The 20 Greatest Left-Backs in Football History — Ranked and Remembered

October 1, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Often overlooked but never underappreciated by true fans, left-backs have quietly shaped the game’s most iconic moments. From classic defenders to modern-day attackers, these 20 legends redefined what it means to play on the left side of defence.

20. Kenny Sansom – England’s Reliable Rock

Kenny Sansom was a mainstay in English football throughout the 1980s, especially for Arsenal, where he made over 350 appearances. Named in the PFA First Division Team of the Year eight consecutive times, his consistency and defensive reliability made him a standout in his era.

19. Eddie Hapgood – Arsenal’s Original Left-Back Legend

Signed for just £950, Eddie Hapgood became one of Herbert Chapman's smartest acquisitions, transforming himself physically to dominate English football. He won five league titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, anchoring their defence for nearly two decades.

18. Jordi Alba – The Flying Full-Back of Barcelona

Jordi Alba thrived during Barcelona's golden years, forming a devastating link-up with Lionel Messi. His electric pace and attacking overlaps were vital in winning Champions Leagues and international titles with Spain.

17. David Alaba – Austria’s Versatile Star

David Alaba made his name at Bayern Munich as a technically gifted, calm, and intelligent left-back. Though often deployed in midfield for Austria, his club contributions from the left flank earned him global acclaim and a move to Real Madrid.

16. Bixente Lizarazu – France’s Reliable Winner

Bixente Lizarazu brought consistency and silverware to Bayern Munich during a golden spell, winning six Bundesliga titles. A World Cup and European Championship winner with France, his blend of defensive discipline and attacking nous defined a generation.

15. Andrew Robertson – Liverpool’s Relentless Engine

Signed for a bargain from Hull City, Andy Robertson became one of the world’s most dependable full-backs under Jürgen Klopp. Known for his relentless running and pinpoint crosses, he played a key role in Liverpool's Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

14. Silvio Marzolini – Argentina’s Early Great

Silvio Marzolini rose from humble beginnings to become Boca Juniors' left-wing stalwart. With five league titles to his name and effortless style on the pitch, he paved the way for Argentine full-backs in generations to come.

13. Patrice Evra – Manchester United’s Defensive Dynamo

Patrice Evra overcame a rocky debut at Manchester United to become a key figure under Sir Alex Ferguson. Known for his tenacity and leadership, he helped the club to five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

12. Denis Irwin – The Ultimate Professional

Often underrated, Denis Irwin was a model of consistency for Manchester United during their most dominant era. Two-footed and dependable, he amassed 19 major trophies and played a vital part in the club’s historic 1999 treble-winning side.

11. Karl-Heinz Schnellinger – Germany’s Global Journeyman

One of the few defenders to place in the Ballon d'Or top three, Schnellinger was known for his versatility and composure. His clutch equalizer in the 1970 World Cup semi-final and multiple honours in Italy and Germany highlighted his illustrious career.

10. Antonio Cabrini – Italy’s Stylish Trailblazer

Praised by Paolo Maldini himself, Antonio Cabrini redefined the modern full-back with his attacking flair. He starred in Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning side and enjoyed immense success with Juventus across Europe and Serie A.

9. Ashley Cole – England’s Finest Left-Back

Ashley Cole combined defensive steel with attacking energy, excelling at both Arsenal and Chelsea. He won league titles, domestic cups, and European honours, earning a reputation as one of the most complete full-backs of his generation.

8. Andreas Brehme – The Ambidextrous World Champion

Andreas Brehme scored the winning penalty in the 1990 World Cup final and was renowned for his two-footed precision. His technical mastery and key contributions for club and country made him one of Germany’s greatest.

7. Marcelo – The Entertainer with End Product

Marcelo dazzled fans with his dribbling, flair, and creativity at Real Madrid, becoming one of the most decorated defenders ever. A key figure in five Champions League-winning teams, he was more artist than athlete on the pitch.

6. Roberto Carlos – The Thunderbolt Technician

With blistering pace and a cannon of a left foot, Roberto Carlos was one of football’s most feared full-backs. A World Cup and Champions League winner, he is remembered for his jaw-dropping free kicks and attacking dominance.

5. Ruud Krol – The Heart of Total Football

A tactical genius and defensive maestro, Ruud Krol led Ajax and the Netherlands during the rise of Total Football. With multiple European Cups and a World Cup final appearance, he was a pillar of one of football’s most iconic eras.

4. Nilton Santos – The Original Overlapping Full-Back

Nilton Santos helped reshape the full-back position with his license to roam forward during Brazil’s rise in the 1950s. A two-time World Cup winner, his intelligence and elegance made him a beloved legend in Brazilian football.

3. Giacinto Facchetti – Inter’s Timeless Icon

As Inter Milan's long-serving left-back, Giacinto Facchetti was both a leader and a trendsetter. A Ballon d'Or runner-up and Euro 1968 winner, his grace and composure symbolized the golden era of Italian football.

2. Paul Breitner – Germany’s Thinking Man’s Defender

Paul Breitner combined tactical intelligence with bold personality, excelling at both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. A 1974 World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or finalist, he was as influential off the pitch as he was on it.

1. Paolo Maldini – The Gold Standard of Defending

No one comes close to Paolo Maldini when it comes to longevity, leadership, and sheer class. With over 900 appearances for AC Milan and five Champions League titles, he is the ultimate left-back — and arguably the finest defender football has ever seen.