The greatest right-backs in football history – ranked

The right-back position is one of the most unglamorous positions in football, but in modern times, it has undergone a remarkable revolution that has made it one of the most important positions on a football pitch. All statistics per Transfermarkt.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander Arnold has been the catalyst for transforming the right-back position, playing more on the front foot and becoming the creative genius in Liverpool's team with his assists from the wing. Between the start of the 2018 and the end of the 2022 Premier League season, Trent racked up a staggering 44 assists.

Brazilian defender Maicon had that samba flair and a powerful shot that could threaten a goalkeeper from any angle. His most notable spell came with Inter Milan, where he won four Serie A titles, three Italian Cups, and the Champions League. He also made 76 appearances for Brazil.

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Mauro Tassoti is an AC Milan legend. He joined the club in 1980 and went on to make 600 appearances, winning 19 pieces of silverware, including three Champions Leagues. He developed into a composed and tactically aware defender who could read the game perfectly at Milan.

Dani Carvajal's tenacity, longevity, and intelligence have helped him become one of Real Madrid's most decorated players. Since joining the first team in 2013, Carvajal has won 26 major trophies for Madrid, including a record six Champions Leagues. He was also part of the Spain team that won Euro 2024.

Kyle Walker's strength, power, and speed have made him one of the best dual-threat defenders in world football. His ability to beat a man with his speed and strength to nullify an attacker has helped Manchester City dominate over the past eight years. He is a six-time Premier League winner and won the Champions League in 2023.

German fullback Berti Vogts spent his club career with Borussia Mönchengladbach, winning five Bundesliga titles in seven years. In 14 seasons, Vogts was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Year nine times. He won the 1974 World Cup and Euro 1972.

The 2006 World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta spent the best parts of his career with Juventus, Barcelona, and AC Milan. He started as a winger but developed into the best-attacking fullback in the world in the 2000s. He won three Serie A titles.

Giuseppe Bergomi spent his club career with Inter Milan, playing over 750 games, winning one Serie A title and three UEFA Cups. Bergomi was known for his stamina, aggressive attitude towards flying down the line to put crosses into the box, and tackling. In 2004, Pele elected him to the FIFA 100.

Gary Neville was the epitome of what it took to be a successful Manchester United player in the late 1990s and 2000s. Neville's passion, drive, and determination helped him excel under Sir Alex Ferguson as the club's starting right-back. His defensive aggressiveness and excellent right-footed crossing were crucial in lifting eight Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

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Argentine Javier Zanetti produced a legendary 22-year career at the pinnacle of football, becoming Inter Milan's most storied leader, playing over 850 times for the club. Zanetti won five Serie A titles, four Italian Cups, and the Champions League in 2010. He earned the nickname 'El Tractor' for his tireless energy to aid attack and defence.

Lilian Thuram played bullishly throughout his career, making it impossible for attackers to beat him one-on-one. His unique ability to win the ball back from attackers propelled him to the sport's top, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, two Serie A titles, and the UEFA Cup.

Carlos Alberto spent most of his club career in Brazil, playing for Fluminese, Botafogo, Flamengo and Santos, winning four Brazilian League titles. However, he is better known for his impact on international football, captaining Brazil to World Cup glory in 1970. He was known for his excellent passing range and leadership.

Philipp Lahm is a Bayern Munich legend who fit seamlessly across the back line or midfield. From fullback, Lahm controlled the game's tempo, started attacks after winning the ball back, and played with great fluidity. He played 332 times for Bayern and 113 times for Germany, winning the 2014 World Cup, numerous Bundesliga titles, and the Champions League.

Part of FC Barcelona's generational team in the early 2000s, Dani Alves is the most successful player in history, winning 41 significant honours. Alves was an incredible ball-crosser, extremely aggressive in the tackle, and a serial winner. He won two Copa Américas with Brazil and trophies with Juventus and PSG.

Brazil's Cafu is the most complete right-back football has ever seen. He could pick a pass, beat a man with skill or pace, and defend like his life depended on it. He won two World Cups with Brazil and has a record 143 caps. His most exceptional spells in club football came with AC Milan and Roma, winning the Serie A with both clubs and the Champions League in 2007.

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