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The year 2021 was one for defenders to really show their mettle in the world of football. Italy's success at the 2020 European Championship was largely due to their defensive solidity throughout the tournament. The experienced duo of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini held the fort brilliantly for Italy.
Similarly, Chelsea's upturn in fortunes under Thomas Tuchel was characterized by their defensive stability. They conceded a record only four goals en route to winning the UEFA Champions League title.
A good number of defenders and defensive players have impressed greatly for club and country throughout the year.
Using the GOAL50 poll conducted by Goal, we have compiled the list of the five best defenders in the world in 2021 according to the fans.
#5 Dani Alves
Despite being 38 years old, Brazilian defender Dani Alves has remained one of the most consistent players of 2021. The veteran defender played in the Brazilian Serie A with Sao Paulo. He was then invited to the Brazil team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as one of the squad's overage players.
In Alves' debut Olympics in Tokyo, the defender started every match despite his age and captained Brazil to the gold medal in the tournament. Remarkably, Alves played 120 minutes in both the semifinals and final for Brazil as they emerged with the gold medal. Alves' Olympic gold medal saw him extend his record honors haul to 42 major titles in his career.
Shortly after the Olympic games, Alves parted ways with Sao Paulo after the Brazilian club failed to pay his wages. After his former teammate Xavi Hernandez was appointed FC Barcelona manager, Alves rejoined Blaugrana on a short-term deal for a second stint.
The experienced defender is expected to make his unofficial second FC Barcelona debut in the Maradona Cup. It will come against Boca Juniors on December 14th.
#4 Leonardo Bonucci
Veteran Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci had an impressive 2021. He was part of a miserly Italian defense that kept opponents at bay en route to winning Euro 2020. Bonucci and his defensive partner Giorgio Chiellini weren't dribbled past even once in the whole tournament!
The defender scored the equalizer for Italy in the final against England. He was named man of the match as Italy claimed the Euro 2020 title. However, Bonucci had a disappointing season at club level with Juventus as Inter Milan dethroned them in Italian Serie A.
Bonucci was recognized for his achievements and finished in 14th place in the Ballon d'Or 2021 rankings. This made him the third-highest ranked defender.
#3 Giorgio Chiellini
Italy and Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini continues to defy his age to play at the highest level of football. The 37-year-old brilliantly partnered team-mate Leonardo Bonucci as they marshaled the Italian defense in their victorious Euro 2020 campaign.
Chiellini and Bonucci have been referred to as masters of defending. Manager Jose Mourinho once said that both men could write a book on the art of defending. Chiellini made a crucial intervention in the Euro 2020 final against England.
Chiellini was recognized for his performances throughout 2021 and came out in 13th place in the Ballon d'Or 2021 rankings.
#2 Ruben Dias
After Vincent Kompany's departure in 2019, Manchester City needed another young, imposing defender to help them win the Premier League title. They moved quickly to secure the signing of 24-year-old Portuguese defender Ruben Dias from Benfica, and their fortunes dramatically changed.
The Portuguese international was absolutely brilliant for the Cityzens in his first season. He helped them regain their Premier League crown and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Dias was named UEFA Champions League Defender of the Year in 2021. He also won the FWA Player of the Year award in the English Premier League.
Dias was voted joint-26th in the Ballon d'Or rankings for 2021.
Dias has shown great leadership and defensive quality at the Etihad Stadium. He was made the club's vice-captain in his first season at the club. Despite a disappointing summer with his national side, Dias has continued to impress for Manchester City and Portugal in 2021.
#1 Achraf Hakimi
Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has been voted by fans as the best defender in the world in 2021. The PSG man moved from Inter Milan to Paris for €60 million this summer.
Last season, he played a central role for the Nerrazurri in winning the Scudetto for the first time in a decade.
Hakimi was a key player for Antonio Conte at the Giuseppe Meazza as he served as a very good attacking outlet for the eventual champions. Hakimi was also important for the Morocco national team in 2021. He helped them reach the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Surprisingly, the defender was excluded from the 30-man Ballon d'Or rankings by France Football.
