The greatest right-backs in football history — ranked from legendary to iconic

October 31, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Right-backs are often the engine of a team — fast, reliable, and increasingly essential to both attack and defense. Over the decades, many footballers have redefined what it means to play this demanding position. From Brazilian flair to German precision, here are the 15 greatest right-backs of all time, ranked from 15 to 1.

15. Maicon: Inter’s explosive engine

Maicon thrilled fans with his powerful runs and attacking instincts during Inter Milan’s dominant spell under José Mourinho. A Champions League winner and scorer of one of the most iconic World Cup goals, the Brazilian left a lasting impression on the position.

14. Manfred Kaltz: goalscoring full-back

A legend at Hamburg, Kaltz scored over 100 goals — an astonishing feat for a defender. Known for his precise deliveries and penalty skills, he also helped West Germany to a European Championship title and a World Cup final.

13. Mauro Tassotti: Milan’s quiet innovator

Tassotti spent 17 years at AC Milan, winning 19 major trophies in one of the club’s most successful eras. An early example of an attacking full-back, he helped evolve the role beyond just defense.

12. Berti Vogts: the Bundesliga’s ironman

Vogts was a fierce competitor for Borussia Mönchengladbach, winning five Bundesliga titles and earning nine Team of the Year selections. He also played a crucial role in West Germany’s European Championship win and World Cup final appearance.

11. Kyle Walker: pace and adaptability

Walker has been a cornerstone of Manchester City’s modern success under Pep Guardiola. His speed, tactical intelligence, and versatility have redefined the expectations of a modern right-back.

10. Gianluca Zambrotta: from winger to warrior

Zambrotta’s early days as a winger gave him a unique edge when he transitioned to right-back. His mix of attacking flair and defensive awareness helped Italy to a World Cup title in 2006 and earned him stints at Juventus, Barcelona, and Milan.

9. Giuseppe Bergomi: Inter’s defensive rock

A one-club man for Inter Milan, Bergomi made over 750 appearances and captained the side during some of its most iconic years. Recognized by Pelé as one of the world’s greats, his legacy in Italian football remains unmatched.

8. Djalma Santos: discipline and legacy

Djalma Santos won two World Cups with Brazil and played over 1,000 games without ever receiving a red card. Known for his professionalism and consistency, he was a model of excellence throughout his long career.

7. Gary Neville: Manchester United’s one-club stalwart

Neville spent his entire career at Manchester United, winning 29 major trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson. A leader on and off the pitch, he became one of England’s most respected and consistent defenders.

6. Lilian Thuram: power and precision

Thuram was an integral part of France’s World Cup and European Championship-winning teams. Strong, intelligent, and rarely beaten one-on-one, he also excelled in Serie A and La Liga with clubs like Parma, Juventus, and Barcelona.

5. Javier Zanetti: Inter’s eternal leader

Zanetti is a symbol of loyalty and professionalism, playing over 1,000 matches in a 19-year career at Inter Milan. His versatility and leadership helped the club secure five Serie A titles and the Champions League, making him one of football’s all-time great captains.

4. Carlos Alberto: a captain and creator

Carlos Alberto captained Brazil’s legendary 1970 World Cup team and scored one of the tournament’s most iconic goals. Known for his pinpoint passing and leadership, he brought style and intelligence to the right-back role.

3. Philipp Lahm: the German technician

Lahm’s calmness, intelligence, and versatility made him one of the most complete full-backs of his era. A World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend, he set new standards for tactical and technical excellence at right-back.

2. Dani Alves: the ultimate winner

Dani Alves is football’s most decorated player, with 41 trophies across clubs in Brazil, Spain, France, and Italy. With his flair, creativity, and relentless energy, he revolutionized the right-back position for a generation.

1. Cafu: Brazil’s timeless full-back

Cafu stands at the top as the most iconic right-back in football history. With two World Cup wins, a Champions League title, and 143 caps for Brazil, his pace, intelligence, and all-around brilliance made him the perfect modern full-back long before it became the norm.