The Greatest 10 Right-Back Players in History: Here is a quick look at the best right-backs who have played in the history of football.
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| top 10 right backs in the world of all time |
The role of the right-back has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Traditionally seen as a less glamorous position on the field, the player tasked with safeguarding the right side of the defense often faces ridicule, perceived as less ambitious, talented, or simply tasked with the less glamorous role in football.
However, in the recent years of football history, the role of right-backs has become one of the most vital, if not the most crucial, positions in the game. Obtaining a standout right-back has now become a daunting task for even the most established teams worldwide due to the scarcity of players capable of fulfilling their role effectively.
Setting aside these considerations, football has witnessed right-back players whose contributions cannot be forgotten by history. Their professionalism and performance have earned them the respect of all due to what they have brought to the game.
Here is a list of the top 10 right-back players in history:
Top 10 right backs in the world
The top 10 right-backs in history should ideally possess a number of unique qualities - strength, speed, resilience, courage, and the ability to cross the ball, but few possess all of these qualities combined.
Throughout the ages, the importance of this position has evolved, becoming significantly relied upon by coaches, as it combines both offensive and defensive skills. Based on numerous analyses and rankings, we present to you the best right-backs in the history of football. Welcome to the Top 10 - Top 10 wingbacks.
10. Gilma Santos (Brazil)
One of the best right-backs in history and among the early players who developed the right-back position. He is known for his exceptional ability to contribute to both defense and attack. Brazilians have always taken pride in having a player like him on the right flank.
The late Santos player participated in 4 FIFA World Cup tournaments and managed to win two of them (1958-1962). He was selected in the tournament's Best XI three times and became the first Brazilian to play more than 100 international matches. If he were to move to one of the European leagues, he would receive even more acclaim in these times.
9. Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy)
Perhaps the toughest right-back in the history of football due to his immense physical strength and strong defensive discipline. Bergomi was not inclined to push forward much, instead, he focused on holding his position on the field. He often played as a central defender.
He is considered one of the historical leaders of Inter Milan, having spent 19 years within the corridors of Giuseppe Meazza. During this time, he won the Italian Serie A once and the UEFA Cup three times. On the international stage, Bergomi achieved the World Cup title with Italy in 1982 at the young age of 18.
8. Carlos Alberto Torres (Brazil)
The legendary captain of the Brazilian national team that won the 1970 World Cup with the presence of the legend Pelé. He scored one of the goals in the final against Italy, which ended in a 4-1 victory. That goal is considered one of the most beautiful goals in the history of the World Cup.
He is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, both for Brazil and his club Santos, with which he won the league title twice. In the year 2000, he was voted the best right-back of the 20th century. He was one of the earliest defenders who truly pushed forward, and he was very comfortable with the ball, to the point that he sometimes resembled a playmaker.
7. Gary Neville (England)
Undoubtedly, Gary Neville is considered one of the best right-backs of all time. He spent 19 years with Manchester United during their peak dominance and was England's first-choice right-back for over a decade.
Many might overlook Neville's attacking prowess due to him playing behind David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, defensively, his abilities are unquestionable. He retired after playing 600 matches for the Red Devils, securing 7 English Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles with them.
6. Berti Vogts (Germany)
An icon of the Golden Generation of West Germany's national team, he managed to lead the team to back-to-back major championships: the 1972 UEFA European Championship and the 1974 FIFA World Cup. He became famous for closely marking Johan Cruyff in the memorable World Cup final, and he succeeded greatly in his task.
Berti Vogts played his entire career with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Throughout more than 500 matches, he scored 42 goals - an impressive number for a right-back. He also managed to win the German Bundesliga 5 times and the UEFA Cup twice.
5. Lilian Thuram (France)
Lilian Thuram was one of the greatest right-backs in history, a classic defender with a strong physique and unbelievable speed. Few surpassed him in his era. He played for Monaco, Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona, delivering impressive performances with each of them. He was also part of the historic Parma side that impressed the world, and he won two Serie A titles with Juventus.
On the international stage, Thuram played 142 matches for France, scoring two goals, both of which came in the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup against Croatia. The French team continued their journey and went on to win the prestigious championship on their home soil.
4. Philipp Lahm (Germany)
He is a right-back who needs no introduction, incredibly intelligent on and off the field, and remarkably committed. This led him to become the dual captain of both Bayern Munich and the German national team, guiding two major teams to numerous individual and collective triumphs. Among the notable achievements are 8 Bundesliga titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, and winning the 2014 World Cup with the German national team.
Philip Lahm earned the nickname 'The Magic Dwarf' due to his short stature yet enchanting presence on the field. He was quick, executed agile interventions, and possessed exceptional endurance. However, his most remarkable trait remains his high intelligence.
3. Dani Alves (Brazil)
Dani Alves has etched his name in football history with countless remarkable achievements, and his continued success to this day is the greatest testament to his prowess. He is considered the most decorated player in the history of football, having won titles left and right. The only thing missing from his illustrious career is a World Cup title, which has eluded Brazil since 2002.
As a flying right-back, the Brazilian maverick spent more than half of his career with Barcelona. He supplied the Blaugrana's attackers with golden opportunities, especially with Lionel Messi, forming an unforgettable partnership. His offensive contributions were as reliable as any striker.
2. Javier Zanetti (Argentina)
The best right-back in history. 'Versatility' is one of the most fitting words to describe the captain of the Argentine national team and Inter Milan's historic figure, Javier Zanetti. He led two distinct generations of Inter Milan, serving the Nerazzurri for 19 years, with 14 of those years as captain.
Zanetti was known for his mastery in playing on both the right and left flanks, as well as in the midfield. His standout traits included his exceptional fitness and endurance, enabling him to perform at the highest level throughout the entire match. With Inter, he achieved all the titles that the fans desired during a period that stands among the best in the history of the Nerazzurri.
1. Cafu (Brazil)
The most famous right-back in the modern era, and another Brazilian name on this list. His football journey saw him represent six different clubs, but he is particularly remembered for his time with AS Roma and AC Milan in Italy. Winning the Serie A title in the 2000/2001 season with Roma was a special achievement, as it ended a long wait for success for the capital city's team.
Cafu's move to Milan marked a perfect leap in his career, where he achieved all possible titles with them. However, his true brilliance shone with the Brazilian national team, with whom he won a total of 6 major titles, including the World Cup, Copa America, and the FIFA Confederations Cup, with each of these titles being secured twice.
The role of right back players in soccer
- Who are right-backs in football?
The roles of right-back players and left-back players in a football team are similar. They are two sides of the same coin, each working to protect their team's goal from conceding goals by the opposing team. Additionally, they play a significant role in preventing counterattacks or intercepting them if they occur. The role of full-backs also involves linking up with attacking players; they support and assist them in scoring or creating goals.
best right-backs in soccer: However, it's important to note that their primary task is to prevent the opponents from delivering crosses or quick passes to their attackers in the penalty area. A full-back player is characterized by a set of prominent attributes and characteristics that help them excel in their role with skill.
Who is the best right-back in history?
top right-back football: For many, the best right-back in the history of football is the Brazilian Cafu, whose real name is 'Marcos Evangelista de Moraes Lima.
Cafu is a right-back who spent the majority of his professional career in the Italian Serie A with clubs like AS Roma and AC Milan, as well as shorter stints in other leagues such as La Liga with Real Zaragoza.
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| Who is the best right-back in history? |
The player led his clubs to win numerous domestic and international titles, especially with AC Milan, with whom he achieved 6 major titles, including the Italian Serie A title in the 2003-04 season and the UEFA Champions League title in 2006-07.
Despite his numerous club successes, his most remarkable achievements came on the international level with the Brazilian national team, leading them to victory in the World Cup, Copa America, and FIFA Confederations Cup twice.
The player participated in four FIFA World Cup editions with the Brazilian national team, and he is the only player in history to have played in three consecutive World Cup finals in 1994, 1998, and 2002.
The best right-back in the world in 2023
The best right-back in the world for the year 2023/2024 is Paris Saint-Germain's right-back, Achraf Hakimi. He managed to win the title of the best right-back in the world according to the voting process conducted by Goal in partnership with FIFA 22. It's worth mentioning that Achraf is a Moroccan player of Arab origins, born on November 4, 1998, making him 23 years old. He holds Spanish and Moroccan citizenship and currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, wearing the number 2 jersey.
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| The best right-back in the world in 2023 |
The best right-back in the English Premier League
- Who are the best right-backs in the Premier League now?
has not been officially decided yet. However, it's worth noting that many individuals consider Tariq Lamptey to be one of the best defenders in the right-back position in the English Premier League for the year 2023. This has led to a noticeable increase in his market value, reaching around 20 million euros, which is a high value for a player who is still 23 years old.
