Defender (association football)
A defender in association football is a player that 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Brazil.svgDani Alves | Right-Back | File:Flag of Mexico.svgUNAM |  Barcelona,  Juventus,  Paris Saint-Germain, File:Flag of Brazil.svgSão 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
- Leah Williamson Arsenal Ladies Vs Liverpool (19482185928).jpg
England women's captain Leah Williamson (left) defends for Arsenal.
- John Terry Didier Drogba'14.JPG
Terry vs Drogba
- Association football 4-4-2 formation.svg
The common 4–4–2 formation uses two centre-backs.
- Association football 5-3-2 sweeper formation.svg
The 5–3–2 formation with a sweeper
- Van der Sar - Oct 2010 - kicking.jpg
Edwin van der Sar, pictured playing for Manchester United during the 2010–11 season, is considered to be one of the pioneers of the sweeper-keeper role.
- 3-2-2-3 formation.svg
WM formation of the 1920s showing three fullbacks, all in fairly central positions
- 2013 friendly match, Persepolis Legends v AC Milan Glorie (38).jpg
Paolo Maldini marking a player during a friendly match.
- Caitlin Foord in action at 2017 Algarve Cup.jpeg
Wing-back Caitlin Foord (right, wearing no. 9) in action with Australia against China at the 2017 Algarve Cup.