Top 10 centre-backs of all time

#8 Lothar Matthaeus

Lothar Matthaus has made the most number of World Cup appearances

One of only two players to actually have an award to recognise his efforts is Bayern Munich and Inter Milan legend Lothar Matthaeus. Along with Fabio Cannavaro, the former Germany international is the only other defender to be crowned World Player of the Year.

He is also part of a select niche of players that have appeared in five different World Cup final tournaments ranging from 1982-1998. Argentinian footballing great Diego Maradona, in his autobiography, defined Matthaeus as the best rival he ever had, particularly for his sheer athleticism and willingness to go the extra mile to work wonders for his team.

Unlike a majority of the defenders on this list, Matthaeus did not start off as a defender. He was initially a box-to-box midfielder covering a fascinating amount of grass throughout the game, but later was converted into a sweeping centre back - a position in which he excelled at before seeking pastures anew in the United States of America with the NY/NJ Metrostars.

#7 Fabio Cannavaro

Fabio Cannavaro enjoyed a spectacular domestic and international playing career

As mentioned earlier, the diminutive Italian centre-back Fabio Cannavaro is only the second, and most recent defender to get his hands on the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy. His sheer quality on the ball and his anticipation to be a step ahead of the opposition made up for his lack of height.

Cannavaro, thus, was never an aerial ordeal for opposition attackers but gave them sleepless nights because of his mere physicality and never-say-die attitude. In his heydey, the former Real Madrid and Juventus man could walk into any European side and strengthen its defence.

Not only was he an exceptional defender, but was also an equally terrific leader and an inspiration for the youngsters that looked up to him in the dressing room. His captaincy inspired Italy to lift the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which in turn saw him being rewarded with the World and European Player of the Season.