Top 11 greatest left-backs in football history

These full-backs influenced the game in different decades

The full-back revolution hasn’t merely been restricted to the right side of the pitch. Being deployed at left-back was once an insult, it’s where the worst player on the team attempted to impress down on the local playing fields. It was a position nobody wanted to play. But now, playing at left-back requires a particular blend of physical, mental and technical skills. Physically, left-backs need enough pace and stamina to traverse the entire left side of the pitch for 90 minutes. Mentally, they need to read the game, sense danger and anticipate the best moments to venture forward.

Despite an understated reputation, some of the greatest players to ever Kick a ball have plied their trade on the left side of defence. The following left-backs exhibited all of the skills that are required to excel in this position. Here are the top 11 left-backs of all time:

11. Dennis Irwin

Dennis Irwin spent 12 years at Manchester United and played under Alex Ferguson. He is considered to be the most successful footballer in Ireland alongside Roy Keane who won 19 trophies in his career. The Irishman played with an efficiency unique to his generation, famed for his two-footedness. Irwin also earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions and is an inductee of the English Hall of Fame.

There was no stopping this Denis Irwin stunner at Anfield 😍#MUFC pic.twitter.com/KwjWiMeWba

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2019

10. Antonio Cabrini

Cabrini was a part of a formidable period of Italian football for club and country, specifically for Juventus. Cabrini is regarded as one of the best to don the Azzurri shirt. He was known for his leadership and professionalism on the pitch. As a player, he won the European Cup, Cup Winners Cup, FIFA World Cup and UEFA Cup.

9. Ashley Cole

Cole spent seven seasons as an Arsenal first-team player, during which time he established himself as the league’s best full-back. He was part of Arsenal’s invincible season as well. A few years later, he joined the Gunners rival Chelsea, which caused a bit of controversy as well. There are not many who can cross the London divide and remain respected by Chelsea and Arsenal fans, but Ashely Cole can.

8. Andreas Brehme

Andreas Brehme was a great attacking full-back who scored for every team he ever played for. In his 17-year career, Brehme won two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup, a UEFA Cup and a Serie A. While at the international level, he won the 1990 World Cup for Germany. He scored the winning goal in that 1990 World Cup final, just one of his eight international goals in 86 matches for Germany.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest right-backs in football history

7. Marcelo

Marcelo has been the epitome of a modern full-back. He possesses a creative arsenal that places him among the most proficient technicians in football history. He is a Real Madrid legend who helped the cup to win numerous trophies. He won the Champions League five times while playing for the Los Blancos. Not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well he is a top professional. Fans love and adore him.

Marcelo: "The emotion is brutal, it was my last game with Real Madrid."#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/CoWdE5g9Mf

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2022

6. Nilton Santos

One of the first full-backs who was given a license to charge forward after the 4-2-4 formation was invented in the 1950s. Santos has been part of four Brazilian World Cup Squads. In 1958 and 1962 tournaments, he collected winning medals and worldwide accolades for his play. Santos played football at the top level for 23 years and made 75 appearances for the country.

5. Roberto Carlos

A bullet of a footballer with frightening speed and a hammer-like left foot, the Brazilian felt like a player made in a video game. Carlos took attacking full-back to a new level. His marauding runs down the flank often followed by a thunderous shot have thrilled football fans for two decades. In his club career, he won the Brazilian League twice, LaLiga four times and the Champions League three times.

🔝 @Oficial_RC3 assists!💁 Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/ta8BG57XIc

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 26, 2022

4. Ruud Krol

Krol was one of the early products of Dutch football innovations. A player who could fill in anywhere expertly. He exuded confidence and composure with and without the ball. He was one of the stars of Ajax’ golden generation. He went on to win three European Cups in a row and was an integral part of the club and his National Team. He played 83 matches for the Oranje.

3. Giacinto Facchetti

Facchetti spent his whole career at Inter Milan, a club that retired his number three shirt following his death. During his time there, he won four league titles, an Italian Cup and two European Cups. Facchetti has often been cited as a player ahead of his time and one to be remembered for decades to come. An all-around great player, he made 94 appearances for the Italian National team.

2. Paul Breitner

As a free-roaming left-back, Breitner was often seen in unfamiliar places for a traditional full-back. Although controversial off the field, he knew how to get the job done. He won five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, a European Cup, a LaLiga title and a Spanish Cup. He helped Germany to win the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup in which he scored Germany’s opening goal.

1. Paulo Maldini

Maldini is regarded as not only the best left-back of all time but also the flag-bearer for defenders in general. The Italian’s glittering honours list places him as one of the most decorated players to play the beautiful game. In his remarkable career, he won seven Serie A titles, an Italian Cup and five European Cups. For Italy, he was part of the side that came runners-up in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000. A perfect figure of consistency, his career spans a remarkable 25 years.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.