Who Is the Best Defender of All Time (2022 Ranked)

Best defender of all time: Although often overlooked when big football awards (such as the most prestigious individual award Ballon d’Or) are given out, defenders are as important to the winning of a team as other members.

Indeed, they are the people who will correct strikers’ mistakes. They, more importantly, lead and organize a defensive line.

It is not easy to decide which should be in the top 10 best defenders in the world list as the criteria vary depending on personal preference. So, what follows is just our own opinion.

Current Top 10 Best Defenders In The World

10. Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Harry begins our top 10 best defenders in the world list. According to Job, £80m is the price that MU has to pay Leicester city to have the signature of this defender.

Although sometimes he plays like an amateur player, no one can deny his role in the defensive system of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the captain at United Ole gave to him can prove it.

Maybe in the next season, he can improve his skill to impress the spectators and live up to MU’s expectations.

9. Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

He was the best defender of Barcelona in 2009.

Gerard and his teammates helped his club achieve the first treble in Spanish football history.

In recent years, his speed has slowed down and he sometimes made mistakes that brought Barca in danger.

But he is still a defender coaches want to have in the squad.

8. Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Getting a reputation in AC Milan, Thiago has dedicated the best time of his career to PSG as a captain. Currently, he has joined the most challenging tournament on the planet, the premier league.

Someone has told me that he is too old to be a member of Chelsea but some rounds have been played and he has demonstrated that age is just a number.

He came to Chelsea as a free transfer, the experienced defender has bolstered the west London side’s defensive options. Chelsea got a good deal.

7. Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)

Laporte signed for Manchester City for a fee of £57 million, a club-record fee for a defender.

He is a favorite defender of Pep Guardiola. He can control, pass, and assist the ball well although he is a defender.

Laporte is a different kind of footballer from the English defenders, but from his point of view, adapting to the Premier League has been a breeze.

6. Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich)

A five-time Bundesliga winner, a 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, and a 2013 UEFA Champions League finalist.

He is a product of Bayern Munich youth academy but thriving in Dortmund. He returned to Bayern Munich in 2016 and took a solid place in the squad.

5. Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

An intelligent man. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and commerce, and a master’s degree in business administration. Giorgio can speak English well.

He is the captain of both club Juventus and the Italy national team.

With good vision and the ability to assist, Giorgio can trigger an attack from the back after winning back possession. He is also known as the best defender of all time.

4. Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)

Koulibaly was born in France but his parents are Senegalese. He chose to be a member of the Senegal squad to attend the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

He is a large, aggressive, quick, and physically strong yet elegant player. Koulibaly has the nickname “The Wall” by Napoli’s fans. He is scouted by many big clubs like Real Madrid, and Manchester City. However, he is still loyal to Napoli.

3. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

Since joining Real, he has made over 300 appearances for the club and has won 18 major honors including three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey title, four FIFA Club World Cup titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles.

According to Fernando Hierro 2013 and José Mourinho 2014, he was called the best defender in the world.

He is comfortable on both the tactical and technical levels.

2. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

A defender scores many decisive goals. He is a controversial player. The fans love him and hate him maybe equally.

Starting as a right back in Sevilla FC, in 2005, Ramos transferred to Real Madrid for €27 million and became famous as a central defender.

Known for his aerial threat and in-the-box tackles, he is the captain of both the Real Madrid club and the Spanish national team.

Now, his value is just about 14 million € according to Transfermarkt.

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

It’s no surprise he is number one of our top 10 best defenders in the world. He is the best defender of all time. He plays as a Center-Back for club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.

The first team of his career is Groningen. He played there from 2011 to 2013. Then he moved to Celtic.

In 2015, he moved to Southampton in the Premier League. And On 1 January 2018, van Dijk joined Liverpool. He is 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) tall. His height has certainly helped him on his road to success and become one of the best defenders in the world.

He currently earns £9.6 million per year in Liverpool.

His stats in 2019 – 2020 is amazing, holding 15 clean sheets in 38 games, scoring 5 goals, and making 1 assist in the process.

The 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of the most solid and reliable defenders currently active in the world of football.

Van Dijk has everything a coach wants the defender must have: strength, speed, aerial prowess, leadership qualities, and ability on the ball.

Final Thought

We presented the top 10 best defenders in the world who from our point of view are the best in the world. We hope you liked our list and the information we brought to you.

What do you think? Who is the best defender of all time? Do not forget to send FootballTerms your opinion about the list by leaving comments below.