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The fame and personal glory in football leans towards goal scorers by a significant margin. Spectators derive most entertainment in a football match from the goals they witness and there is nothing wrong with that. After all, there is only so far you can go with a 0-0 draw.
However, the same narrative plays out in many different scenarios where goal scorers continue to be put on a higher pedestal even when the criteria of comparison remain diverse.
Take, for instance, defying age. Every now and then headlines mention the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as athletes who make age look like just another number.
But that's because they score goals and goals get you in the limelight. It's fair to say that defenders do not get their fair share of credit when they put in dominating performances despite aging. S
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Some of them have been the backbone of various rearguards whenever they have featured and consistently performed.
Here are the five best defenders above the age of 33 in world football right now:
#5 Gerard Pique
Gerard Pique is Barcelona through and through, and he's still going strong at the Catalan club after 581 appearances. The age has started to show its signs as in the past two years, the 34-year old has been injured on a few occasions. This season he's had problems with calf and and a muscle injury too.
Despite that, Pique has started 15 games for Barcelona out of 18 in all competitions this season. The veteran defender scored a stunning volley in the Champions League game against Dynamo Kyiv to give the club their first win of the ongoing European campaign.
The Spanish defender's presence at the club has been important for young assets like Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo who deputize for the centre-back position with Pique. In fact, he helped his beloved club by sacrificing a significant chunk of his wages so they could bring in Memphis Depay and Garcia in the summer.
The Barcelona defender has expressed his desire to retire at the Catalan club. In fact, he's not planning to overstay his welcome and when he feels the club do not want to play him regularly, he'll call time on his career.
#4 Leonardo Bonucci
If you replace Cristiano Ronaldo on penalty duty after his departure from your club, that says something about you. If you are a defender taking penalties, well bravo! Leonardo Bonnuci has a perfect record from the penalty spot this season, having scored all three of his crucial penalties in Serie A.
The Italian has helped his team stay in high spirits and motivated in what has been a very disappointing campaign by Juventus' standards. He has been a regular threat in the air on set-pieces and has defended them equally well. The defender's display at Euro 2020 earned him a nomination on the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist as well.
It's fair to say that he has aged well and it's commendable that at 34, he's keeping himself away from all kinds of injuries. Bonucci has blocked the most shots for Juventus in Serie A this season and has also made more interceptions (22) than any other team-mate.
#3 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is yet to make his debut for Paris Saint Germain since joining them in the summer, but one can't be doubting his quality. The veteran defender has won 25 titles in his career with club and country and is an absolute bully for strikers.
It has been a tough year for Ramos, who hasn't been fully fit since March. He played his last game in La Liga in March and his last game in the Real Madrid shirt was the semi-final second leg in the Champions League against Chelsea. It was an emotional moment for the Spanish defender when he had to leave Los Blancos.
However, his union with Lionel Messi at PSG has excited football fans across the globe. Ramos has been involved in first-team training with the French giants and even made the bench in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City. Fans can't wait to see the former Real Madrid man make his debut in France.
#2 Giorgio Chiellini
Considered the final remnant of Italy's dying breed of traditional defenders, Giorgio Chiellini has been a solid rock for his club and country. The 37-year old remains lively and enjoys his game like always, but that doesn't stop him from bringing his aggression onto the field.
His workload needs to be managed with great care and Juventus know losing their veteran for longer periods would only make this season more difficult for them. He was at his absolute best at Euro 2020 when his partnership with Bonucci made it difficult for the opposition to penetrate their defense.
Chiellini is revered not just because he's a colossal defender, but also because of his passion, intensity, kindness and the emphasis to enjoy the game. The Italian showed he has ice running through his veins prior to the penalty shootout against Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
Just before the toss, he embraced a nervous Jordi Alba with cheerful laughter and warmth. His elite mentality, the desire to go shoulder to shoulder and outmuscle opponents and his love for the game make him one of the best.
#1 Thiago Silva
He's playing in the most competitive league in Europe, he's a regular for the Champions League title holders, and he's almost made them impenetrable. Thiago Silva is undoubtedly among the best defenders in world football right now. He's 37 and that certainly makes him the best in this bracket.
Since joining from PSG on a free, he has really strengthened the Chelsea backline and as a reward he has got his hands on the Champions League medal. The Brazilian has played the full 90 minutes on 11 occasions in his 14 appearances this season.
With Silva's presence, the Chelsea back-three has looked well planted, disciplined and well marshaled under his leadership. His willingness to attack the ball on the set-piece is as great as his leap. He has made 18 blocks and 23 interceptions in the Premier League this season.
