Share this @internewscast.com

Franz Beckenbauer died at the age of 78 this week and will be remembered as one of football’s all-time great defenders. 

The German was adored by fans and Bayern Munich are even planning the biggest funeral ever in their 75,000 capacity Allianz Arena. 

Even the Italians, famed for their brilliant defenders, rated him as top of the pile in terms of the best to play the game. 

From Brazil’s Carlos Alberto to the AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini, here’s his verdict on the top 10 defenders in history. 

10. LAURENT BLANC 

The Napoleon of French football as master strategist and hero in the trenches tragically denied his World Cup Final by the diver who got him booked after he had guided France to Paris.

9. RUUD KROL

Impassable defender, stern in the tackle, creative from the back and a foundation stone of the Netherlands’ Total Football.

8. GIACINTO FACCHETTI 

Tall as any centre-back but the most cultured of attacking full backs, a position to which he brought a new dimension of intelligence.

7. CARLOS ALBERTO 

The almighty driver of Brazil’s and the world’s greatest ever team, captain fantastic from right back, scorer of the greatest World Cup Final goal.

Laurent Blanc is shown red in the World Cup clash with Croatia, ruling him out of the 1998 final

Laurent Blanc is shown red in the World Cup clash with Croatia, ruling him out of the 1998 final

Carlos Alberto celebrates scoring Brazil's fourth goal in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy

Carlos Alberto celebrates scoring Brazil’s fourth goal in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy

Franco Baresi (left) crunches into Romario in the 1994 World Cup final in California

Franco Baresi (left) crunches into Romario in the 1994 World Cup final in California

6. JOHN CHARLES 

The colossus at centre-half and also the giant at centre forward who conquered Italy.

5. DANIEL PASSARRELLA 

The unsung great little big man at the beating defensive heart of Argentina’s first World Cup winners.

4. FRANCO BARESI 

Prime, arch example of the Italian tradition for superlative defending.

3. PAOLO MALDINI 

First and greatest of the attacking full backs, quick and secure in defence, the god- head figure in Italian football which Beckenbauer and Moore are for Germany and England.

Paolo Maldini is a national treasure in Italy, a country with rich defending heritage

Paolo Maldini is a national treasure in Italy, a country with rich defending heritage

Impeccably stylish Bobby Moore typified everything great about English and world football

Impeccably stylish Bobby Moore typified everything great about English and world football 

Franz Beckenbauer emerges with the ball from Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final

Franz Beckenbauer emerges with the ball from Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

2. BOBBY MOORE 

Genius, shining example of all that’s great in English and world football, impeccable style and manners, read a game like an open book, strong of mind and leadership. Gentleman.

1. FRANZ BECKENBAUER 

Genius, elegance, cool, commanding, invented the revolutionary libero. A true gentleman.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Celtic 0 Braga 2: Brendan Rodgers holds responsibility for this lackluster loss amid VAR controversy

After Brendan Rodgers called for peace and harmony, and furious fan groups…

NASCAR Driver Tyler Reddick’s Wife Shares Update on Infant Son’s Health Before Key Race

Tyler Reddick was in pole position for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoff…

Alex Pereira Honors Jon Jones’ Late Brother in Heartfelt Tribute Following Former NFL Player’s Sudden Passing at 39, While Securing UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

Alex Pereira led a tribute to Jon Jones’ late brother Arthur after…

Hugo Ekitike Gains from Liverpool’s ‘Tough Love’ Following Lionel Messi’s ‘Harsh’ Kill Bill Experience

Hugo Ekitike is a rare example of a footballer who benefited from…

Sturm Graz Edges Out Rangers 2-1: Russell Martin Under Pressure After Another European Setback

The seething masses intent on driving Russell Martin out of his job are…

73-Year-Old EFL Icon to Participate in New York Marathon to Honor Deceased Teammate

Former QPR star Don Shanks will participate in the New York marathon…

Signs Suggesting Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure at Nottingham Forest May Be Ending – Yet Here’s Why He Deserves More Time, by IAN HERBERT

At the end of it all, there was an excruciating and rather…

German Legend Supports Florian Wirtz to Prove Himself Against English Critics as Jamie Carragher Targets Liverpool’s £116M Player

German legend Rudi Voller has backed Florian Wirtz to overcome his early…