The full back position is one of the most specialised roles in football. As such, it is difficult to play this position, let alone become a master at it. Despite this, we have been able to witness some truly spectacular fullbacks in world football over the years.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 25 left backs in world football in the 21st century.
Before we begin, I’d like to set some restrictions that made it possible to complete this list fairly. Instead of picking the top 25 left backs outright, I have instead chosen to select the top 5 left backs this century from each of the top 5 leagues in world football.
Those leagues are The Bundesliga (Germany), Ligue 1 (France), Serie A(Italy), La Liga (Spain) and The Premier League (England).
Table of Contents
Top 5 Bundesliga left backs in the 21st century
5. Ricardo Rodriguez
Embed from Getty ImagesThis entry may come as a surprise to many hardcore Bundesliga fans. After all, Rodriguez only spent 5 years at VfL Wolfsburg and won one major trophy- the DFB Pokal in 2015.
However, during the period that Rodriguez was at Wolfsburg, he was incredibly strong and direct in both attack and defence. Having only signed for the club at the age of 19, he was considered by most as a true physical presence and was even capable of playing centre back.
4. Marcel Schmelzer
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the most reliable left back in German footballing history. Schmelzer has spent his entire career at Borrussia Dortmund and has played a starring role in the German sides positive form this century. He was a rock in defence and was well known for his strength and tireless running throughout his career.
Due to the huge pool of footballing talent that Germany always seems to have, Schmelzer was rarely given the chance to shine in the national team. However, he has still been an incredible servant to Borrussia Dortmund.
3. Bixente Lizarazu
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of the least talked about players in terms of Bundesliga legends. Lizarazu was an absolute warrior in his prime.
The Frenchmen is most commonly known for his time playing for Bayern Munich between 1997 and 2006. During his time in Germany, he won a measly 6 Bundesliga titles and 1 Champions league medal. Nothing major. Oh yeah, he also won the World Cup in 1998. Almost forgot about that one.
He did move back to his native France to play for Marseille in 2004 after his career was starting to wind down. However, he obviously couldn’t resist Bavaria for long, as he returned to Bayern Munich just 6 months after leaving.
His second stint at Bayern Would ultimately be his last, as he eventually had to give way to the next entry on this list.
2. Philip Lahm
Embed from Getty ImagesMr Versatility himself. Philip Lahm has been heralded as one of the most unselfish, astute and adaptable footballing minds in history. And rightly so. The man literally played (outstandingly) in every position on the pitch except for goalkeeper and striker. However, at this point, I’m convinced that he could’ve done a solid job at both of those positions.
In addition to being one of the best left backs in Bundesliga, he is also considered by many to be the best right back in Bundesliga History.
At Bayern Munich, Lahm won every trophy that was available. This included a famous treble in 2013 and the World Cup in 2010 with a star-studded German squad.
1. David Alaba
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother Bayern Munich player. It’s almost like Munich has a production line of world class left backs. Or maybe I’m just being dramatic.
David Alaba is one of the finest defensive players in not only German football, but world football history. A versatile player in his own right, he is able to play left back, centre back, defensive midfielder and even left midfielder. However, he is most recognised for absolutely dominating the left back position.
It feels as though Alaba has been around for ages, but most tend to forget he was just 19 when he became a regular in the Bayern starting line-up. Since then, he has gone on to win dozens of individual and club award. These include 2 treble winning seasons in 2013 and 2020.
Top 5 Ligue 1 left backs in the 21st century
5. Benjamin Mendy
Embed from Getty ImagesBenjamin Mendy is probably a surprise entry to this list to many. After all, he is the youngest of them all and actually left Ligue 1 at the age of 23.
However, during his time in Ligue 1, he played for both Marseille and Monaco. In 2016/17, his final season in league 1, he was named the best left back in the league and helped Monaco to win their first league title in 17 years. Shortly after this incredible season, he transferred to Manchester City for a reported £52 million.
He was and still is a strong, energetic, defensively solid fullback with the ability to whip in a fierce cross in the attacking third. However, since moving to the Premier League he has been plagued with injuries that have kept him from achieving his full potential.
4. Juan Bernat
Embed from Getty ImagesDue to PSGs dominance in Ligue 1 in recent years, it is hard to think that such a team could have any weaknesses. However, following the departure of Maxwell in 2017, the left back position was in need to improvement.
Juan Bernat was brought in from Bayern Munich in 2018 to help amend that problem. Luckily for them, he has done just that. An intelligent and technically gifted player, Bernat has solidified his claim to the left back position in PSG and done so in fine fashion.
3. Taye Taiwo
Embed from Getty ImagesThe forgotten man. Taye Taiwo was a prominent figure in the Marseille Team that won the Ligue 1 title in the 2010. In addition to this, he was included in the league 1 team of the year 3 times.
At the expense of sounding stereotypical, Taye Tawo was the epitome of an no nonsense, African Defender. The Nigerian was an overpowering, pacey player that had a habit of snuffing out attacks before they could develop. In addition to this, he was a sublime striker of the ball and came up with a few tremendous long-range efforts.
After many successful seasons, it was only natural that he left Marseille at the age of 26. However, after choosing to go to AC Milan, he struggled to recapture his form as he faced stiff competition for starting places in each club he played for thereafter.
Despite this, the streets will never forget his contribution to Ligue 1.
2. Maxwell
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter PSG was taken over by the Qatari State, tremendous investments were made to improve the team. This included the purchasing of several players that could eventually make them Ligue 1 champions once more. One of the first purchases in this endeavour was Maxwell.
Although he arrived at the club at the age of 31, the Brazilian would go on to be one of the greatest purchases in PSG history. His composure on the ball and excellent defensive, offensive and technical ability were just what the club needed. During his time at PSG, he won 4 league titles and was included in the team of the season 3 times.
1. Eric Abidal
Embed from Getty ImagesOne the greatest defenders in European football since the turn of the century. Abidal began his career in France and was a standout player from a young age. His versatility and tactical intelligence on the pitch proved to be one of his greatest assets. This rightfully earned him a move to Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in 2004.
Due to the dominance that PSG has had in recent memory, people tend to forget the dominance that Lyon had in the early 2000s. Between 2001 and 2008, Lyon won 7 straight league titles, and Eric Abidal was the standout defender for 3 of those titles.
Unfortunately, he did not leave the club on good terms, and ended up forcing a move to Barcelona in 2008. Although Lyon fans may not remember him too fondly, he surely left his mark as one of the best defenders in Ligue 1, this century.
Top 5 Serie A left backs in the 21st century
5. Giuseppe Favalli
Embed from Getty ImagesGiuseppe Favalli is somewhat of a forgotten man in Italian football. Being an Italian defender while players such as Allesandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Gianluca Zambrotta and Marco Matarazzi were in their prime was never going be easy. The competition was fierce.
However, Favalli proved to be a great player despite this. Mostly known for his playing time with Lazio, he went on to win Serie A as captain of the club in 2000. Further accomplishments with Lazio included 3 Coppa Italia trophies.
After leaving Lazio in 2004, he trans feed to Inter Milan and then subsequently to AC Milan. However, due to competition for starting places, he was never really a starter for either of them.
4. Christian Chivu
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother forgotten man of sorts. Mostly known for his time with Inter Milan and Roma, Chivu was a formidable defender. During his time with Inter he won several trophies including a treble in 2010; consisting of the Serie A league title, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.
Hi style of play was mostly focussed on defensive output, although he did contribute offensively when called upon. Also known for his versatility, Chivu was able to fill in at centre back when required.
After suffering a career threatening injury to his skull, Chivu was forced to wear a scrum cap for added head protection. As a result of this, he was very easy to pick out on a football pitch.
3. Alex Sandro
Embed from Getty ImagesThe youngest entry in this list. Alex Sandro has been regarded as one of the best left backs in world football at many times his career. After moving to Juventus in 2015, he has easily held onto his starting position. In a club such as Juventus, with stiff competition and new arrivals each year, that is quite the feat.
However, he has not done so by luck. Sandro is known for his pace, stamina, dribbling and relentless attacking ability. He is known as an attacking fullback, but that severely undersells his defensive output-which is sublime in of itself.
Since joining Juventus, he has been named in the team of the season twice and the club have not failed to win Serie A even once.
2. Javier Zanetti
Embed from Getty ImagesProbably the most successful non-Italian player in Italian football history- Mr Inter Milan himself. Javier Zanetti was an inter Milan player for roughly 19 years and wore the captain’s armband for 15 of those. A hardworking and Technical player that went on to win no less than 5 Serie A titles, 1 Champions League title and many more.
Zanetti was given the nickname “El Tractor” which translates directly to the tractor. This was because he is probably most famous for his tireless work rate and extreme stamina. This comes as no surprise as many speak highly about the disciplined fitness regimen that he followed in his playing days. There is little doubt in my mind that this training regimen helped prolong his career; he retired at the age of 41 after a 22-year career.
Zanetti was also known for his versatility, as he often played as a defensive midfielder.
In addition, the Argentine has the fourth most appearances in Serie A and is only succeeded by Franceso Totti, Paolo Maldini and Gianluigi Buffon. Not bad company.
1. Paolo Maldini
Embed from Getty ImagesNot much needs to be said about Il Capitano. Considered by many as the greatest defender of all time, Paolo Maldini was a once in a lifetime talent. He was a one club man, as he played for AC Milan through his entire career, and never appeared to consider leaving. When you remember that he won 7 Serie A titles and 5 Champions league titles with Milan, it’s not hard to see why.
Maldini was a versatile defender and was capable of playing in just about every defensive position on the pitch. This was helped by the fact that he was strong with both feet, had great tackling ability, a high sense of positioning and high stamina. That’s not even including his attacking runs into the opposition’s half.
A testament to his versatility is that he is also considered to be one of the greatest centre backs of all time. His playing career also lasted for about 25 years, as he retired at the age of 41. Essentially, he was Italian Superman.
Top 5 La Liga left backs in the 21st century
5. Filipe Luís
Embed from Getty ImagesA true defensive warrior. La Liga has widely been dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 21st century. As a result of this, many believe the league to perpetually be a two-horse race. However, there was blip in this narrative in 2014 when Atletico Madrid won the league.
Filipe Luís played a large role in this Atletico team’s success as the starting left back. During his time in Madrid, he also won the Europa league and was twice a runner up in the champions league. Both of those Champions league final defeats came at the hands of Real Madrid. Don’t think that hurt Atletico too much, though.
Filipe Luís was mostly known for his tireless work rate and tactical awareness. He never had the most pace, but he more than made up for it with his astute positional awareness.
4. Eric Abidal
Embed from Getty ImagesWait a minute. Wasn’t this guy already mentioned in the Ligue 1 section? I really did try to make this article as comprehensive as possible and not mention the same player twice. After all, players move clubs so frequently that many listed above could make a claim for the best left back in several other leagues. However, I felt that leaving Abidal out of La Liga’s best left backs was criminal.
At Barcelona he continued to do what he did best at Lyon and was able to help the team win 4 La Liga titles and 2 Champions league titles.
Unfortunately, Abidal was diagnosed with liver Cancer in 2011. However, a testament to his footballing abilities and fighting spirit is the fact that he beat cancer and returned to football in 2012. He was even part of the title winning Barcelona squad in the 2012/2013 season.
3. Marcelo
Embed from Getty ImagesI sometimes struggle to remind myself that Marcelo is actually a defender. The things that he does on the pitch are more akin to that of a winger than a fullback. Despite this, the Brazilian is rightly considered as one of the best left backs in Real Madrid History.
Marcelo in his prime was a pacey, technically gifted fullback with strong ball carrying ability. His presence in the squad and his playing ability helped Real Madrid win several league titles as well as 4 champions league titles in 5 years, between 2013 and 2018.
2. Jordi Alba
Embed from Getty ImagesArguably the best Spanish left back of all time. Jordi Alba has been an integral and consistent component in Barcelona’s most successful period in history. During his time at Camp Nou, Barca have won 5 La Liga titles and 1 champions league title.
Alba is probably one of the fastest players I have ever witnessed in my spectating career. Combining that with this solid attacking and defensive capabilities has made him a formidable player. In addition, his technical and passing skills allowed him to enjoy a successful playing relationship with Lionel Messi. The two were known to frequently play long range one-twos with one another across the pitch to great success.
1. Roberto Carlos
Embed from Getty ImagesPace and Power. The first things that come to mind when I think of Roberto Carlos. The Brazilian was a force to be reckoned with during his time at Real Madrid. He went on to win 4 La Liga titles and 3 champions league titles for Los Blancos, as well as the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Although he was solid defensively and physically and technically gifted, many remember him for his sublime ball striking ability. Whenever he struck a ball and it was on target, the oppositions goalkeeper was in for a hard time.
Marcelo was brought into Real Madrid to replace the outgoing Roberto Carlos before his departure In 2007. The timing could not have been better. Where do Real Madrid find all these world class Brazilians anyway? (Nobody say Brazil).
Top 5 English Premier League left backs in the 21st century
5. Andrew Robertson
Embed from Getty ImagesSome may feel that Andrew Robertson does not deserve to be on this list yet. This is likely due to the fact that his premier league career is not yet over, and it can be argued that he is still in his peak. However, the performances that he has produced in his short Liverpool career have been consistently immense.
Skilled in both defence and offence, Robertson provides immense value to Liverpool. He played a large role in helping Liverpool reclaim the premier league title for the first time in 30 years in 2020 and their champions league victory in 2019.
4. Aleksander Kolarov
Embed from Getty ImagesWhatever your opinions are about the 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City, you have to admit that they have done a stellar job in elevating City to the level that they are currently at. And Aleksander Kolarov played an important role in helping them get to where they are today.
Kolarov was brought into City in 2010 and went on to spend 7 successful years in Manchester. In 2011, City were incredibly fortunate as they had two very solid fullbacks in Gael Clichy and Aleksander Kolarov. The competition proved to be great for them both, as City were able to win their first premier league title in the club’s history in 2012.
Standing at 6’2”, Kolarov was definitely one of the larger left backs. Understandably, he was no stranger to filling in at centre back. In addition, he is well known for his strong ball carrying and striking ability.
3. Gael Clichy
Embed from Getty ImagesGael Clichy in his prime was one of the most dynamic attacking fullbacks out there. Well known for his time Playing for Arsenal and Man City, Clichy had a very successful career in England.
Of the 3 premier league titles that he has won, one was with Arsenal’s invincible squad. However, he did not star very much in this team as he was second choice to Ashley Cole.
Following Cole’s departure to Chelsea in 2006, Clichy went on to be Arsenal’s first choice right back until his ultimate departure to Manchester City in 2011.
2. Patrice Evra
Embed from Getty Images“I love this game!” While most of us are familiar with ‘Uncle Pat’ from his hilarious twitter and Instagram videos, it’s easy to forget how incredible he was in his playing days. Patrice Evra arrived at Manchester United in 2006 and never looked back. He went on to win 5 Premier League Titles and 1 champions league title.
Despite being shorter than most defenders, Evra was deceptively strong and good in the air. This allowed him to win several aerial battles that you probably wouldn’t give him a chance in upon first glance. He also possessed immense pace and a great crossing ability. The combination of his playing ability and his happy personality made him a fan favourite at Old Trafford and a premier league legend.
1. Ashley Cole
Embed from Getty ImagesThe best left back that England has ever produced in my opinion. Mostly known for his time at Chelsea and Arsenal, Ashley Cole was phenomenal throughout his career.
Cole was an attacker early on in his footballing journey and is said to have been a prolific goal scorer in his youth days. His time playing in attack led him to develop an appreciation for defensive players. That eventually led him to making the switch to left back. Undoubtedly his time as an attacker helped him understand the mind of opposition attackers and improved his defensive skills.
Likewise, his attacking skills were a big part of his game at left back. Perhaps a remnant of his youth playing days.
During his playing career he won several league titles with Arsenal and Chelsea. His crowning achievements include being a starter in Arsenal’s invincible squad in 2004 and winning the champions league with Chelsea in 2012.
Summary
In summary, the top 25 left backs in the 21st century are as follows:
Bundesliga
- Ricardo Rodriguez
- Marcel Schmelzer
- Bixente Lizarazu
- Philip Lahm
- David Alaba
Ligue 1
- Benjamin Mendy
- Juan Bernat
- Taye Taiwo
- Maxwell
- Eric Abidal
Serie A
- Giuseppe Favalli
- Christian Chivu
- Alex Sandro
- Javier Zanetti
- Paolo Maldini
La Liga
- Filipe Luis
- Eric Abidal
- Marcelo
- Jordi Alba
- Roberto Carlos
English Premier League
- Andrew Robertson
- Aleksander Kolarov
- Gael Clichy
- Patrice Evra
- Ashley Cole
For a detailed description on the role of modern and traditional fullbacks, check out this article.
Finally, for more top 25 style articles on football positions, be sure to take a look at the following articles: