15 Best Left-Backs in Football History

June 11, 2025 Oliver Obel

Left-backs are often the unsung heroes of football, quietly balancing defensive solidity with attacking drive. From modern icons to historical legends, these 15 players have defined and elevated the role across generations.

15. Andrew Robertson

From a modest £8m transfer to Liverpool, Andy Robertson became a cornerstone in one of Europe’s most dominant teams. His relentless work ethic and precise deliveries helped the Reds win the Premier League and Champions League under Klopp.

14. Silvio Marzolini

A star at Boca Juniors in the 1960s, Silvio Marzolini was known for his flair and intelligence on the pitch. He helped reshape the attacking full-back role in Argentina, winning five league titles in the process.

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13. Patrice Evra

Despite a rough start at Manchester United, Evra evolved into one of the Premier League’s finest left-backs. His speed, tactical awareness, and passion earned him five league titles and a Champions League crown.

12. Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin’s calm, consistent presence made him a Ferguson favourite during United’s glory years. Known for his two-footedness and efficiency, Irwin lifted 19 major trophies and was pivotal in United’s treble-winning season.

11. Karl-Heinz Schnellinger

Third in the 1962 Ballon d’Or, Schnellinger was a versatile defender with a strong European presence. He starred for AC Milan and West Germany, even scoring in the legendary “Match of the Century” against Italy in 1970.

10. Antonio Cabrini

An elegant yet powerful defender, Cabrini stood out in a golden era for Juventus and Italy. He won the 1982 World Cup and was praised by Paolo Maldini as a full-back ahead of his time.

9. Ashley Cole

Crossing the divide from Arsenal to Chelsea, Ashley Cole stayed elite throughout his Premier League career. His blend of speed, technique, and defensive nous made him a menace to wingers and a fan favourite on both sides of London.

8. Andreas Brehme

Renowned for his ambidexterity, Brehme scored the decisive goal in the 1990 World Cup final. His set-piece mastery and tactical flexibility helped him shine for Germany, Bayern, and Inter Milan.

7. Marcelo

Marcelo was Real Madrid’s creative engine down the left for over a decade. Combining flair with an attacking mindset, he won five Champions League titles and made the left-back role a platform for expression.

6. Roberto Carlos

With a thunderous left foot and blistering pace, Roberto Carlos redefined the role of a full-back. His legendary free kicks and consistent brilliance saw him become a Real Madrid icon and a World Cup winner with Brazil.

5. Ruud Krol

A product of Ajax’s Total Football revolution, Krol was versatile and tactically sharp. He won three European Cups with Ajax and led the Netherlands to two World Cup finals, showcasing his elegant defensive style.

4. Nilton Santos

One of the earliest attacking full-backs, Nilton Santos changed how defenders approached the game. A two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, his technical ability and intelligence set a standard for generations.

3. Giacinto Facchetti

Inter Milan’s one-club legend, Facchetti combined grace and grit in equal measure. A Euro 1968 winner and Ballon d’Or runner-up, his forward runs and calm composure made him a prototype for the modern full-back.

2. Paul Breitner

A fiery presence on and off the pitch, Breitner excelled for Bayern and Real Madrid. He won league titles in Germany and Spain, a World Cup in 1974, and finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting, cementing his legacy.

1. Paolo Maldini

Widely considered the greatest left-back ever, Maldini’s 25-year career at AC Milan is the stuff of legends. A master of positioning and leadership, his record haul of titles and unwavering loyalty set the benchmark for defensive greatness.