Football: Top 10 Defenders of All Time

The game of Football in all its intensity has always been a battle of Attack vs Defence. Sure, scoring goals is an essential aspect of the game. However, an even more important facet is defending the goal. The Art of Defending is tried by many, mastered by a few.

Defenders need to be sturdy, athletically fit players who know where to be at the right time and who won’t fear to put in a tackle or two. A perfectly timed sliding tackle or an off the line clearance can be as important as winning the match for the team. If there is any coordination that is essential to maintain in this high paced, filled with adrenaline game; it is that between a Goalkeeper and a Defender.

There have been various types of defenders in the past. However, the main classification comes as a difference in the position, i.e. A centre back and a Fullback. Centre Backs are the pillars of any defendant who are usually tall and athletically strong who know when to put a firm foot ahead and when to recede. On the other hand, fullbacks are usually fast and agile players who support their respective wingers and also trail back at times of defense.

Centre backs are known to be dangerous during set pieces like Free kicks or corners, as they can easily tower over players to head the ball in the opposition’s net. However, a fullback with the help of their speed supplement the team’s attack and are many times seen scoring vital goals for the team. Even in the center back position, there are various sub-categories; with the most popular one being the position of a sweeper.

A sweeper is usually the last person on the defensive line just before the goalkeeper. Hence it is essential that the Sweeper can be a reliable player. Since he is the one on which the most important aspect of the game depends on – Goals.

In the history of Football, there have been defenders who have stood out concerning a particular style and position in defending. We take a look at 10 of the Best Defenders of All Time -

Bobby Moore –

Cited by the Brazilian legend Pele as the “best man marker he played against”, Richard “Bobby” Moore is considered as one of the best English defenders to have ever graced the pitch. Immortalised since he led the Three Lions to the World Cup victory in 1966, Moore’s 108 caps for England and his glory days in West Ham United were the highlights of his illustrious career.

Having scored a total of 26 goals from 716 matches, one of the greatest moments for Moore was in the 1970 World Cup when his sublime sliding tackle prevented Jairinzho, a legendary Brazilian winger from scoring from near the penalty area. The star also has a statue dedicated to him outside the Wembley Stadium.

Franz Beckenbauer –

Nicknamed “Der Kaiser” which translates to “The Emperor”, Franz Beckenbauer was a King in every sense. His dominance on the pitch and exceptional leadership skills combined made him a power-packed defender. He was one of the rare defenders who managed to get on the scoresheet as well, with an astounding 97 goals combined for club and country.

A World Cup winner with Germany and core of the Bayern Munich side during his time, he helped invent the modern sweeper position as we know today. Having thrice won the European Championship, and twice the prestigious Ballon d’Or, Beckenbauer was one of the most decorated defenders of all time.

Ruud Krol –

The greatest defender that the Netherlands ever produced, Ruud Krol, was a personification of flexibility and all-around talent. He was strong support to the back line and was a versatile and quick paced player who was revered for his speed till the end of his career.

When not defending, Krol would lead his team’s attack or make long passes which always found their way to the intended player. One of his most notable goals was a screamer against Argentina in the 1974 World Cup, which he scored from 25 yards away. With three consecutive European Cups and two successive World Cup finals, Krol was a highly successful player of the 1970s.

Gaetano Scirea –

Another classy sweeper and libero, Gaetano Scirea impressed the world with his ability to read the game exceptionally well and produce desired results. A Juventus legend who won several Seria A titles with the club, Scirea played with a sense of style that was never seen before.

Also known to be one of the cleanest defenders, interestingly, Scirea was never booked in his professional career; a daunting task for most defenders. A 1982 World Cup winner, he was extraordinarily talented in breaking up opponents’ plays and winning the ball for his team. Adorned with several trophies, Scirea was truly a gem of a player.

Franco Baresi –

There are not many players who stick to one club for their entire career and be as successful as Franco Baresi. Associated with AC Milan for 20 years, the deep-lying Italian sweeper seldom lets anyone or anything get past him. Marking his debut in 1977, Baresi soon became the best defender who could easily intimidate any forward. Baresi also was the runner-up for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award amongst numerous others in 1989, an incredible feat for a defender.

Extremely accomplished on the ball, Franco knew precisely when to push forward and did not hesitate to go up forward to attack. He won a total of 14 Major Championships which include 6 Serie A titles as well as the World Cup in 1982. As a testament to his greatness, the AC Milan club retired his football jersey number 6 which is a massive sign of respect that he garnered.

Paolo Maldini –

With 26 championships across his name and owning the most number of caps for Italy, Paolo Maldini is practically unequalled both as a player and a defender. Nicknamed “II Captino” as he captained the Italian team as well as AC Milan, Maldini depicted exceptional leadership skills as he completely dominated the left flank; both in offense and defense.

Having played 904 games for Milan, 128 for the Italian side and 26 titles to his name, Maldini is one of the greatest players to have graced the game. Watching Maldini in action is a footballing lesson, something that everyone who wants to be a defender could learn from.

Cafu –

Arguably one of the best fullbacks Brazil has ever produced, watching Cafu play was always a treat to watch. It was almost impossible for any winger to get past him as the Brazilian had impeccable pace and could catch up with right about anyone.

Cafu was flying fullback and when coupled with Roberto Carlos on the other flank could prove a deadly combo. Being the most capped Brazilian player with 142 appearances for the National team, the full-back was a two time World Cup winner and one of the select few to have lifted both the Copa Libertadores and the European Cup/Champions League.

Roberto Carlos –

There are very few fullbacks who can also bolster into attack modes when required and manage to score some spectacular goals. Brazil’s Roberto Carlos is one such deadly player whom most wingers feared.

Having scored as many as 65 goals and an uncountable number of interventions, Carlos became famous as the fullback who also attacked. The full-back blasted his way into football history with a stunning “Banana” free-kick which almost reached a speed of 105 miles/hr, a swerving effort against France that left Fabian Barthez and the entire world dumbfounded.

Germany v Spain: 2010 FIFA World Cup - Semi Final

Carles Puyol –

With a muscular body and wild hair that bore him the nickname of “Tarzan”, Carles Puyol was not your conventional Spanish Centre Back. Having spent his entire career with the Catalan club of Barcelona, which accounts for almost 15 years, Puyol was one of the most feared defenders; physically and mentally.

Not only were his skills mindboggling that set him apart, but he also was one of the greatest captains we have seen in this century. With 589 games for Barcelona and Spain including a World Cup, a European Championship and three Champions Leagues, Puyol is arguably the greatest Spanish defender ever.

Real Madrid v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

Sergio Ramos –

When it comes to making one’s presence felt on the pitch, there is no comparison to Spain’s Sergio Ramos. One of the best goal scoring defenders of this century, Ramos is a complete package. His defensive skills are always a talking point in every match, but more importantly, his last-minute goals, his captaincy and his off-the-field antics is something that he will always be remembered by.

Ramos is risky and reckless at the back line, but that is what makes him a unique player; a player who can dominate the game and put a stop to the opponents’ attack at once. Having won a staggering four Champions League titles and scoring 53 goals for Real Madrid, Ramos is one of the most unconventional players you can come across who has a glorious career lined up for him.

Edited by Moderator -PJ