The 30 Best Fullbacks of the 21st Century – Ranked
Fullbacks have evolved from mere defenders to some of the most influential players on the pitch. From lightning-fast wingers turned defenders to tactical maestros initiating attacks, here are the 30 best fullbacks to ever grace the game — starting from number 30 and working our way up to the all-time greats.
30. Reece James
Though still in the early stages of his career, Reece James has shown incredible potential. His strength, crossing, and defensive intelligence already place him among the game’s elite.
29. Branislav Ivanovic
A no-nonsense fullback with tremendous physical strength, Ivanovic was a key figure in Chelsea’s golden years. His goals in big games made him a cult hero at Stamford Bridge.
28. Cesar Azpilicueta
Versatile and composed, Azpilicueta has quietly been one of the most reliable fullbacks in modern football. His leadership and tactical flexibility have made him indispensable.
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27. Alphonso Davies
The Canadian sensation exploded onto the scene with Bayern Munich, blending blistering pace with fearless attacking runs. Davies has already redefined the modern left-back role.
26. Theo Hernandez
A powerful and aggressive fullback, Hernandez is known for his surging runs and goalscoring threat. He plays with intensity and flair, becoming a key part of France’s future.
25. Michel Salgado
Salgado was a tenacious right-back for Real Madrid during their Galáctico era. His combative style and big-game attitude made him a fan favorite.
24. Willy Sagnol
Solid and technically sound, Sagnol was a defensive stalwart for Bayern Munich and France. He offered reliability with just enough attacking thrust to balance the right side.
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23. Eric Abidal
Abidal's composure and intelligence made him vital to Barcelona’s tiki-taka system. He overcame adversity off the pitch and maintained his high standards throughout.
22. Christian Panucci
Panucci was one of the few to thrive in both Serie A and La Liga, showing class on either side. His adaptability and experience were hallmarks of his long, decorated career.
21. Gary Neville
Neville wasn’t the flashiest, but he was relentlessly consistent. His partnership with David Beckham and understanding of the game helped define Manchester United’s right flank for years.
20. Andy Robertson
Robertson's rise from lower league football to Champions League glory is a story of grit and drive. His engine, crossing, and defensive sharpness have made him elite.
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19. Joao Cancelo
Cancelo brings elegance and creativity to the fullback role, often drifting inside to dictate play. His technical skill allows him to thrive across multiple tactical systems.
18. Patrice Evra
With fierce determination and top-tier athleticism, Evra was a defensive rock and an attacking outlet. He was a consistent performer in both domestic and international football.
17. Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi combines electric pace with tactical intelligence, excelling as a wing-back or fullback. Already proven across multiple top leagues, his influence continues to grow.
16. Dani Carvajal
A fighter on the pitch, Carvajal has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s modern successes. His balance of attack and defense makes him one of the most complete right-backs of his era.
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15. Kyle Walker
Walker’s pace is unmatched, and his one-on-one defending is elite. He’s played a vital role in Manchester City’s tactical evolution and England’s resurgence.
14. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold revolutionized right-back play with his vision and passing range. His creativity is often compared to elite midfielders, and he's still just getting started.
13. Jordi Alba
Blisteringly quick and technically excellent, Alba formed a legendary partnership with Lionel Messi. His timing and attacking instincts made him one of Barcelona’s most important players.
12. David Alaba
Alaba’s intelligence and versatility set him apart. Starting as a left-back before shifting into central defense and midfield, his consistency and leadership have stood the test of time.
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11. Maicon
During his prime, Maicon was a force of nature on the right flank. His power and attacking intent helped Inter Milan to a historic treble in 2010.
10. Gianluca Zambrotta
Zambrotta offered tactical flexibility and calm under pressure. He was crucial to Italy’s 2006 World Cup win, capable on both sides with equal quality.
9. Bixente Lizarazu
Lizarazu was a compact, tenacious left-back who combined defensive discipline with attacking energy. He helped France dominate world football from 1998 to 2000.
8. Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich began as a right-back before transitioning into one of the world’s best midfielders. His intelligence, tactical discipline, and flawless technique made his early years at RB Bayern world-class.
7. Javier Zanetti
Zanetti's professionalism and longevity were unmatched. A true servant to Inter Milan, he could play anywhere on the flank with class and discipline.
6. Marcelo
Few fullbacks have had Marcelo’s creativity and flair. A key piece in Real Madrid’s multiple Champions League triumphs, he was more artist than defender at times.
5. Ashley Cole
Cole’s defensive mastery made him almost unbeatable in his prime. His performances against the world’s best wingers remain some of the most impressive in football history.
4. Dani Alves
A serial winner and technical wizard, Alves brought flair and creativity to the right-back role. His influence at Barcelona and Brazil is still felt today.
3. Philipp Lahm
Lahm was a master of positioning and game intelligence. Whether at left-back, right-back or midfield, he played with elegance and near-perfect decision-making.
2. Cafu
The epitome of stamina and leadership, Cafu remains Brazil’s most iconic right-back. He set the standard for overlapping runs and captained his country to World Cup glory.
1. Roberto Carlos
An absolute icon, Roberto Carlos redefined the role of an attacking left-back. His thunderous free-kicks, pace, and attacking runs made him a footballing phenomenon.
