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#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.
