5 of the greatest centre-backs of all time

#3 Sergio Ramos (Spain)

Ramos is an all-time great who will be appreciated more when he retires

Major Clubs: Sevilla, Real Madrid

A choice that is likely to garner controversy, the choice of the legendary Real Madrid captain as one of the pre-eminent centre-backs of all time is one that is richly deserved.

Put aside the playfulness and sometimes bone-headed challenges (he holds the La Liga, UEFA Champions League and La Furia Roja for yellow and red cards), the Sergio Ramos is truly one of the best defenders of all time and he has the record to prove it.

Also not the tallest of centre-backs (a theme in this article), the 31-year-old is a one-man battering ram capable of winning matches on his own; either by making a last ditch, game-saving tackle or haring up the other end to get on the end of a corner, cross or free-kick.

Incredibly athletic, fast over short distances and a leader of men and teams, he is an adept crosser and passer of the ball (he started as a right-back at Sevilla) and reads the game brilliantly.

His trophy collection is the polar opposite of Cannavaro's as the Camas-born defender has won an incredible 24 trophies in his career so far. He has played a key role in all of these trophy wins and looks set to add a couple more before he finally calls it quits.