Top 10 greatest right-backs in football history

These full-backs have etched their names in football history

The role of the right-back has seen a dramatic evolution over the years, going from a defensive-minded companion to the right centre-half to becoming an essential creative output in a modern-day team. Every truly successful side in the history of the game has boasted an excellent defence. The art of defending has evolved with the game in an incredible fashion. It has adapted and moulded itself to ensure that the balance of the beautiful game is never disturbed.

Some of the greatest players to step foot on a football field all hugged the right touchline, guarding their goalkeeper with their lives, as they did the dirty work no one else could manage. The best right-backs in history have been excellent leaders both on and off the pitch and tend to lead by example. However, these 10 players have, through some truly exceptional and career-defining moments, carved themselves a place among the best in the history of the game:

10. Gianluca Zambrotta

Italian World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta was a pioneer in the evolution of the modern-day right back. The former Italy international may not have been a flashy, tricky defender, but he was a man who did his job and did it extremely competently. He was incredibly two-footed, meaning he could bamboozle his marker by cutting in or pulling wide to deliver excellent crosses. He played for big clubs like Juventus, FC Barcelona and AC Milan.

9. Giuseppe Bergomi

Bergomi was a natural-born winner, and his tunnel vision mentality made him one of the most ruthless footballers to play the game. He spent his entire career in Inter Milan and played over 750 Serie A games for the team. Operating as his team’s captain, the Italian was a force to be reckoned with down the right-hand side of defence and is rightfully considered one of the greatest defenders in Italy’s history.

8. Djalma Santos

Santos might not have ever played for a team outside of his home nation of Brazil. But Santos more than made an impression on football and is fondly remembered as one of the best full-backs in history. He helped his national team win two World Cups. Known for his utmost professionalism, Santos was never sent off during his career.

7. Javier Zanetti

The Argentine was the king of longevity, producing a career that spanned over 22 years and at the highest level of the sport too. After rejecting interest from Boca Juniors and River Plate, Zanetti decided to join Inter Milan and go to his parent’s country. Once Zanetti touched down on Italian soil, the rest became history. Zanetti lifted five Serie A titles, four Italian Cups, a UEFA Cup, a Champions League and a Club World Cup.

6. Gary Neville

From Graduating through Carrington as part of the Class of 92 to playing for the first team at Manchester United, Neville never looked back. Once he made his debut for the club he adored, he fought for decades to keep his place in what was one of the greatest sides ever. Due to his accomplishments and huge role in United’s success over the seasons, Neville is highly regarded as one of the greatest right-backs England has ever produced.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest goalkeepers in football history

5. Lilian Thuram

Thuram was one of the best in the business. The Frenchman is a classic 90’s defender from Serie A, celebrated for his incredible displays at Parma and then Juventus. Physically, tactically and technically, there were few better than him during his domination of the right flank. His powerful play and calm head made him a formidable opponent to face, rarely getting beaten one-on-one. He was old school but incredible at his defensive duties, making him one of the greatest players in the position.

4. Carlos Alberto

Carlos Alberto was the captain of the World Cup-winning Brazil side, Alberto was known for his technical ability as well as defensive resoluteness. He played for some big clubs in Brazil like Fluminense, Santos and Flamengo. He had an excellent eye for pass, be it short or long, he was a creator from deep, which was far from ordinary at that time.

3. Philipp Lahm

One of the most versatile players on this list, Lahm could operate at right-back, left-back or holding midfield, making him the most utilised star in an always victorious Bayern Munich side. Alongside his calmness on the ball, he read the game with ease, plucking the ball away from rampant attackers. The German legend was also a tough tackler. He led the German National Team to a World Cup win in 2014 where they beat Argentina by 1-0. In his entire career, he won 23 titles.

2. Dani Alves

Alves is largely known for being one of the most highly decorated players of all time. From Silverware in his native Brazil to league and Cup titles in Spain, France and Italy. He also won two Copa America crowns for Brazil in 2007 and 2019. He played for clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, PSG and Sevilla FC. However, his reputation has been tainted after he was charged with sexual assault and sentenced to Prison in 2024.

1. Cafu

Elegance, Dynamism, Grace, Cafu was the very best of his era. Internationally, Cafu has won two World Cups and is the most capped player for Brazil, with 143 appearances. The Brazilian managed to make the right-back role fashionable and demonstrated that you can possess skills and a bag of tricks even if you don’t occupy the opposition’s final third. He played for clubs like AS Roma and AC Milan.

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