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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 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
England women's captain Leah Williamson (left) defends for Arsenal.
Terry vs Drogba
The common 4–4–2 formation uses two centre-backs.
The 5–3–2 formation with a sweeper
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.
WM formation of the 1920s showing three fullbacks, all in fairly central positions
Paolo Maldini marking a player during a friendly match.
Wing-back Caitlin Foord (right, wearing no. 9) in action with Australia against China at the 2017 Algarve Cup.
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