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The position of left-backs in soccer has grown in significance throughout time. Left-backs are no longer only defensive players who stay in their own half and cover for their teammates, along with right-backs.
Left backs in the modern era need to be just as, if not more, active in attack as they are on defense.
There are some incredible left-backs in soccer today, the likes of Jordi Alba, Andrew Robertson, Alphonso Davies, Nuno Mendes, Theo Hernandez, and João Cancelo.
However, throughout football history, there have been numerous others who have come before them to bring happiness to supporters on the left side of the field.
The top ten left-backs in soccer history are listed in this article.
1. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is regarded as the best left-back in soccer ever and one of the greatest defenders of all time.
He spent his 25-year career at AC Milan, winning 26 trophies.
His versatility and ability with both feet allowed him to play anywhere along the back line.
Maldini was renowned for his technical ability, athleticism, sliding tackles, stamina, composure, and fast, energetic forward runs as a left-back.
In addition, he had a great ball-crossing ability and was a potent offensive threat who finished his career with multiple goals and assists.
Paolo Maldini competed in three UEFA European Championships and four FIFA World Cups with his native Italy.
He made it to the final of the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2000, as well as the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1988, despite never winning a championship with Italy.
In every one of these competitions, including Euro 1996, he was chosen for the all-star teams.
The number three shirt worn by Maldini was retired by AC Milan after he retired in 2009.
He is regarded by some as one of the all-time great soccer players.
2. Paul Breitner
Paul Breitner was a free-flowing left-back who could halt an opponent attacker in his own penalty area as well as score from the left side of the attack.
He switched to midfield later in his career and developed into one of the world's top midfielders.
Breitner was a key member of the West German squad that won the 1974 FIFA World Cup, earning 48 caps and scoring in the championship game.
Along with Pele, Vava, Zinedine Zidane, and Kylian Mbappe, he was one of just five players to score in two separate FIFA World Cup final matches. He also scored in the 1982 FIFA World Cup final.
More importantly, Breitner was well-known for his defense-paired plays with Franz Beckenbauer and Berti Vogts for the West German national team, as well as his midfield duo with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for Bayern Munich.
During his time with the club, he won the German and Spanish cups, the Champions' Cup, and seven league titles with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
3. Antonio Cabrini
Antonio Cabrini was a quick and strong attacking left-back who is recognized as one of the best defenders in Italian football history as well as one of the greatest of his generation and all time.
He was also capable of playing on the left side of an offensive trident, having previously played as a left winger.
Together with his passing, flare, and technical skill, Cabrini's attacking ability, intellect, eye for goal, and ability to cross the goal allowed him to completely change the role of the modern full-back in Italian football.
Bell'Antonio, which means "Beautiful Antonio," gained notoriety as a charming and attractive football player.
In addition, he is renowned for creating one of the most dangerous defensive groups in history when playing for Italy and Juventus, along with goalie Dino Zoff and defenders Gaetano Scirea and Claudio Gentile.
After assisting Italy in securing a fourth-place result in the 1978 World Cup, Cabrini was named the Best Young Player of the Tournament. He later played for Italy in the 1980 Euro, when he again finished in fourth place.
One of the select few players, he accomplished this feat while playing for Juventus. He has won every UEFA Club competition. Antonio Cabrini was honored with an induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
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