Being a left-back has changed over time, and now, being one of the best on the left-hand side of defence requires world-class attacking and defensive attributes.
In today’s game, Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes and FC Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde are seen as some of the best left-backs in the world.
But who is the greatest left-back in history? Here is a look at 20 of the best left-backs, considering their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting personal accolades and team honours.
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20 Greatest Left-Backs of All Time |
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|---|---|---|
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Rank |
Name |
Country |
|
1 |
Paolo Maldini |
Italy |
|
2 |
Roberto Carlos |
Brazil |
|
3 |
Paul Breitner |
Germany |
|
4 |
Ruud Krol |
Netherlands |
|
5 |
​Giacinto Facchetti |
Italy |
|
6 |
​Nilton Santos |
Brazil |
|
7 |
Antonio Cabrini |
Italy |
|
8 |
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger |
Germany |
|
9 |
Marcelo |
Brazil |
|
10 |
Ashley Cole |
England |
|
11 |
Andreas Brehme |
Germany |
|
12 |
Bixente Lizarazu |
France |
|
13 |
Denis Irwin |
Ireland |
|
14 |
​​​Jordi Alba |
Spain |
|
15 |
David Alaba |
Austria |
|
16 |
​Hans-Peter Briegel |
Germany |
|
17 |
Andy Robertson |
Scotland |
|
18 |
Leo Junior |
Brazil |
|
19 |
​Jose Antonio Camacho |
Spain |
|
20 |
Patrice Evra |
France |
20
Patrice Evra
Starting the countdown is Patrice Evra, who is one of Man Utd’s best money buys in their history. Costing just £5.5m from Monaco in 2006, Sir Alex Ferguson helped turn Evra into one of the world’s best.
The Frenchman spent eight years at Old Trafford, captaining club and country, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He possessed blistering pace, could defend one on one with ease and contributed to goals with his pinpoint crossing ability.
19
​Jose Antonio Camacho
In the 1970s and 1980s, Spain and Real Madrid could rely on ​tough-tackling Jose Antonio Camacho at left-back, and he’d spend his entire club career at the Bernabeu.
Making more than 500 appearances for Madrid, Camacho’s passion and grit was combined with athleticism and skill, which saw him win 19 honours for Los Blancos.
18
Leo Junior
A favourite of Pele’s, Leo Junior was a regular for Brazil between 1979-1992 and after retiring, would go on to represent his country on the beach, winning six Beach Soccer World Championships.
On the grass, Junior began and ended his career with Flamengo and was nicknamed “Capacete” because of his afro hairstyle. An attacking full-back who played further forward when needed, Junior was comfortable with either foot and his knowledge of the game resulted in him going into coaching with Flamingo and Corinthians.
17
Andy Robertson
Not many would have predicted Andy Robertson to turn into one of the best left-backs the Premier League has ever seen when he joined Liverpool in 2017, but that is what’s happened.
The Scot has even arguably gone under the radar at Anfield and his attacking ability is just as good as his defensive attributes. A left-back who never tires, Robertson has been key in Premier League and Champions League triumphs at Anfield.
16
​Hans-Peter Briegel
German left-back ​Hans-Peter Briegel was so athletic that he could have been a long jumper. However, he chose football, which turned out to be the correct call.
Named the German Footballer of the Year in 1985, Briegel won the 1980 European Championship with West Germany and, at club level, starred for 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Germany before heading to Italy with Hellas Verona and Sampdoria.
15
David Alaba
David Alaba began his career as a left-back and in his prime, was one of the best we’ve seen in the modern era, spending 11 years with German giants Bayern Munich.
As time has gone on, Alaba has also been used centrally after his move to Real Madrid. He has won more than 100 caps for Austria, 10 Bundesliga titles, four Champions Leagues and was named as his country’s Footballer of the Year on 10 occasions.
14
Jordi Alba
One of Barcelona and Spain’s best ever left-backs, Jordi Alba retired in 2025 following a glittering 19-year career.
The attack-minded full-back won 17 honours at the Nou Camp, including the Champions League, while also being a 2012 Euros winner.
A left-back loved by Lionel Messi, Alba provided an assist for the Argentine in his final league game, whereas Messi returned the favour.
13
Denis Irwin
An extremely reliable and underrated Man Utd star in the 1990s, Denis Irwin was worth every penny of the £650,000 transfer fee.
He was so good at Old Trafford that Ferguson said Irwin, who won seven Premier League titles, would be the only certainty in his all-time Man Utd XI.
The Irishman was also a free-kick specialist and was arguably ahead of the times, paving the way for how full-backs play today.
12
Bixente Lizarazu
French left-back Bixente Lizarazu starred for Bordeaux after coming through their academy which earned him an eventual move to Bayern Munich where he would end his career.
A 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euros winner, Lizarazu was part of one of the most iconic France teams in history. At club level, Lizarazu won five Bundesliga titles in six seasons with Bayern and the Champions League.
11
Andreas Brehme
Not only could German left-back Andreas Brehme defend, he could also score and nearly hit 100 career goals for club and country.
A set-piece specialist, Brehme was known for his unbelievable delivery and is rightly regarded as one of Germany’s best ever full-backs, starring for 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
