The right-back is much more than just a support player. He performs both defensive and offensive functions, and has to be adept at both marking and crossing from the back line. Whether defending tightly, creating moves or leading attacks, the right-back remains an indispensable figure, a symbol of the true essence of the beautiful game. Meet the 20 greatest right-backs of all time!
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Meet the 20 greatest right-backs of all time
In the vast universe of soccer, some positions stand out not only for their tactical role, but also for the greatness of the players who have occupied them over the years. Our focus here, as you already know, is on the greatest right-backs of all time.
While the spotlight often turns to brilliant strikers and imposing defenders, the tireless work of the right-back often goes unnoticed. To be one of the greatest right-backs of all time, you need more than speed.
A right-back, especially the greatest right-backs of all time, has a dual mission: to contain the advances of the opposition’s attackers and initiate rapid transitions into attack.
That’s why, in this list, we’re going to turn the spotlight on them: the greatest right-backs of all time.
We’re going to pay tribute to names that have marked an era or still do, bringing you more about their titles, history and even some curiosities.
Here’s a list of the greatest right-backs of all time.
1. Cafu
Titles: World Cup (1994, 2002), UEFA Champions League (1993, 2006), Campeoanto Italiano (2000, 2001) Copa América (1997, 1999, 2004), among others.
History: the son of an ex-military man, Cafu grew up in a humble neighborhood in São Paulo and overcame challenges to become one of the greatest right-backs in history.
Curiosities: the first player to play in three consecutive World Cup finals. Known for his leadership and versatility.
2. Philipp Lahm
Titles: World Cup (2014), UEFA Champions League (2012), Bundesliga (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2013), among others.
History: Lahm grew up in a middle-class family in Germany and showed talent from an early age, being called up to Bayern’s first team at the age of 17.
Curiosities: he began his career as a midfielder, but excelled as a right-back. Known for his tactical intelligence and consistency.
3. Lilian Thuram
Titles: World Cup (1998), Italian Championship (2001, 2002), among others.
History: Lilian Thuram, French soccer icon, was born in Guadeloupe and made a name for himself with Juventus and the French national team. The world champion is also known for his social activism after his career ended.
Curiosities: he began his career as a striker before becoming one of the best right-backs in history.
4. Djalma Santos
Titles: World Cup (1958, 1962), Paulista Championship (1959, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969), among others.
History: he was voted the best player in his position at the 1954, 1958 and 1962 World Cups, winning the title in the last two editions.
Curiosities: he was part of legendary Palmeiras teams, emerging as champion of the Brazilian Championship three times.
5. Claudio Gentile
Title: World Cup (1982), Italian Championship (1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985), among others.
History: Born in Libya, Claudio Gentile began his professional career in Italian soccer with Varese in 1972. His successful career took him to Juventus, where he became a legendary figure.
Curiosities: During the 1982 World Cup, Gentile had a memorable duel with Diego Maradona, marking him aggressively and receiving criticism for his physical approach.
6. Berti Vogts
Title: World Cup (1974), European Championship (1972), German Championship (1970, 1971, 1975), among others.
History: began his career at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he excelled as a defender and team captain during the 1970s. Vogts was known for his combative mentality, tactical versatility and exemplary leadership.
Curiosities: Vogts was known as “Der Terrier” (The Terrier) because of his determination and persistence in the field.
7. Michel Salgado
Título: Campeonato Espanhol (2000, 2002, 2006, 2008), UEFA Champions League (1999, 2001, 2013)
History: He began his professional career at Celta de Vigo before moving to Real Madrid in 1999. At Real Madrid, Salgado became a key part of the defense and was a constant presence in the team during his ten years at the club.
Curiosities: Salgado was known as “El Tarzán” due to his physical appearance and aggressive style of play.
8. Daniel Carvajal
Title: Spanish Championship (2013, 2015, 2016, 2019), UEFA Champions League(2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), among others.
History: Born in Spain, he is a Spanish footballer who has excelled as a right-back. He began his career in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, but was signed by Bayer Leverkusen in 2012 to get more opportunities to play regularly.
Curiosities: is a product of Real Madrid’s famous academy for young talent, known as “La Fábrica”, which has also produced players such as Raúl and Iker Casillas.
9. Gary Neville
Title: English Championship (1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008), UEFA Champions League (1998, 2007), among others.
History: He joined the Manchester United academy at the age of 11 and worked his way up through the youth ranks to the first team. He made his professional debut in 1992 and quickly established himself as a regular at right-back.
Curiosities: Neville was known for his fierce rivalry with Liverpool FC, and is considered one of Manchester United’s greatest icons in this respect.
10. Alexander-Arnold
Title: English Championship (2019), UEFA Champions League (2019)
History: Born at the bottom of the English team, Arnold quickly established himself as a key member of the Liverpool team due to his ability to deliver precise crosses, his vision of the game and his ability to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.
Curiosities: made his professional debut for Liverpool at the age of 18 in an English League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur on October 25, 2016.
11. Javier Zanetti
Title: Italian Championship (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), UEFA Champions League (2009), among others.
History: Zanetti began his professional career at Talleres in Argentina, before moving to Banfield in 1993. His ability caught the eye of European clubs, and in 1995 he joined Inter Milan, where he spent the next 19 years of his career.
Curiosities: Zanetti holds the record for the most games played for Inter Milan, with over 850 appearances during his career with the club.
12. Francisco Arce
Titles: Copa Libertadores (1990, 1999), Copa América (1993), Paraguayan Championship (1993, 1995, 1997, 1998 and 1999), among others.
History: He began his professional career at Cerro Porteño, one of Paraguay’s leading clubs, before moving to Brazilian club Grêmio in 1995. He has also had impressive spells at other clubs, including Palmeiras, Vasco da Gama and Olimpia.
Curiosities: after retiring as a player, Arce pursued a career as a soccer coach. He coached several clubs in Paraguay, including Cerro Porteño and the national team.
13. Giuseppe Bergomi
Title: World Cup (1982), Italian Championship (1988), among others.
History: Bergomi joined Inter Milan in 1974, at the age of 11, and made his first-team debut in 1980. He spent his entire professional career at Inter Milan, where he became one of the club’s greatest idols and symbols.
Curiosities: he was appointed captain of Inter Milan in 1989 and remained in the post for many years, leading the team with distinction and being an example of dedication and professionalism.
14. Maicon
Title: Copa do Brasil (2000), Italian Championship (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008), UEFA Champions League (2003, 2009)
History: started his professional career at Cruzeiro, where he stood out as a promising full-back. His excellent season in 2004 with Cruzeiro caught the eye of Porto, where he won his first UEFA Champions League in the 2003-2004 season.
Curiosities: he was known as “The Colossus” due to his imposing stature and robust physique.
15. João Cancelo
Title: English Championship (2018, 2020), European Championship (2016), among others.
History: He began his professional career at Benfica, where he stood out as a promising youngster. After spells with teams such as Valencia and Inter Milan, Cancelo caught the eye of Manchester City, who signed him in 2019. At City, he has become a key player in defense and attack, demonstrating his versatility and technical quality.
Curiosities: off the pitch, Cancelo is known for his reserved and focused personality, keeping a low profile when it comes to his personal life and preferring to concentrate on soccer.
16. Kyle Walker
Title: English Championship (2017, 2018, 2020), among others.
History: started his professional career at Sheffield United and soon attracted the attention of bigger clubs due to his talent and potential. His speed, athletic ability and defensive and offensive skills made him a valuable asset to Tottenham and caught the eye of Manchester City.
Curiosities: Off the pitch, Walker is known for his dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle, factors that contribute to his consistency and durability as a professional footballer.
17. Achraf Hakimi
Title: Italian Championship (2020), German Championship (2018, 2019), UEFA Champions League (2017), among others.
History: He made his debut for Real Madrid’s first team in 2017 and quickly caught the eye with his technical skills and his ability to contribute in both defense and attack. He was loaned to Borussia Dortmund for two seasons, where he performed exceptionally well in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.
Curiosities: Hakimi is the Moroccan player with the most goals in Bundesliga history in a single season, achieving this feat during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
18. Danilo
Title: Brazilian Championship (2011, 2012), Portuguese Championship (2017, 2019), Copa América (2019) among others.
History: stood out as a young prospect with great potential at Santos. He was a key player in the team that won the Brazilian Championship in 2011 and 2012, as well as the Primeira Liga in 2015. His technical ability, speed and defensive capacity attracted the attention of European clubs.
Curiosities: he is known by his nickname, “Danilo D2”, a reference to the Brazilian singer Marcelo D2, due to the similarity between their names.
19. Kieran Trippier
Title: Spanish Championship (2020)
History: began his professional career at Manchester City, where he was part of the youth team and reached the first team in 2009. After loan spells at other clubs, he signed permanently for Burnley in 2012, where his good performances helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2014.
Curiosities: he made his debut for the England national team in 2017 and has since become a regular in the national team, representing his country in several international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
20. Jesús Navas
Title: World Cup (2010), Spanish Championship (2006, 2007), among others.
History: He made his debut for Sevilla’s first team in 2003 and quickly stood out for his speed, dribbling ability and crossing skills. He was a key part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2006 and 2007, as well as contributing to the La Liga titles in 2006 and 2007.
Curiosities: he suffers from a condition known as travel anxiety, which prevents him from traveling long distances due to the extreme discomfort he feels. This has led him to miss out on a number of international caps for the Spanish national team.
List of the greatest right-backs of all time
- Cafu
- Philipp Lahm
- Lilian Thuram
- Djalma Santos
- Claudio Gentile
- Berti Vogts
- Michel Salgado
- Daniel Carvajal
- Gary Neville
- Alexander-Arnold
- Javier Zanetti
- Francisco Arce
- Giuseppe Bergomi
- Maicon
- João Cancelo
- Kyle Walker
- Achraf Hakimi
- Danilo
- Kieran Trippier
- Jesús Navas
When we think back to the greats of the position, we are also reminded of the importance of the right-back in the game plan. He is the architect of the defensive line, the guardian of the right wing and a builder of attacking moves.
The greatest right-backs of all time must have solid defensive skills, but also vision and the ability to support the attack.
The greatest right-backs of all time must have versatility, intelligence and physical stamina.
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