6 greatest full-backs of all time

#3 Giacinto Facchetti

Giacinto Facchetti (holding the trophy) spent his entire career at Inter Milan.

Italy's love affair with full-backs, or for that matter, defenders is well-documented, with Giacinto Facchetti considered one of the country's greatest of all time.

A one-club man, Facchetti spent his entire playing career with Inter Milan. A strong, intelligent, attacking left-back, Facchetti made 629 appearances in all competitions for Inter Milan, scoring 75 goals. Such were his performances that he finished second in the 1965 Ballon d'Or, a rare achievement for a defender.

Facchetti finished his playing career in 1978. He was involved with Inter Milan after he retired, holding various positions within the club hierarchy, before passing away in 2006.

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#2 Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos (left) was renowned for his attacking plays.

One of the best left-backs to have played the game, Roberto Carlos was one of the most attack-minded full-backs the game has ever seen.

Carlos' European adventure began with Inter Milan, where he lasted only a season. He moved to Real Madrid in 1996 for €6 million, and there he established himself as one of the greatest in his position.

Extremely offense-oriented, Carlos has the pace, strength and crossing ability, which were often crucial components in the Los Blancos' attack.

#OnThisDay in 1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣2️⃣Roberto Carlos made his Brazil debut! 🇧🇷Name a better left-back 🤩 pic.twitter.com/8VnKyLl5Nu

— Goal (@goal) February 26, 2019

The Brazil international made 527 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring 70 goals and providing 89 assists.

Carlos left Real Madrid in 2007, playing for the likes of Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Anzhi Makhachkala and Delhi Dynamos, before retiring in 2015.

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#1 Paolo Maldini

Paolo Maldini is the technical director at AC Milan.

Arguably the greatest defender of all time, Paolo Maldini, like Giacinto Facchetti, was a one-club man during his playing career.

A product of the AC Milan academy, Maldini spent his entire career with the Rossoneri. Capable of operating as a left-back or a centre-back, the Italy international's reading of the game, technical qualities, reliability and longevity was widely appreciated.

Theo Hernandez feeling the love from club legend Paolo Maldini 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/WHezuNn9i0

— 433 (@433) December 23, 2020

Maldini made 902 appearances in all competitions for AC Milan before retiring in 2009. He is currently the technical director at the club, playing a crucial role in signing various players.

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