For decades, there has been a pervasive belief that right backs in soccer are the least important players on the field.
Many have ridiculed them, claiming that they could not perform adequately in other positions and were relegated to one of the most insignificant roles. However, we firmly reject this notion, as every footballer contributes equally to the team’s success.
Similar to the evolution of the left-back position, the role of the right-back has undergone a transformation, with players now requiring both defensive and attacking skills, akin to those of a winger.
And, since approximately two-thirds of soccer players are right-footed, there are traditionally more players available to fill the right-back position than the left-back spot.
Consequently, this has heightened competition for the role, leading to the emergence of better players vying for the coveted No. 2 shirt.
In recent years, we have seen a surge of interest in the right-back position, both from players and managers. This trend is particularly noticeable, reflecting the growing importance of right-backs in modern football.
This article was first published on March 6 2017, and updated on April 9, 2023
Best Right Backs In Soccer History
Despite the evolution of the position, there have been exceptional players who have broken the mold by remaining dedicated to the traditional defensive duties of a right-back.
These players have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to guarding their goalkeeper, and to performing the often-unappreciated “dirty work” of the position.
Some of the greatest players in the history of soccer have occupied this position, proving that the right-back role, though it has evolved, remains an essential and indispensable part of the game.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 all-time greatest right-backs, taking into account various successes to determine their ranking and their overall impact on the beautiful game throughout history.
Daniel Alves (Brazil)
We begin with arguably the greatest and undoubtedly the most successful right-back in soccer history – Dani Alves.
He embodies the essence of the modern-day right-back. Alves was a key member of Pep Guardiola’s renowned Barcelona team, contributing significantly to their numerous accolades, which include 6 La Liga titles, 4 Copa Del Rey victories, and 3 Champions League triumphs.
Subsequently, he played for other clubs such as Juventus, PSG, Sao Paulo, Barcelona, and UNAM, where he added to his trophy cabinet with a Campeonato Paulista win, two Ligue 1 titles, and a Serie A title, in addition to securing the domestic cup once with PSG and Juventus.
In terms of individual honors, Alves was named the Most Valuable Player of the Copa América in 2019, and selected for the IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Decade and Campeonato Paulista Team of the Tournament in 2020.
However, it is his playing abilities and style that distinguish him as one of the all-time greatest right-backs.
Alves himself described his approach as that of a “Number 10 who plays as a right-back,” indicative of his preference for intelligent play over mindless running on the right flank.
During his prime, Alves was a constant force on the right flank, constantly moving up and down the pitch.
He excelled in attacking roles but also possessed defensive capabilities when required.
Cafu (Brazil)
When discussing the greatest right-backs in soccer history, it’s hard to overlook the impact that Brazilian legend Cafu had on the position.
His name is synonymous with the position itself, as he was a master of the role during his illustrious career.
Cafu possessed all the conventional attributes of a top-class right-back, such as his tackling, passing, dribbling, and crossing abilities.
However, what set him apart was his unrivaled elegance and grace on the pitch. He made everything look effortless and added a touch of class to every move he made.
Throughout his career, Cafu won lots of titles, including two Serie A titles, a Cup Winners’ Cup, and a Champions League title.
However, his most impressive highs came at the international level, where he remains the most capped Brazilian of all time with 143 appearances. Cafu helped Brazil to a Confederations Cup, two Copa Americas, and two World Cup successes.
He was even named South American Footballer of the Year in 1994.
Cafu confirmed his place among the football elite by captaining Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, showcasing his leadership qualities in addition to his immense talent on the field.
He was also known for his entertaining style of play, as demonstrated by his famous triple sombrero over Pavel Nedved during his time at AS Roma.
Carlos Alberto Torres (Brazil)
Carlos Alberto stands out as one of the most successful and skilled right-backs of the 1960s and 70s.
He was an integral part of the Brazilian team that won the 1970 World Cup, captaining the squad and being as vital to their success as iconic players like Pele, Jairzinho, and Tostao.
His contribution to soccer did not go unnoticed as he was voted the greatest right-back of the 20th century in 2000.
He scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, a stunning drive that capped off a beautiful team move in the final. He was always reliable in the big games, and his performances under pressure ensured that his teams always had a chance of winning.
The Brazilian achievements in soccer earned him several personal honors, including induction into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame.
He was also named in the World Team of the 20th Century and the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
In 2013, he was named one of the six ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, alongside other legends such as Ronaldo, Bebeto, and Mário Zagallo.
Carlos Alberto was also a part of the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1970, cementing his place as one of the greatest right-backs in the history of soccer(football).
Philip Lahm(Germany)
The German international was a player of immense versatility and tactical astuteness, a true manager’s dream.
He could operate in any position except attack, including right-back, left-back, or holding midfield, making him an indispensable star in then dominant Bayern Munich side.
His achievements with Bayern include 8 Bundesliga titles, 6 DFB-Pokal trophies, and a memorable Champions League triumph in the 2012-2013 season.
But his success was not limited to club football. With Germany, he was part of the team that finished 3rd in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups before finally winning it in 2014.
Lahm’s performances on the world stage earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament in all three World Cup campaigns, a remarkable feat.
He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year five times, reflecting his consistent excellence at the highest level of the game.
Lahm’s playing style was characterized by his tactical intelligence and his deep understanding of the game.
His superb ball control and technical ability made him a joy to watch, but he was also a tenacious defender who never shied away from the physical side of the game.
His ability to outsmart opponents despite not being the fastest or strongest player on the pitch was a testament to his footballing intelligence and his exceptional reading of the game.
Javier Zanetti(Argentina)
Don’t let his Italian-sounding name fool you Javier Zanetti was actually born in Argentina, where he rose to become one of the most successful and talented right-backs in football history.
Over the course of his illustrious career, he played an incredible 1,114 games, with 858 of those being for Internazionale, the club with which he won 16 major trophies.
Throughout his playing days, Zanetti was a true force to be reckoned with.
In attack, he was lethal, possessing incredible dribbling skills that made him one of the most proficient right-backs of all time.
In fact, he holds the incredible record of completing 16 dribbles in a single Champions League match, a feat that is only equaled by two of the greatest dribblers in the history of football, Messi and Neymar.
But Zanetti’s talents weren’t limited to just his attacking prowess. He was also a stalwart defender, marshaling the Inter defense for almost two decades and becoming the club’s most iconic captain.
Throughout his career, he won an impressive 5 Serie A titles, 4 Coppa Italia trophies, and a Champions League title, which he earned at the end of a treble-winning season.
Even in his final years as a player, Zanetti never seemed to tire, earning the fitting nickname of El Tractor.
His commitment to the game and the sheer amount of talent he possessed make him one of the greatest right-backs of all time.
Despite the less glamorous nature of his position, Zanetti will always be remembered as a soccer icon, whose longevity and consistency set him apart from his peers.
Djalma Santos (Brazil)
Djalma Santos is widely regarded as the player who revolutionized the right back position in soccer.
Before Santos, fullbacks were primarily defensive and didn’t venture forward much, even though they played on the flanks.
However, he changed all that with his incredible talent and technique, making overlapping runs and taking full advantage of his pace and build to become a hard man to pass.
This earned him the nickname Muralha, or the Wall, and cemented his place in football history.
Santos was one of the best right-backs of his time and his influence on the game is still felt today. He was a key player in Brazil’s domination of international soccer in the 1950s and early 1960s, helping the team win two World Cups in the process.
His performance in the final of the 1958 tournament was so impressive that he was named in the Best XI of the tournament, a remarkable achievement for a right back.
Santos’ skillset was a unique blend of solid defending and excellent dribbling ability, which made him a formidable opponent for any attacker.
His Brazilian class oozed from every pore and his style of play inspired many of the best right-backs in soccer history to try and emulate or improve upon the way he played.
His name is ever-present in discussions of the best right backs ever and his impact on the game will never be forgotten.
Lilian Thuram (France)
Lilian Thuram was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch, standing out as one of the most aggressive players of his time.
With an imposing stature and an incredible combination of speed, stamina, and physicality, he was a nightmare for opposition attackers to face. But Thuram’s abilities didn’t stop there.
He possessed a keen sense of the game, allowing him to anticipate and counter his opponents’ moves with ease – a must-have attribute for any world-class right back.
Thuram began his career with Monaco before moving on to Parma, where he spent five years honing his skills. He then made the switch to Juventus, where he continued to dominate the right flank with his superior physical and technical abilities.
From there, he moved on to Barcelona, cementing his status as one of the best full-backs in the world.
Over the course of his career, Thuram achieved an impressive list of accolades, including multiple Cup and Supercup wins, two Serie A titles, and a UEFA Cup.
On the national stage, he was an integral part of the French team that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, and he helped lead his team to the final of the 2006 World Cup.
With his incredible talent and fierce determination, Thuram will always be remembered as one of the greatest right backs to ever play the game.
Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)
The Italian’s talent as a right back is undeniable and his success speaks for itself.
He is among the very best in his position, having played for top teams like Juventus, Barcelona, and AC Milan.
Zambrotta’s achievements are a lot, including three Serie A titles, multiple domestic cups, and a UEFA Champions League title with Barcelona.
In addition to his club success, Zambrotta was also recognized for his individual achievements. He was named in the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2004, a testament to his outstanding performances despite Italy’s early exit from the tournament.
He was also a key member of the Italian national team, earning 98 caps and playing a vital role in their World Cup triumph in 2006.
Known for his reliability and consistency, Zambrotta was the epitome of a dependable defender. But he was also capable of getting forward and causing problems for the opposition.
His remarkable two-footed ability allowed him to deliver crosses from either side of the pitch, keeping defenders on their toes.
Zambrotta will be remembered as a true great of the game, both for his impressive trophy cabinet and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy)
The Italian international was a stalwart in both the Inter Milan and Italian national team defense, playing a remarkable 750 games for Inter Milan, his only club throughout his career.
Despite AC Milan’s dominance in his era, Bergomi’s unwavering commitment to his club is truly commendable.
Although he has fewer trophies compared to his peers, his contribution to the game and the success of the teams he played for cannot be undermined.
With one Serie A title, one Italian Cup crown, and three UEFA Cup titles, he remains a true legend of the game.
Bergomi’s most notable success came at just 18 years old when he helped Italy secure the 1982 World Cup. He went on to win 81 caps for the Azzurri, cementing his place as one of the best defenders in the world.
His fiery, determined personality, characterized by his wild eyes, thick mustache, and bushy eyebrows, made him an intimidating opponent on the pitch.
However, he was not only a tough defender but also a valuable contributor to his team’s offensive plays with his exceptional crossing ability, powerful shots from outside the area, and skillful use of his right foot.
Despite his physical transformation throughout his career, Bergomi remained a legend and a force to be reckoned with in the game.
Phil Neal (England)
Phil Neal is a Liverpool legend and one of the greatest right backs to have ever played the game.
He was an integral part of Liverpool’s success in the ’70s and ’80s, and his record of 366 consecutive league matches is a testament to his durability and consistency. This incredible run remains one of the highest in English football history.
Neal’s trophy cabinet is filled with silverware, having won eight league titles, four European Cups, one UEFA Cup, and four League Cups.
The only blemish on his European Cup record was the 1985 final, which was marred by the tragic Heysel disaster.
Also to his defensive prowess, he was also an expert penalty taker, with over 70 league goals to his name. He was also a regular scorer for the England national team, with five goals in 50 appearances.
Although Liverpool has had many world-class right-backs over the years, the achievements of Phil Neal are unparalleled. His consistency and winning mentality make him one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history.
