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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best right backs of all time.

The position of right back in football requires a unique blend of defensive prowess, exceptional stamina, and an ability to contribute to the attacking play of a team.

Throughout the history of the beautiful game, there have been outstanding individuals who have excelled in this crucial role, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

From legendary defenders who dominated the pitch with their exceptional defensive skills to modern-day full-backs who revolutionized the game with their offensive contributions, we present to you our list of the top 10 best right backs of all time.

These players have left an enduring legacy and are widely regarded as some of the greatest to ever grace the football field. Their performances have not only inspired generations of aspiring full-backs but have also set new benchmarks for excellence in their position.

As we delve into their remarkable careers and achievements, we invite you to join us on this journey through football history to celebrate the talents and impact of these extraordinary athletes.

Note that compiling a list of the greatest right-backs is a subjective task, considering the vast array of talent and differing styles of play over the years. However, the following players have been selected based on their individual accomplishments, impact on their teams, longevity, and overall influence on the game of football.

So, without further ado, let us dive into the realm of football legends and explore the careers of the top 10 best right backs of all time, as they solidified their place among the elite in the annals of the sport.

Top 10 Best Right Backs Of All Time

10 Djalma Santos

Djalma Santos is widely regarded as one of the top 10 Iconic right backs of all time in the world of football. Born on February 27, 1929, in Brazil, Santos had a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s. He established himself as a dominant force in the right-back position, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Santos’ defensive abilities were truly exceptional. He possessed incredible speed, agility, and a remarkable sense of anticipation, allowing him to nullify even the most formidable attackers. His impeccable timing and precise tackling made it extremely difficult for opponents to get past him.

Santos was a master of positioning, always being in the right place at the right time to intercept passes and break down opposition attacks. His defensive prowess played a crucial role in his team’s success throughout his career.

What set Djalma Santos apart from his peers was his remarkable technical ability. He had excellent ball control, passing accuracy, and a keen eye for creating attacking opportunities.

Santos was not just a defender; he often ventured forward, contributing to the team’s attacking play. His overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses were a constant threat to opposing defenses. Santos’ ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack made him a complete player, offering his team both defensive solidity and an attacking outlet.

Santos’ success extended beyond the club level. He represented the Brazilian national team and was an integral part of the legendary Brazilian squad that won the FIFA World Cup in 1958 and 1962.

Santos’ influence on subsequent generations of right-backs cannot be understated. Many players have looked up to him as a role model and sought to emulate his style of play.

9 Carlos Alberto

Carlos Alberto Torres is widely regarded as one of the top 10 right backs ever. He was a key member of the Brazil team that won the World Cup in 1970, and he is also the scorer of one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.

Alberto was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1944. He began his career at Fluminense, and he quickly established himself as one of the best right-backs in Brazil.

He was a member of the Brazil team that won the 1968 Olympic Games, and he was also a key member of the team that won the World Cup in 1970.

After the World Cup, Alberto continued to play for Santos. He retired from professional football in 1982. Alberto was a complete right-back. He was strong in defense, he was good at crossing the ball, and he was also a dangerous attacker.

8 Giuseppe Bergomi

Giuseppe Bergomi, a renowned Italian footballer, is widely regarded as one of the top 10 greatest right backs of all time. His exceptional skill, versatility, and longevity in the game have solidified his place among the legends of the sport.

Bergomi’s illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he showcased his exceptional defensive abilities, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities.

One of Bergomi’s greatest strengths was his ability to excel both defensively and offensively. As a right back, he possessed remarkable defensive instincts, combining excellent positioning, timing, and reading of the game.

His anticipation and tackling prowess made him a formidable force to reckon with for any opposing attacker. Bergomi had the rare ability to neutralize even the most skillful opponents, frustrating them with his unwavering commitment and determination.

What set Bergomi apart from many other right-backs was his attacking contributions to the game. He had a remarkable sense of when to surge forward and support the attack, providing an additional threat down the right flank.

Bergomi’s versatility was another aspect that made him stand out. Although primarily known as a right-back, he could seamlessly adapt to other defensive positions when required. This adaptability allowed him to contribute effectively to his team’s success and earned him immense respect from fellow players and coaches alike.

In conclusion, Giuseppe Bergomi’s inclusion in the list of the top 10 best right backs of all time is well-deserved. His defensive prowess, attacking contributions, versatility, and leadership qualities set him apart from his peers.

7 Gary Neville

Gary Neville is one of the most decorated right-backs in the history of the game. He spent his entire career at Manchester United, winning twelve Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and two UEFA Champions Leagues.

Neville was a model of consistency throughout his career. He was a superb defender, with excellent tackling and positioning. He was also a good crosser of the ball and contributed regularly to United’s attack.

Neville was a key member of the United team that dominated English football in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Neville retired from playing in 2011 and has since gone on to work as a television pundit and coach.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time. Gary Neville is the number 7 in our list of top 10 best right backs of all time.

6 Gianluca Zambrotta

Gianluca Zambrotta, the Italian football legend has a remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he showcased exceptional skills, versatility, and a tactical understanding of the game that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Zambrotta’s physical attributes, including his speed and strength, further bolstered his defensive prowess, enabling him to neutralize some of the most formidable opponents.

However, what truly set Zambrotta apart was his ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack. He possessed exceptional technical skills, a quality often associated with Italian footballers, allowing him to contribute significantly in the attacking third.

A true embodiment of versatility, Zambrotta excelled not only as a right-back but also as a left-back and even as a midfielder throughout his career. His adaptability allowed him to seamlessly slot into various positions without compromising his performance level.

Zambrotta’s list of accolades is a testament to his exceptional career. He won numerous domestic titles with Juventus, including Serie A championships, and also claimed success at the international level, being an integral part of Italy’s triumph in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

When evaluating the best right backs of all time, Zambrotta’s name rightfully enters the conversation. His defensive solidity, attacking prowess, versatility, and overall impact on the game make him a worthy inclusion in the elite group.

5 Lilian Thuram

Lilian Thuram is widely considered to be one of the greatest right-backs of all time. He was a dominant force at the back for club and country, winning numerous trophies and accolades throughout his career.

Thuram began his career at Monaco, where he quickly established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe. At Juventus, Thuram won two Serie A titles.

Thuram also enjoyed a successful international career with France. He was a key member of the France team that won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Thuram retired from professional football in 2008. He is now a successful businessman and philanthropist. Lilian Thuram is number 5 in our list of top 10 best right backs of all time.

4 Javier Zanetti

Javier Zanetti has exceptional skills, versatility, longevity, and leadership qualities that make him a true legend of the game. Zanetti’s career spanned over two decades, during which he consistently displayed a high level of performance and dedication to his craft.

One of Zanetti’s most remarkable attributes was his versatility. While primarily known as a right-back, he seamlessly adapted to various positions throughout his career, including right midfield and central midfield.

His ability to excel in different roles demonstrated his exceptional understanding of the game and his willingness to contribute to the team’s success in any way possible.

Zanetti’s athleticism and pace allowed him to make marauding runs down the flank, providing an extra dimension to his team’s attacking play.

Defensively, Zanetti was exceptional. He possessed incredible positional awareness, which enabled him to anticipate and intercept opposition plays effectively. His tackling ability was top-notch, and he rarely found himself outmaneuvered by opponents.

His professionalism, discipline, and love for the game allowed him to maintain his high standards and remain a crucial figure for both club and country over an extended period.

In conclusion, Javier Zanetti’s impact on the game as a right-back cannot be overstated. His versatility, technical ability, defensive prowess, longevity, and leadership qualities make him deserving of a place among the top 10 best right backs of all time.

3 Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm is widely regarded as one of the greatest right-backs of all time. He won 113 caps for Germany, winning the World Cup in 2014, and captained Bayern Munich to eight Bundesliga titles, one Champions League title, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Lahm was a complete full-back, excelling both defensively and offensively. He was strong in the tackle, quick to get back and defend, and also had a great crossing ability. He was also comfortable playing in midfield and even played as a central defender at times.

Lahm was a leader on and off the pitch. He was a vocal presence in the dressing room, and his teammates always looked up to him. He was also a role model for young players, and his work ethic and dedication to the game were second to none.

Lahm retired from professional football in 2017, but his legacy will live on for many years to come. He is one of the greatest right-backs of all time, and his achievements will be remembered for generations to come.

2 Cafu

Cafu, widely regarded as one of the greatest right backs of all time, left an indelible mark on the world of football with his exceptional skills, versatility, and longevity.

Born Marcos Evangelista de Morais on June 7, 1970, in Brazil, Cafu enjoyed a stellar career that spanned over two decades, earning him a place among the top 10 right-backs in the history of the sport.

Cafu’s overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses became his trademarks, often causing havoc in opposing defenses. His offensive contributions were not limited to his crossing ability, as Cafu was also a composed finisher, netting crucial goals on numerous occasions for both club and country.

However, Cafu’s impact on the game extended far beyond his attacking abilities. His defensive prowess was equally impressive, making him a complete full-back. Blessed with exceptional anticipation and positional awareness, Cafu could read the game effortlessly, intercepting passes and thwarting opposition attacks with ease.

Cafu’s most significant achievements, however, came with the Brazilian national team. He played an instrumental role in helping Brazil win two FIFA World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002, becoming the only player to have played in three World Cup finals consecutively.

His impact on the game, both at the club and international level, coupled with his individual accolades, leaves an enduring legacy. Cafu’s name will forever be synonymous with the position, and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of right-backs.

1 Dani Alves

Dani Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won 43 trophies in his career. He is also the most decorated defender in history, having won 35 trophies with Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Brazil national team.

Alves is known for his attacking prowess, his ability to create chances, and his work ethic. He is also a very good defender, and he is capable of playing both on the right and left flank.

In 2008, Alves moved to Barcelona, where he won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup three times.

In 2016, Alves moved to Juventus, where he won Serie A and the Coppa Italia in his first season. He then moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where he won Ligue 1 in each of his three seasons at the club.

Alves is still one of the best right-backs in the world, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. Dani Alves tops the list of top 10 best right backs of all time.