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3. Cafu
Cafu is the unsung hero of Brazilian football. If he does not have the same aura as a player like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos or Ronaldinho, he has never disappointed. Cafu is the only player in history to play three World Cup finals in a row (1994-1998-2002) winning two of them. He wore the jersey of…
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41. Alessandro Costacurta
Alessandro Costacurta is regarded by many as one of the greatest defenders in history due to his versatility. Together with other Milan defensive players including Maldini and Baresi, he formed one of the best defensive units of all time. Playing for Milan throughout his twenty year career, he participated in all Milan’s victories of this…
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39. Lilian Thuram
One of the best central defenders during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Thuram played for Monaco, Parma and Juventus (and few matches for Barcelona). With Parma, he won the Europa league in 1998-99 and with Juventus, he won two Serie As in a row (2001-02 and 2002-03). Thuram’s biggest successes were with the French…
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35. Carlos Puyol
Like many others before him, Carlos Puyol was educated in the Masia. Without innate talents and less anticipation than the others (according to his educators), Carles Puyol distinguished himself by his determination and his zeal for victory enabling him to contain opposing forwards. Puyol combines power and speed and his excellent heading game is precious…
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33. Philipp Lahm
A strong player and very fast, Philipp Lahm is renowned for his defensive and offensive capabilities. A fierce defender, he is distinguished by its anticipation and his clean tackles. Lahm is considered by many to be the best full back of his generation. Captain of Bayern, a club with which he has played since childhood,…
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14. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini has one of the most impressive lists of club honours in football history. He spent all 25 years of his career at Serie A club AC Milan playing 647 Serie A games (a record) and 139 matches in the Champions League in a 902 game career. Maldini is one of the best defenders…
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10. Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer, known as “Der Kaiser,” (the emperor) was the complete player, both technically gifted and tactically astute, he is undoubtedly one of the best German players of all time. Beckenbauer is widely credited as having invented the role of modern sweeper. The 1970s were for Beckenbauer the peak of his footballing career. During his…
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7. Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos has been described as “the most offensive-minded left back in the history of the game.” He was also nicknamed “The bullet man”, after one of his trademark free kicks was measured at 105 mph (169km/h). He played his best football during 11 years for Real Madrid where he is considered by fans as…