at Real Madrid. Perhaps giving him a lucrative new contract in 2017 wasn't a great decision. Marcelo has become a peripheral figure at the club and started just 12 games in La Liga last term.
But he still takes home £266,000 per week and Real Madrid will be happy to have him off their books when his current contract expires next summer.
#2 Raphael Varane (Manchester United) - £340,000 per week
Manchester United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid this summer for a sum of £36 million. A Rolls-Royce defender, Varane has already had an illustrious career and he is still only 28-years-old.
The Frenchman is widely considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation. He won three La Liga titles, four Champions League titles and four FIFA Club World Cups with Real Madrid during his 10-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Varane was the first-choice centre-back for the French side as they won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He possesses great pace, is physically imposing and excellent with the ball at his feet. Varane is one of the most intelligent centre-backs on the planet.
#1 David Alaba (Real Madrid) - £375,000 per week
Well, one thing's for sure and it's that Real Madrid have great taste in defenders. They have consistently housed some of the best defenders in the world and David Alaba is the latest addition to that list.
The Austrian international had become one of the most sought-after players last season after it became apparent he wouldn't be extending his contract with Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old is one of the most versatile players in the world.
His primary position used to be at left-back but he plays as a central midfielder for his national team. Alaba made the transition to centre-back in his final years at Bayern Munich and has played in a number of positions for Real Madrid so far this term.
He pockets a whopping £375,000 per week which makes him the highest paid defender in the world.
