Defender (association football)

(Redirected from Central defender)
Fabio Cannavaro, an Italian defender, who retired and played for Juventus

A defender in football is a player, who plays in at the back of the formation. There are many positions classed as a defender, mainly:

  • Left Back
  • Central Defender
  • Right back
  • Sweeper
  • Full Back
  • Wing Back

The defenders are the first number when referring to formations, for example:

  • 4-3-3 is the formation. This formation shows that there are four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.
  • 4-4-2 is the formation. This formation shows that there are four defenders, four midfielders and two attackers.
  • 3-4-3 is the formation. This formation shows that there are three defenders, four midfielders and three attackers.

Famous Defenders

Player Position Current Club Former Clubs Best Ballon d'Or Position
 Dani Alves Right-Back  UNAM  Barcelona,  Juventus,  Paris Saint-Germain,  São Paulo 19th (2011)
 Paolo Maldini Left-Back
Center-Back
Retired  AC Milan 3rd (1994, 2003)
 Franz Beckenbauer Sweeper Retired  Bayern Munich,  New York Cosmos Winner (1972, 1976)
 Carles Puyol Center-Back Retired  Barcelona 11th (2010)
 Lilian Thuram Center-Back Retired  AS Monaco,  Parma,  Juventus,  Barcelona 25th (1997)


Defender (association Football) Media