4. Marcelo
Real Madrid’s current club captain, Marcelo makes his case at number four. We’ll see if elevates his position further but the competition ahead of him is tough and he looks to be in the final days of his career. Regardless, Marcelo is a true legend for Los Blancos winning 23 major titles during his time and looking on course to win another league title this season.
Marcelo has established himself as the best modern-day left-back with his performances for Real Madrid. He was instrumental in Real Madrid’s four Champions League wins in five seasons. He has earned a place in FIFA’s FIFPRO XI six times over the last decade. While his exploits on the International stage are limited, he did play an instrumental role in Brazil’s Confederation Cup win in 2013. Known for his audacious skills and composure on the ball, he leaves a huge task on the shoulders of younger players to imitate his level of quality, we’ll see if anyone comes close.
3. Roberto Carlos
On number three is Marcelo’s compatriot and former Madrid-man, Roberto Carlos. A figure idolized by many modern-day full-backs, Carlos was blessed with tremendous pace and a fierce left-foot strike. Only a few could hit the ball as cleanly as Carlos did. Videos of his long-range free-kicks are flooding the internet.
Carlos spent his formative years in Brazil before being launched into the big stage by Inter. It was only after his transfer to Real Madrid that he truly hit his top gears. He made 524 appearances for Los Blancos while scoring 69 goals winning four LaLiga titles and three Champions League. On the International stage, Carlos was a World Cup winner in 2002 and has two Copa Americas under his belt. In 2002 he was the runner-up to teammate Ronaldo Nazario for the Ballon d’Or.