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Defenders have finally started getting the credit they deserve in the modern era. In a sport where attackers generally win all the top accolades, it is rare to see a defender feature among the top players in the world.
Fabio Cannavaro shocked the world when he won the Ballon d'Or in 2006. Since then, fans have witnessed a Ronaldo-Messi duopoly, with the two taking home 11 of the 13 awards since. In 2019, we saw a defender finish in the top three for the first time in over 10 years, as Virgil van Dijk finished second behind Lionel Messi.
With defenders finally in the running for the top awards, let's take a look at the top five defenders of the 21st century.
#5. Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United, England
One of the best English defenders in history, Rio Ferdinand takes the fifth spot in the list of best defenders of the 21st century.
Blessed with excellent distribution ability, Ferdinand hit the ground running with Manchester United. He impressed fans with his reading of the game and his leadership at the back. Widely regarded as the best centre-back in Manchester United's history, Ferdinand displayed immense composure under pressure. He was excellent in the air and often pitched in with headed goals as well.
Ferdinand was quite successful with the club. He won six Premier League titles with the Red Devils, as well as two League Cups and one UEFA Champions League award.
#4. John Terry - Chelsea, England
John Terry is arguably the best defender in Chelsea's history.
Promoted through Chelsea's youth system, Terry made his senior debut in 2000. He continued to impress with his defensive prowess and the arrival of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho saw his career reach its pinnacle.
Under Mourinho, Terry led the Blues to a host of firsts. He captained the side to their historic Premier League title win in the 2004-05 season, a run that saw them concede a mere 15 goals. Terry was the centerpiece of the stingiest defense in the league's history and can boast a defensive record that is still yet to be beaten.
Famed for his no-nonsense style of defending, Terry was consistent and had very high standards. He almost always had excellent games and could often be seen rallying his defensive line to do their best.
Regarded by many as the best defender in Premier League history, John Terry takes the fourth spot on the list.
#3. Philipp Lahm - Bayern Munich, Germany
Philipp Lahm will certainly go down as one of the best defenders in German football history.
Originally from the Bayern Munich youth system, Lahm was considered 'too small' to be a defender. He proceeded to prove his critics wrong by winning several major trophies for both club and country.
An immensely versatile player, Lahm was able to line up on either side of the pitch despite being right-footed. He personified the 'no-nonsense' defending style that Germans were all about and performed his role to perfection.
A regular with Bayern, Lahm won a host of different trophies with the Bavarians. Lahm won eight Bundesligas with the German side as well as six DFB Pokal trophies and one very special UEFA Champions League medal.
His performances on the international scene were no less impressive as Lahm led Germany to their FIFA World Cup title win at 2014. Germany's run consisted of several intense matches, including the fabled 7-1 demolition of Brazil where Lahm played at right-back.
A hugely successful player, Lahm definitely makes the list of best defenders of all time.
#2. Gerard Pique - Barcelona, Spain
Gerard Pique has been a regular with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team over the years.
Originally from La Masia, Pique had a four-year stint at Manchester United before returning to Barcelona in 2008. Under Pep Guardiola's tutelage, Pique went on to develop into one of the best centre-backs of his generation.
Blessed with height and an excellent reading of the game, Pique is known for stamping his authority on important fixtures. Often the winner of aerial duels, Pique regularly chips in with goals as well.
Pique has spent 13 years with Barcelona so far, winning eight La Ligas in the process. He also has seven Copa del Rey titles to his name, as well as three UEFA Champions League awards with the Camp Nou outfit.
At the international level, Pique boasts an impressive record with Spain. He was a key member of their FIFA World Cup triumph in 2010 and was also a regular during their UEFA Euro winning triumph in 2012. His antics saw him earn a place in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament.
Still a starter at Barcelona, it's evident that Pique is past his best. Regardless, his achievements at the club will be remembered forever.
#1. Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid, Spain
A mainstay for Real Madrid and Spain, Sergio Ramos is arguably the best defender of the 21st century.
Initially with Sevilla, Ramos was signed by Real Madrid in 2005. In the 16 years since, Ramos has won several trophies and developed into one of the best defenders in football history.
Known for his leadership and his ability to perform under pressure, Ramos has been the centerpiece in defense for both club and country. Notorious for his defensive record, he is physically strong and excels in the air.
With Real Madrid, Ramos has won five La Liga trophies as well as two Copa del Reys. He also has four Supercopa trophies in his kitty. Most impressively, Ramos has won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
The fact that Los Blancos won four titles is even more impressive when you realize they did it in just five years. Ramos played a key role in all thes campaigns.
Ramos only bettered his record with his country, having won two UEFA Euros and one prestigious FIFA World Cup. Ramos was an integral part of Spain's squad during the four years that saw them take home international trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Sergio Ramos recently shocked the world with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he will lead the team's defense. Ramos is currently 35 and approaching retirement age, but it remains to be seen what he will accomplish with the French outfit.
