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According to ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, “Attack wins you games, defence wins you title.” To justify his words, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic helped Manchester United to numerous trophies during Ferguson era.
However, it may not be the case anymore with the emergence of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. The focus is purely on strikers these days and they are paid an insane amount of money in the current transfer market.
Only a handful of defenders are paid handsomely at their respective clubs. On that note, let’s take a look at the five highest paid defenders in the world right now.
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#5 Dani Alves: £160,000 a week; Paris Saint-Germain
The ex-Barcelona defender is one of the best right-backs in the world right now and arguably one of the best right-backs of all time. After a hugely successful spell at Camp Nou, the Brazilian moved to Juventus and is currently playing at the Parc des Princes.
He is a technically gifted player and can play with a lot of energy. He is brilliant with the ball at his feet and can make precision perfect crosses. He is equally good at both ends of the field and his work-rate is outstanding. Also, he is an expert in set pieces.
In 2017, he rejected an offer to play for Pep Guardiola and signed for Paris Saint-Germain. Though he is at the fag end of his career, he still possesses the skill and magic. As per a report by Le Parisien, Alves earns a gross amount of €700,000 per month which boils down to a weekly wage of nearly £160,000.
#4 Thiago Silva: £180,000 a week; Paris Saint-Germain
Thiago Silva established himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football during his days in Italy at AC Milan. Paris Saint-Germain signed him for a then second-most expensive fee of €42 million in 2012.
The Brazilian is considered as one of the fastest defenders in the world. His tactical intelligence and aerial ability make him an excellent asset at the back. He reads the game well and possesses a great positional awareness. He is the captain of PSG and Brazil national team.
He signed a contract extension in 2016 and has committed his future to the French club until 2020. The 33-year-old currently earns £180,000 a week at Parc des Princes and is expected to take them to Champions League glory this season.
#3 Virgil van Dijk: £180,000-a-week; Liverpool
The Dutch footballer is currently the most expensive defender in football. Virgil van Dijk moved to Anfield this transfer window in a whopping £75 million transfer deal. The 26-year-old is one of the best centre-backs in Premier League for the last two years in a row.
At 6 ft 4 in, he is physically strong and brilliant in the air. He was a commanding presence at the heart of Southampton defence for the last couple of years. Also, he is deadly in set pieces and chips in with important goals.
His salary at Liverpool is £180,000 a week and Van Dijk is the highest earning defender in the Premier League. The next six months will tell us what the £75 million man can do in one of the toughest leagues across Europe.
#2 Marcelo: £200,000 a week; Real Madrid
Another Brazilian on this list, Marcelo is arguably one of the best left-backs in world football right now. The Brazilian had stunning 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns, where he played a key role for Zidane’s side in their back to back Champions League triumph.
The 29-year-old is one of the best dribblers and an exciting player to watch. Though many question his defensive abilities, his contribution to Real Madrid’s attacking play is simply phenomenal. Marcelo is invaluable to this Real Madrid team and is at the peak of his career.
He has already spent 10 years at the club. Just a few months ago, Marcelo agreed to a new contract with Real Madrid until 2022. Under the terms of the renewed contract, the Brazilian will earn £200,000 a week at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is currently the highest earning left-back in the world.
#1 Sergio Ramos: £200,000 a week; Real Madrid
Arguably the best defender in the world right now, Sergio Ramos has been an ever-present figure at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence for over a decade. The World Cup winner with Spain has played 544 times for the Galacticos. He led them to 4 La Liga and 3 Champions League titles during his 12 years stay at the club.
Ramos is the captain of Real Madrid and Spain national team and his leadership qualities make him an invaluable player in the squad. He is an aggressive tackler and possesses a lot of speed. The centre-back is deadly with his head and has scored 69 goals for Real Madrid.
Though he has been criticized for his discipline, he is certainly one of the all-time best defenders in world football and an inspirational player for Zinedine Zidane's side. The 31-year-old currently earns £200,000 a week at the Santiago Bernabeu and deserves every penny of his salary.
Honourable Mention: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
He could very well be in the top five after his recent contract extension. Just a day ago, the Spanish defender has agreed to a contract extension at Camp Nou until 2022. Barcelona did not disclose his salary details, but the Spaniard could definitely be amongst the top earners at the club. Gerard Pique's release clause is set at a whopping £440 million.
