It’s unfortunate that defending is an afterthought in the multifaceted sport of the beautiful game. Defenders are sometimes neglected when awarding the best footballer in the world at the Ballon d’Or event.
We’re talking about those who risk their lives to defend their team’s lead; all the tiny nuances that go unnoticed by fans; the hours and hours of practice required to master the craft of marshalling a backline – and all for what?
They are rarely given the recognition they deserve, but with the assistance of AI, here is a list of the 20 finest defenders of all time. The rating elements employed ranged from buccaneering full-backs to those at the heart of the defense. ChatGPT stated:
“Here’s a ranked list of the 20 greatest defenders in football history, highlighting their unique contributions and legacies.”
20Carlos Alberto Torres
Brazil
What ChatGPT said: “Best known for captaining Brazil in the 1970 World Cup and scoring one of the most iconic goals in football history, Carlos Alberto was a right-back who combined defensive skill with excellent attacking flair. “He embodied the fluid, joyful football of Brazil’s golden age.”
Carlos Alberto Torres, who scored one of the greatest World Cup goals in history (see it in all its glory below), blended a smidgeon of Brazilian flair with defensive know-how to become one of his country’s finest ever. With tenacity in the tackle, energy to surge forward from start to finish, and a foot like a traction motor, he could accomplish almost anything.
19Lucio
Brazil
According to ChatGPT, Lucio was a physically intimidating centre-back who paired athleticism with a keen vision for advancing the ball. He was a key member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad and won the Champions League with Inter Milan under José Mourinho in 2010.
Lucio, affectionately known as O Cavalo – which translates into ‘The Horse’ – was a physically imposing centre-back who was not hesitant to take on difficulties as if they were out of fashion. There were few more well-rounded defenders of his period who could also play in the air, and Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich were fortunate to have his talent during the 2000s and 2010.
18Gaetano Scirea
Italy
According to ChatGPT, “A model of elegance and sportsmanship, Scirea was a vital part of Juventus’ and Italy’s defenses in the 1970s and 1980s.” He won every major club championship, including the European Cup, and was instrumental in Italy’s 1982 World Cup victory. Scirea was recognized for his clean play, never collecting a red card during his career.”
Gaetano Scirea, a lesser-known name among current football fans, won seven Serie A titles, four of which came in the 1980s, and was a key figure in Juventus’ successful period. On the international stage, he won the 1982 World Cup, playing as a central defender or sweeper. To put it simply, Scirea was a factotum.
17Jose Nasazzi
Uruguay
ChatGPT stated that Nasazzi was the captain of Uruguay’s 1930 World Cup-winning team and a defensive titan of the early twentieth century. Known as “El Gran Mariscal” (The Great Marshal), his leadership, strength, and tackling propelled him to prominence in the early years of South American football.
Jose Nasazzi’s name appears in football history books. In 1930, the defensive general became the first captain to raise the Jules Rimet Trophy, and he was also awarded the tournament’s top player. Nasazzi, who was born in Montevideo and is recognized as one of the best Uruguayan football players of all time, spent his entire club career in his birthplace, playing for both Bella Vista and Nacional.
16Billy Wright
England
ChatGPT stated that Wright was the first player to win 100 international caps, captaining England in 90 of them. He spent his whole career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he won multiple First Division titles and an FA Cup.
Billy Wright, a true Molineux great, spent his whole career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and as ChatGPT said, he was the first player in England history to make 100 appearances. Incredibly, he placed second in the 1957 Ballon d’Or race, capping off a remarkable career that included three top-flight titles.
15Virgil van Dijk
Netherlands
What ChatGPT said: “Van Dijk’s imposing presence, aerial skills, and ball-control have established him as one of his generation’s best defenders. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent accomplishments, including Champions League and Premier League titles.”
Talked about in the same language as Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, it’s difficult to determine which Liverpool players are as significant as Virgil van Dijk. Perhaps, Mohamed Salah? The Dutchman is not only physically imposing, but his ball-handling ability is underappreciated. Formerly of Celtic and Southampton, the Breda-born ace has two Premier League titles with the Reds, as well as a Champions League winners’ medal from a campaign in which he played a key role.
14Jaap Stam
Netherlands
ChatGPT stated that “Stam’s physical presence and no-nonsense defending made him a formidable centre-back.” He was successful at Ajax, Manchester United, and Lazio, winning multiple local and international trophies.
To put Jaap Stam’s defensive expertise into context, the tough-tackling Dutchman won three Premier League titles in three seasons with Manchester United in England, and little evaded Stam’s well-rounded toolkit.
He could win aerial duels, intercept and tackle, and it’s easy to see why Sir Alex Ferguson came to regret letting him join Lazio in the summer of 2001. Beyond the silverware, the ex-AC Milan giant was massive in all he could muster.
13Lothar Matthaus
Germany
ChatGPT described Matthäus as a talented midfielder and sweeper noted for his leadership and versatility. He led Germany to World Cup victory in 1990 and has a successful club career with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Lothar Matthaus, Germany’s dynamic and brilliant midfielder, won the Ballon d’Or in 1990, becoming the first Inter Milan player to do so. The former World Cup winner was versatile enough to play in a variety of positions and made 150 appearances for Germany. At club level, he played 785 games for the Nerazzurri and Bayern Munich.
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