It is well-known that footballing legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are best known for their attacking prowess. But when they ventured up the field, the left-back was often waiting to steal possession and launch an attack on goal.
These players represent some of the best in this position, which has grown in importance. Here’s our list of the best left-backs of all time:
Roberto Carlos:
Roberto Carlos’ best years were at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007. During this time, he won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. The Brazilian’s best season came in 1997/98 when the club lifted the ‘La Décima’ trophy. Though not blessed with lightning pace, Carlos used his size and strength to best effect while beating several players in a single run from the backline.
Paolo Maldini:
Maldini was one of the best defenders ever seen on a football pitch. He was best known for his time at AC Milan, where he spent 25 seasons with the club. They won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League crowns during this period – three of those in a row between 2002 to 2006. The Italian played more than 900 matches with ‘Rossoneri’ before retiring from professional football in 2009.
Ashley Cole:
Cole was part of ‘The Three Lions squad for two FIFA World Cups in 2002 and 2006. The best year of his career came during the 2010/11 season with Chelsea when they won the Premier League title – they’re first since Jose Mourinho returned as manager. Cole was one of Europe’s top left-backs for a considerable time before retiring in 2015 after winning 107 caps with England at the international level.
Giacinto Facchetti:
The Italian left-back Giacinto Facchetti spent his best years at Inter Milan and four times won the Serie A title. He played more than 400 matches for the club from 1962 to 1978 scored 75 goals. Facchetti was also a key member of Italy’s World Cup-winning squad in ’66, which makes him one of only eight players ever to win both European and World Cup titles.
Paul Breitner:
Paul Breitner, an attacking left-back, won five German league titles, two league cups, and the 1974 European Cup. He’s remembered as a controversial figure because of his brief stay at Real Madrid before returning to Bayern as captain. He also played a role in West Germany’s World Cup success in 1974, Euro 1972 Silver Medal, and Euro 1976 Gold Medal.
Bixente Lizarazu:
Bixente was best known for his time at Bayern Munich, where he won eight Bundesliga titles – the most recent of which came in 2001/02 when they became the first team to retain this trophy since it was introduced back in the mid-90s. The Frenchman started his career as a winger but moved to left-back, where he showed excellent positional sense, pace, and power – which made him best suited for this role.
In a game that right-footed players have always dominated, left-backs have risen to the top of footballing history. Left-sided defenders are now just as crucial for their teams and managers as any other player in the team. Here’s a list of what we believe are the best left backs ever! Have you seen anyone else on this list? Let us know your thoughts or opinions below!
