The Biggest 20 Proper-Backs in Soccer Historical past
A few of the greatest right-backs in immediately’s recreation are arguably even higher going ahead than they’re on the again.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Actual Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold are considered because the biggest right-backs at the moment, nevertheless, in generations passed by, now we have seen some unbelievable full-backs on the right-hand facet.
Here’s a have a look at 20 of the best right-backs in footballing historical past, factoring of their longevity and consistency on the highest degree, whereas additionally their workforce and private accolades.
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20 Biggest Proper-Backs of All Time |
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|---|---|---|
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Rank |
Title |
Nation |
|
1 |
Cafu |
Brazil |
|
2 |
Philipp Lahm |
Germany |
|
3 |
Carlos Alberto |
Brazil |
|
4 |
Dani Alves |
Brazil |
|
5 |
Djalma Santos |
Brazil |
|
6 |
Javier Zanetti |
Argentina |
|
7 |
Giuseppe Bergomi |
Italy |
|
8 |
Gianluca Zambrotta |
Italy |
|
9 |
Lilian Thuram |
France |
|
10 |
Berti Vogts |
Germany |
|
11 |
Mauro Tassotti |
Italy |
|
12 |
Gary Neville |
England |
|
13 |
Wim Suurbier |
Netherlands |
|
14 |
Manuel Amoros |
France |
|
15 |
Manfred Kaltz |
Germany |
|
16 |
Dani Carvajal |
Spain |
|
17 |
Kyle Walker |
England |
|
18 |
Claudio Gentile |
Italy |
|
19 |
Eric Gerets |
Belgium |
|
20 |
Maicon |
Brazil |
20
Maicon
Beginning off the countdown is Maicon, one in all quite a few Brazilian right-backs to be included. Finest identified for his time at Inter Milan, Maicon appeared like a centre-back however had all the ability, athleticism and closing third product to make him a world-class full-back.
He received the Champions League at Inter Milan in addition to lifting 4 Serie A titles and three Italian Cups, starring beneath Jose Mourinho.
19
Eric Gerets
Eric Gerets really started his newbie profession as a striker earlier than turning skilled with Commonplace Liege and would finish his taking part in days as probably the greatest right-backs, recognised by being nominated for the Ballon d’Or on quite a few events.
Considered one of many biggest gamers in Belgian soccer historical past, Gerets ended his profession as a part of a dominant PSV facet, profitable six Eredivisie titles in seven years throughout the Eighties and Nineties, in addition to lifting the European Cup.
18
Claudio Gentile
A key a part of Italy’s 1982 profitable World Cup workforce, Claudio Gentile’s type of play was no-nonsense, one thing which noticed him have a superb 17-year profession.
Gentile was something however light within the sort out and has gone down as a Juventus legend, being inducted into the membership’s Corridor of Fame in 2025.
He was included within the Workforce of the Event within the 1980 Euros and 1982 World Cup, highlighting the impression he made.
17
Kyle Walker
In his prime, there was no getting previous Kyle Walker, who’s arguably one of many quickest right-backs of all time.
In addition to his blistering tempo, Walker was strong defensively and bought ahead recurrently, profitable six Premier League titles and the Champions League at Man Metropolis. A key a part of Pep Guardiola’s dominant facet, Walker additionally has just below 100 England caps.
16
Dani Carvajal
Actual Madrid icon Dani Carvajal might not be probably the most eye-catching right-back in historical past, nevertheless, his longevity and consistency earn him a spot within the prime 20.
Lifting an unimaginable six Champions League titles on the Bernabeu and the Euros with Spain, the Madrid captain is among the most profitable right-backs in historical past and can rightly go down as a Los Blancos legend.
15
Manfred Kaltz
German right-back and Hamburger SV legend Manfred Kaltz spent over 18 years throughout the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties, profitable two Bundesliga crowns, two DFB-Pokal titles and the European Cup throughout his membership profession.
He lifted the Euros in 1980 with Germany and was identified for making an impression within the closing third, scoring greater than 100 targets in his profession.
14
Manuel Amoros
Manuel Amoros received a number of league titles with Monaco and Marseille throughout his membership profession, whereas on the worldwide stage with France, lifted the Euros in 1984.
His profession lasted 17 years and his performances not often dipped, leading to his profitable 82 caps for his nation and making 500 membership appearances.
13
Wim Suurbier
Dutch star Wim Suurbier helped Ajax dominate European soccer beneath Rinus Michels and Stefan Kovacs beneath the membership’s well-known Whole Soccer philosophy.
A key member of the facet that received three successive European Cups within the Nineteen Seventies, Suurbier additionally helped the Netherlands to 2 World Cup finals and was identified for his explosive tempo and technical capability.
12
Gary Neville
Though he received’t admit it, Gary Neville was a key a part of Man Utd’s dominance beneath Sir Alex Ferguson and spent his complete profession at Outdated Trafford.
A superb crosser, Neville was good defensively, profitable eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, 4 FA Cups and three League Cups. He made a whopping 600 appearances for United and was capped 85 instances by England.
11
Mauro Tassotti
AC Milan legend Mauro Tassotti spent 17 years on the San Siro, profitable 19 honours and making just below 600 appearances for the Italian giants.
A member of one of many world’s biggest defences alongside Franco Baresi and Filippo Galli, Tassotti helped rework the right-back position within the Eighties and Nineties, together with his attacking qualities being an inspiration for others.

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