15 Best Left-Backs in Football History [Ranked]

In brief
Over the years, some of the game’s greatest players have emerged as the left-back position has changed.
Following a dazzling career at Milan, Paolo Maldini, one of the pioneers of the position, is listed.
Following trophy-filled careers, contemporary greats like Ashley Cole, Roberto Carlos, and Marcelo are also included.
No position in football’s tactical innovations has undergone as much change in recent decades as the full-back. Players are now influencing the game more than ever before in a role that was once as straightforward as its name.

Nowadays, left-backs are frequently neither at the back nor on the left. Although the position has never been totally glamorous, the inverted full-back role has added a degree of glitz. To cover the hole that frequently occurs in that specific area of the field, center-backs have been moved out wide and left-wingers have been pushed into the defensive third over the years.

Some of the best players to ever kick a ball have played on the left side of defence, despite their modest reputation. The sparkling list of the greatest left-backs in the history of the game includes decisive World Cup triumphs, repeated triumphs League winners, and perennial fan favourites.

Ranking Elements
League awards
Individual honours
Lifespan
Sheets of cleanliness
Helps
Football History’s Top Left-Backs by Player Career
1 Maldini, Paolo (1984–2009)
2 Breitner, Paul (1970–1983)
3 From 1960 until 1978, Giacinto Facchetti
Fourth, Newton Santos (1948–1964)
5. From 1968 to 1986, Ruud Krol
6 Carlos Roberto (1991–2016)
7 Marcelo, 2005–2025
Eight Andreas Brehme (1978–1998)
9 Ashley Cole, from 1999 to 2019
10 Cabrini, Antonio (1973–1991)
11 From 1958 to 1975, Karl-Heinz Schnellinger
Irwin, Denis (1983–2004)
13 Patrice Evra, 1998-present
14 1969–1972 Silvio Marzolini
15 From 2012 till the present, Andrew Robertson
15.
Andrew Robertson’s teams included Liverpool, Hull City, Dundee United, and Queen’s Park.

In his seven years at Liverpool, Andy Robertson has risen to become one of the best defenders in the world of football after joining from Hull City for a relatively low £8 million. Robertson’s consistency has been crucial as the Reds have won the Premier League title in 2020, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, with just five players having made more appearances for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

The Scottish captain is one of the most reliable players to have ever occupied his position because of his legendary dependability, breathless dynamism as a full-back, and ability to contribute in both attack and defence.

The Premier League Record of Andrew Robertson

Looks

302

Helps

59

Clean Sheets

83

14Silvio Marzolini

Clubs played for: Ferro Carril Oeste, Boca Juniors

Silvio Marzolini was advised, “You’ll regret it,” as he submitted his resignation. The young man, who worked as a draughtsman for a business that was subcontracted by the massive automaker Fiat, had faith in his own abilities and exchanged his designs for a pair of boots that would eventually get him into Ferro Carril Oeste’s first team in the late 1950s.

Marzolini gained a lot of admirers before he ever set foot on the pitch thanks to his attractive appearance and effortless charisma. The Argentina international, who had caught Ferro’s eye, was a standout for Boca Juniors, often sprinting into the gaping left-wing corridor left empty by his teammate Alberto Gonzalez, who was prone to drifting infield. After winning five league titles during his career, Marzolini had few regrets.

Silvio Marzolini’s Professional Background

Looks

440

Objectives

10.

13Patrice Evra

Clubs played for: Marsala, Monza, Nice, Monaco, Manchester United, Juventus, Marseille, West Ham

Patrice Evra’s new employers were behind Manchester City by two goals in the opening forty minutes of his Manchester United career, both of which came down the wing that the Frenchman unconvincingly covered. After delivering the left-back a blunt reprimand in the changing room, Sir Alex Ferguson hooked him during the half: “That’s enough for you! You must study English football, so you sit down and watch immediately.

After three and a half years at Monaco, which included an unexpected run to the 2004 Champions League final, Evra came to Manchester as a seasoned French international. After overcoming that terrible start to establish himself as one of the division’s most complete full-backs, Evra would make three trips back to the European summit with United.

The Premier League Record of Patrice Evra

Looks

278

Helps

21

Clean Sheets

98

12 Denis Irwin’s clubs included Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, Leeds United, and Oldham Athletic.

Being a key member of one of the most successful teams in club football carries a lot of weight, much like Andy Robertson. Denis Irwin’s 12-year tenure at Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United is comparable.

With 682 appearances during his club career—including a historic triple in 1998–99—Irwin became the most successful Irish football player in history, sharing 19 titles with teammate Roy Keane. The Irishman, known for his two-footedness and nickname “Eight Out of Ten Denis,” played at a level of efficiency that was exclusive to his time and his consistency was unparalleled. In addition, Irwin was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and was named to the PFA Team of the Year four times.

The Premier League Record of Denis Irwin

Looks

328

Helps

25

Medals from the Premier League

7 (1996), 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 1993, 1994, and 1996

11 Karl-Heinz Schnellinger’s clubs included Sport Borussia Berlin, FC Koln, Mantova, Roma, and AC Milan.

Karl-Heinz Schnellinger’s achievement of placing third in the 1962 Ballon d’Or is all the more remarkable in an award that is dominated by strikers and goal-scoring midfielders. With FC Koln, a German champion before the Bundesliga even existed, the left-back’s prodigious talent drew fans from all across Europe.

Schnellinger relocated to Italy in order to obtain the wealth that his exceptional talent deserved, much like many of his most talented countrymen of the time who were snidely referred to as “soldiers of fortune.” After being expelled from the West German national team for his defection, Helmut Schon was unable to ignore the versatile defender and included him in the squad that advanced to the 1966 World Cup final.

In a historic 1970 World Cup semi-final, Schnellinger equalised for West Germany in stoppage time against the nation he would call home, a year after winning the European Cup with AC Milan. Gianni Rivera, Schnellinger’s Milan teammate, scored a late goal to give Italy the victory in what became known as the “Match of the Century” match.

Karl-Heinz Schnellinger’s Professional Background

Looks

434

Objectives

14

Notable Awards

European Cup (1969), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1968, 1973), Coppa Italia (1964, 1967, 1972, 1973), German Championship (1962), Serie A (1968), and Intercontinental Cup (1969)

10 Cremonese, Atalanta, Juventus, and Bologna were among the clubs that Antonio Cabrini played for.

“Antonio Cabrini was one of my points of reference; he was fantastic and, at the time, he was a modern full-back with his intelligence and his ability to make attacking runs up the flank.”

The legendary Paolo Maldini said that about Antonio Cabrini, one of the top Italian defenders of his period. The mercurial defender won both local and European awards during a dominant time in Italian football history, particularly with Juventus.
Cabrini is considered one of the best players to wear the Azzurri shirt for Italy, even if he was the first player to miss a penalty in a World Cup final. Cabrini, who won the FIFA Young Player Award in the 1978 finals, started in the final against West Germany and was a member of the winning squad in the 1982 tournament in Spain.

Antonio Cabrini’s Professional Background

Looks

545

Helps

17

Notable Awards

FIFA World Cup (1982), UEFA Cup (1977), European Cup (1985), and Cup Winners’ Cup (1984)

9Ashley Cole

Clubs played for: Arsenal, Crystal Palace (loan) Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy, Derby County

Ashley Cole is one of the few people who can transcend the London divide and yet be revered by Chelsea and Arsenal supporters. He was the finest full-back in the league for seven seasons while playing for Arsenal’s first team, especially during the team’s “Invincibles” campaign in 2003–04. He made the contentious move to Chelsea a few years later, bringing his fame to the rest of the world.

He added two European championships to his impressive trophy collection in west London: the Europa League the following season and the Champions League in 2012. Cole was a defensive threat for any wide player in world football, because to his many physical talents.

The Premier League Record of Ashley Cole

Looks

385

Helps

31

Clean Sheets

147

Honours

The Premier League in 2002, 2004, and 2010

Eight clubs that Andreas Brehme played for included Kaiserslautern, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Zaragoza, Saarbrucken, and HSV Barmbek-Uhlenhorst.

“If you score,” Rudi Voller whispered in Andreas Brehme’s ear during the World Cup final in 1990, “we’ll be world champions.” So, no pressure. By the time West Germany’s left defender took the pitch, over 85 agonising minutes of a torturous match had passed, and he fired a low, right-footed attempt beyond Sergio Goycochea’s glove.

Four years prior, at the World Cup, one of the most uncoordinated players of his generation had scored with his other boot. Brehme further clarified, “My right is more precise, and my left is harder.” The unflappable German’s brilliant career, which brought him fame both at home and with an all-conquering Inter Milan team, was supported by this technical superiority.

The Career History of Andreas Brehme

Looks

710.

Objectives

88

Helps

45

Notable Awards

Bundesliga (1987, 1998), UEFA Cup (1991), World Cup (1990), and Serie A (1989)

Seven Marcelo Clubs played for Olympiacos, Real Madrid, and Fluminense.

Marcelo has been the pinnacle of the contemporary full-back since making his debut in 2005. He has a creative arsenal that makes him one of the best technicians in football history, despite his minor defensive shortcomings. With his touch and low centre of gravity, Marcelo dominated infield for Real Madrid and never seemed out of place in advanced areas.

A career filled with trophies and more than 150 goal contributions supports any assessment of Marcelo’s skill level. The Brazilian, who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s sidekick, was regularly included in FIFA FIFPro World XIs due to his vital part in several successful incarnations of Los Blancos. The legendary player ended his playing career in 2025 after going back to Brazil to finish his career.

The Career Record of Marcelo

Looks

721

Objectives

58

Helps

117

European Honours

The 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022 UEFA Champions League

6Roberto Carlos

Clubs played for: Uniao Sao Joao Esporte Clube, Palmeiras, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Anji, Odisha

Roberto Carlos came before Marcelo. The Brazilian was a player straight out of a video game, with a hammer-like left foot and scary speed. He was a complete player, as evidenced by the collection of tapes demonstrating his skill with free kicks, for which he is famous, notably his famous “banana strike” from 40 yards against France in 1997.

In addition to having the longevity to brag about and a trophy-filled career for numerous teams and his nation, Brazil, Carlos (125) only has more Selecao caps than Cafu (142) and Dani Alves (126). Like any other left-back from the past, Carlos might have been able to adapt his style to the present game.

The Career Record of Roberto Carlos

Looks

756

Objectives

97

Helps

145

Foreign Honours

Copa America (1997), World Cup (2002)

Five clubs that Rud Krol played for were Ajax, Cannes, Napoli, and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

One of the first outcomes of Dutch football advances was Ruud Krol. With and without the ball, the Ajax legend was a confident and composed player who could fit in wherever. Krol went on to win three consecutive European Cups and was a star of the Amsterdam club’s dominant dominance on the continent in the 1970s.

He is thought to have captured Dutch football more perfectly than most. Krol made 83 appearances for the Netherlands on the international scene, notably in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals, where he captained his team against Argentina and nearly lost out on winning the coveted world championship.

Ruud Krol’s Professional Background

Looks

584

Helps

57

League Awards

(1970, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1980) Eredivisie

European Honours

The 1971, 1972, and 1973 European Cup

4 Botafogo was the team that Newton Santos Club played for.

Nilton Santos is one of the few football players that truly exemplifies the concept. Even if he hadn’t been instrumental in two World Cup victories, the beloved Brazilian, who is revered as the sport’s hallmark attacking full-back, would have been knitted into the sport’s rich fabric.

Following the invention of the 4-2-4 formation in the 1950s, Santos was one of the first full-backs granted permission to charge forward. His technical skill allowed him to take advantage of this freedom. He would think wistfully, “The ball never hit me in the shin, never betrayed me,” “If she was my lover, she was the lover I liked the best.”

The Record of Nilton Santos’ Career

Looks

798

Objectives

14

Honours Abroad

The World Cup between 1958 and 1962

3 Inter Milan was the team that Giacinto Facchetti Club played for.

Giacinto Facchetti was regarded as the epitome of a slick defender. His shirt was nicely tucked in, his hair was slicked back and he was hardly perspiring as his lanky 6′ 3″ figure laid back off it and cantered across the ground. Facchetti, a one-club man who played 476 games for Inter Milan, is frequently praised as a player who was ahead of his time and will be remembered for many years to come.

In memory of Facchetti, Inter retired their number three shirt. He was second to Eusebio in the 1965 Ballon d’Or and played a significant role in Italy’s 1968 European Championship-winning team, which was built on the defensive graft theory of the ‘Catenaccio’.

Giacinto Facchetti’s Professional Background

Looks

637

Objectives

76

Helps

3.

Honours Abroad

1968 European Championships

Two Paul Breitner clubs were Eintracht Braunschweig, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

Paul Breitner, another runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, is regarded as a reformer both on and off the pitch and one of the quiet stars of the West German team that dominated international football in the early 1970s. Breitner was on par with Gerd Muller and Franz Beckenbauer, who are regarded as two of the best players of their period.

Breitner, a handsome player who can play full-back or occasionally in midfield, reached his best early in his career at Bayern Munich and then at Real Madrid, where he was at the top of the game. a consistent member of World XIs and the 1981 German Footballer of the Year winner.

The Career Record of Paul Breitner

Looks

489

Objectives

131

League Awards

1972, 1973, 1974, 1980, and 1981 Bundesliga In 1975 and 1976, La Liga

Honours Abroad

European Championships (1972) World Cup (1974)

One team that Paolo Maldini played for was AC Milan.

There is just one obvious winner in terms of the rating factors. Paolo Maldini is considered the flag-bearer for defenders in general as well as the greatest left-back of all time. The Italian is among the most decorated players to have ever played the beautiful game, according to his stunning honours list.
A model of consistency, Maldini’s career lasted an incredible 25 years, making him the greatest left-back in football history and the owner of numerous records. Given the wealth of talent Italy has produced, it is an accomplishment in and of itself to be considered one of the finest players to have ever come from the country.

Paolo Maldini’s Professional Background

Looks

901

Individual honours

Third position for the Ballon d’Or (1994, 2003)

European Honours

1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007 Champions League

League Awards

1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, and 2004 were all Serie A years.