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The modern day defender spends large portions of games guarding his own goal, so he does not have too many opportunities to score. Despite this, a few stars have found success in frequently scoring, and some even have a tendency to score goals at important times.
Whether they are attacking full backs or central defenders lethal from set pieces, here are the 5 highest scoring defenders in Champions League history.
#5 Sergio Ramos
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 114
UEFA Champions League Goals: 11
The first of three active players on the list, Sergio Ramos scores at an average of 1 in every 10 games. Ramos even scored a famous last minute equaliser in the 2014 final against arch rivals Atletico Madrid, and it proved the pivotal point as Real Madrid went on to win in extra time.
Ramos will have ample opportunities to add to his total due to him now taking penalties and the fact that Madrid go far in the competition every year.
#4 Dani Alves
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 111
UEFA Champions League Goals: 12
Dani Alves is a right back by trade, but he is famous for getting forward, and he often covers the entire pitch due to his incredible engine and gut busting runs. The 35 year old is approaching the end of his career, but is still a constant threat when he gets into the opposition half.
The Brazilian posted a joint career best of two goals in the competition last season, and he will look to add more this year, as PSG seek the one trophy that continues to elude them.
#3 Gerard Pique
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 100
UEFA Champions League Goals: 12
The second main stay of the Spain defensive pair on the list, Pique has an even better goal scoring rate than Sergio Ramos. Pique is known not only for his aerial prowess, but also for his ability to score with terrific finishes from open play.
The advanced positions he takes up with Barcelona provide him with the perfect platform to add to his total, and he could soon become the highest scoring defender ever in the competition. Still just 31, everything seems to be in place for Pique to soon have this title.
#2 Ivan Helguera
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 87
UEFA Champions League Goals: 15
The Spaniard retired from football in 2008 at the age of 33. Before retiring, Helguera enjoyed a successful 10 year stint at Real Madrid, before finishing his career in Valencia. His incredible goal-scoring record in Europe was aided by the fact that the player occasionally operated just in front of the Madrid defence.
Overall, he averaged a goal every 6 matches in UEFA's top competition, which is easily the best ratio on the list.
#1 Roberto Carlos
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 121
UEFA Champions League Goals: 16
Perhaps the most famous full back of all time, Roberto Carlos was world-renowned for his attacking play. The Brazilian served as inspiration for the likes of Dani Alves, and he racked up over 100 appearances in the Champions League for Real Madrid.
His long range efforts and stunning free kick ability helped him to become the highest scoring defender ever in the competition with 16 goals, and his record has currently stood for over 10 years.
