Right-backs have played a crucial role in shaping football history, combining defensive stability with attacking prowess. The best right backs in football history have mastered the art of tackling, crossing, and game intelligence, making them invaluable assets to their teams. This list celebrates the top 10 right-backs who have left an unforgettable mark on the game.

10. Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)

Top 10 Best Right Backs in Football History

Gianluca Zambrotta was one of the most versatile full-backs, known for his stamina and ability to play on both flanks. A key part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, Zambrotta dominated the right side with his defensive awareness and attacking contributions. His performances at Juventus, Barcelona, and AC Milan established him as one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Italy	Como, Bari, Juventus, Barcelona, AC Milan	569	22

9. Gary Neville (England)

One of the most consistent defenders in Premier League history, Gary Neville was the backbone of Manchester United’s defense for over two decades. His leadership and tactical intelligence made him a trusted lieutenant under Sir Alex Ferguson. With multiple Premier League and Champions League titles, Neville cemented his place among the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
England	Manchester United	602	7

8. Phil Neal (England)

A key figure in Liverpool’s dominance during the 1970s and 1980s, Phil Neal won an incredible four European Cups and eight league titles. Known for his composure and penalty-taking ability, Neal was both defensively solid and an attacking threat. His remarkable success places him among the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
England	Northampton, Liverpool, Bolton	700	77

7. Wim Suurbier (Netherlands)

A vital part of Johan Cruyff’s Ajax and the legendary Dutch Total Football system, Wim Suurbier was an attacking right-back ahead of his time. His energy and technique helped Ajax win three consecutive European Cups in the early 1970s. As a dynamic force in both club and international football, Suurbier remains one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Netherlands	Ajax, Schalke, Metz, LA Aztecs	510	16

6. José Nasazzi (Uruguay)

As the first captain to lift the World Cup in 1930, José Nasazzi is a historic figure in football. He was a defensive wall for Uruguay, leading them to two Olympic gold medals before the World Cup era. His leadership and tackling ability set the foundation for future right-backs, making him one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Uruguay	Bella Vista	260	3

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5. Giuseppe Bergomi (Italy)

A one-club legend with Inter Milan, Giuseppe Bergomi played over 750 matches and won numerous domestic and European titles. He was a defensive powerhouse who played in four World Cups, winning the 1982 edition as a teenager. His reliability and longevity secure his position among the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Italy	Inter Milan	756	28

4. Djalma Santos (Brazil)

Djalma Santos was a key player in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams. His incredible stamina, pinpoint crossing, and defensive discipline made him a legend in the right-back role. Recognized in FIFA’s World Cup All-Time XI, Santos is undoubtedly one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Brazil	Portuguesa, Palmeiras, Atlético Paranaense	964	24

3. Lilian Thuram (France)

France’s most capped player with 142 international appearances, Lilian Thuram was a key figure in their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories. He was a defensive rock, blending speed and strength with tactical intelligence. His two goals in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against Croatia remain iconic, further solidifying his place among the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
France	Monaco, Parma, Juventus, Barcelona	680	16

2. Carlos Alberto Torres (Brazil)

Carlos Alberto Torres is famous for scoring one of the greatest World Cup goals in the 1970 final for Brazil. As captain of that legendary team, he played a crucial role in their success. His leadership, skill, and attacking play from the right flank make him one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Brazil	Fluminense, Santos, Flamengo, New York Cosmos	743	63

1. Cafu (Brazil)

Cafu is the most capped Brazilian player with 143 appearances and is the only player to play in three consecutive World Cup finals (1994, 1998, and 2002). A two-time World Cup winner, he redefined the right-back role with his blistering pace and relentless attacking runs. His success with clubs like AC Milan and Roma further cements his position as one of the best right backs in football history.

Country	Teams Played	Appearances	Goals
Brazil	São Paulo, Zaragoza, Palmeiras, Roma, AC Milan	526	16

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