Since the fullback position evolved from a purely defensive role to one combining defensive strength, offensive support, and playmaking, stars have emerged who changed modern football concepts. Leading them is the Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, reigning supreme thanks to his incredible speed, legendary powerful shots, and influential impact with Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.

Following him are legends who immortalized their names with exceptional performances, such as Cafu, the inspiring Brazilian captain; Philipp Lahm, the golden captain of Germany and Bayern Munich; Javier Zanetti, the symbol of loyalty for Inter Milan; and finally Dani Alves, the most decorated player in history and a game-changer with Barcelona.

Roberto Carlos’s name cannot be mentioned without recalling his phenomenal goal against France in the 1997 Confederations Cup—a long-distance shot that curved impossibly in the air, baffling the goalkeeper and defense before settling in the net, astonishing the entire world.

That goal was not just a fleeting moment but became an icon studied even today in sports physics lessons as a model explaining how a ball can defy logic and natural laws.

We present a list prepared by Lente Desportiva network revealing the greatest 20 fullbacks of the modern era ranked from first to twentieth:

Roberto Carlos: Brazil – Real Madrid.

Cafu: Brazil – Roma, Milan.

Philipp Lahm: Germany – Bayern Munich.

Javier Zanetti: Argentina – Inter Milan.

Dani Alves: Brazil – Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain.

Ashley Cole: England – Arsenal, Chelsea.

Marcelo: Brazil – Real Madrid.

Bixente Lizarazu: France – Bayern Munich.

Gianluca Zambrotta: Italy – Juventus, Barcelona, Milan.

Maicon: Brazil – Inter Milan.

David Alaba: Austria – Bayern Munich, Real Madrid.

Jordi Alba: Spain – Barcelona.

Dani Carvajal: Spain – Real Madrid.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: England – Liverpool, Real Madrid.

Kyle Walker: England – Manchester City.

Achraf Hakimi: Morocco – Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain.

Patrice Evra: France – Manchester United, Juventus.

João Cancelo: Portugal – Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich.

Andy Robertson: Scotland – Liverpool.

Christian Panucci: Italy – Milan, Real Madrid, Roma.