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Modern-day full-backs in football are required to perform a dual function of helping their teams defend down the flanks, and contributing with goals in attack. Prior to this era, full-backs were almost exclusively tasked with keeping opposing wingers quiet and helping out in defense. However, full-backs are now expected to push their opposing full-backs back by attacking in tandem with their wingers and creating goalscoring opportunities.
Many iconic full-backs of the past were brilliant defenders, but their attacking contribution was limited due to a lack of emphasis on its requirement. Players like Cafu, Paolo Maldini, William Gallas and more fall into this category, which has quickly become a thing of the past.
Without further ado, here is a list of the five full-backs with the most goal contributions to have played in the 21st century.
#5 John Arne Riise (133 Goals + Assists)
Retired left-back John Arne Riise enjoyed a largely successful playing career in which he won the UEFA Champions League once. The Norwegian was impressive during his days as a professional footballer due to his unique shooting ability. He featured for Liverpool, AS Roma and Fulham, among other clubs.
Riise managed to contribute 133 goals throughout his professional career for club and country. The retired left-back scored 55 times in club football and 16 times for the Norwegian national team. He also managed 56 assists for his clubs and a further six assists for the national side in his years as a professional.
Riise was known for his impeccable shooting technique that made him an asset from dead balls. He scored a number of impressive free-kicks and shots from distance. He also had the ability to deliver pinpoint crosses into the box for his side's strikers to convert.
#4 Jordi Alba (155 Goals + Assists)
Only a few people know that Jordi Alba is a graduate of the famed La Masia academy, hence, his forward play is brilliant. The FC Barcelona left-back has been one of the standout attacking full-backs of the past decade.
Alba left Barcelona as a teenager and returned in 2012 after he was signed from Valencia. Since then, he has been Barcelona's first-choice left-back, performing brilliantly for club and country.
So far in his career, Alba has contributed 155 goals for club and country. The Spaniard has scored 33 goals and 96 assists in club football, and nine goals and 17 assists for the Spanish national team.
Alba is known for his pinpoint crosses and pace that allows him to get up and down the pitch easily. The left-back is also brilliant at arriving in the opposition box to finish off chances for his side.
#3 Marcelo (160 Goals + Assists)
Brazilian defender Marcelo first came to Europe in 2007 when Real Madrid signed him from Fluminense as a fresh-faced teenager. After 15 years and a head full of hair, the left-back can proudly call himself a Real Madrid legend due to his achievements at the club.
Marcelo has directly contributed 160 goals in his professional career for club and country. The left-back has 41 goals and 101 assists in club football, and another six goals and 12 assists in the colours of Brazil.
He is known for his impressive ability on the ball, with very few defenders able to match his technical ability and skill. Marcelo also makes himself available during attacks with intelligent and well-timed runs into the box to help his side score. The defender has the pace to beat his man and put in brilliant crosses for his strikers to attack.
Marcelo has been at the top of his game for nearly the past decade. He was a key feature in the most dominant side in European football this century that won the UEFA Champions League three times in a row.
The Brazilian will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract. He has distinguished himself as a model modern full-back for younger players.
#2 Roberto Carlos (242 Goals + Assists)
Iconic Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos retired as one of the best attack-minded full-backs of his generation. Carlos was easily the pick for many in the early 2000s as the most complete left-back in world football.
Carlos racked up goals and assists throughout his career, with his total of 242 direct goal contributions a huge figure. The retired left-back scored 97 times for club and 11 times for the Brazil national team. He also contributed 122 assists for his various club sides and 12 for Brazil.
Carlos was blessed with great fitness and pace that allowed him to run past opponents at ease and cross for his attackers in the box.
Carlos was known for his impeccable shooting ability which made him an asset from set pieces. The Brazilian knew how to hit the ball with maximum pace and swerve, and this helped him score easily from distance.
#1 Dani Alves (260 Goals + Assists)
Describing Dani Alves as the greatest full-back of his generation is not far from the truth. The Brazilian has a rare combination of quality and longevity at the highest level of the game, and this makes him the first choice for many fans.
Alves has been at the top of his game for about 18 years now, and he's showing no signs of slowing down yet. He has contributed directly to 260 goals in his career, a number even forwards would be jealous of. Alves has scored 60 times for his clubs and eight times for the Brazil national team. He also has 171 assists in club football and 21 for Brazil.
Alves remains a key player for FC Barcelona despite being 38-year-old. The full-back has lost most of his pace, but his pinpoint crossing has made up for most of it. His shooting ability also sets him apart from most players in his position.
