Top 5 Retired Defenders of the 21st century who never won the Ballon d'Or

4. Philipp Lahm

Germany and FC Bayern München fullback Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm could easily be Germany's most important player of this century. His national side career coincided with Germany's march to dominate football. During the ten-year period between 2004 and 2014, Germany reached the later stages of every major tournament except for the 2004 Euros. In 2014 though, Lahm captained his team to their first World Cup win since 1990.

Lahm captained Germany to the World Cup 2014 title

Lahm played the majority of his club career with Bayern Munich. Other than the two years he spent on loan with VfB Stuttgart, Lahm was plying his trade in Allianz Arena. Lahm captained Bayern to many trophies, including the famous treble-winning season of 2013. He won nine Bundesliga titles to go along with the Champions League title in 2013.

Though he played mostly in the right back position, Lahm was two-footed which meant he was able to cross with one foot and cut inside and shoot with the other. And that he did many times. His unique ability also led to many coaches playing him on the left side of the field. He was an attacked minded player like Cafu and with endless stamina, he was a thorn in the opposition's defence. His versatility saw him even play in the defensive midfield role for Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich.

Lahm retired in 2014 from the national team at the age of 30. While it surprised many, it could be said that Lahm decided to leave when he was at the highest point of his career. While Germany had the talent to replace him, they surely have struggled without his leadership.

Germany suffered a shock exit in the 2018 World Cup and have struggled to find their form since. Lahm was certainly Germany's best player when they were on the top. He deserved the Ballon d'Or for not just being a World Class right back but also a great leader.