Jamie Carragher once said that if you’re a fullback, you’re either a failed winger or a failed centreback.
In some cases, that is true.
But the very best full-back pairings show just how vital the role can be – blending defensive discipline with attacking intent like no other position on the pitch.
These ten duos set the standard; offering the perfect balance of defensive stability, positional width and attacking support.
10. Patrice Evra & Gary Neville (Manchester United)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s most dependent and consistent performers.
The partnership of Evra on the left and Neville at right-back underpinned Fergie and United’s dominant period in the Premier League.
Neville excelled in defensive intelligence and leadership, with Evra offering a more attacking, overlapping outlet on the left. Together, they won multiple league titles and the 2008 Champions League. Their combination of grit and guile gave United the stable base to build upon and earn the pair a spot on this list.
9. Ashley Cole & Branislav Ivanović (Chelsea)
Few defences were as solid as Chelsea’s under José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, and Cole and Ivanović were crucial to that.
Cole was arguably the best defensive left-back of his generation, while Ivanović’s physicality and aerial presence locked down the right hand side. Between them, they helped Chelsea to multiple league titles, FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League triumph, striking a perfect balance between attacking support and an ironclad defence.
8. Andrew Robertson & Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool reinvented the role of the full-back. Robertson was a pressing machine, while Alexander-Arnold acted as the primary playmaker dictating play from the back. Their overlapping runs and pinpoint delivery from the flanks were central to Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League and the 2020 Premier League victory. Trent’s departure to Real Madrid broke up the partnership, but their legacy is secured.
7. Roberto Carlos & Míchel Salgado (Real Madrid)
Roberto Carlos was the star but Salgado was equally as important on the right side. The pair were a dependable presence during the Galácticos era, with Carlos the more attacking of the duo.
Together, they helped Real Madrid to two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.
6. David Alaba & Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s domination in the 2010s owed much to the intelligence and versatility of Alaba and Lahm. Lahm – one of the most tactically astute defenders of all time – could step into midfield or lock down the right side, while Alaba combined pace, composure and technical ability on the left.
They formed the foundation of Bayern’s treble-winning season in 2013 and their sustained Bundesliga dominance.
5. Javier Zanetti & Maicon (Inter Milan)
Inter’s golden period under José Mourinho was defined by well-drilled discipline, and their full-backs embodied that.
Zanetti, the legendary club captain, was the model of consistency and leadership on the left, while Maicon’s marauding runs and attacking prowess made him one of the best right-backs in the world at his peak.
Their partnership was vital in Inter’s historic 2010 treble.
4. Eric Abidal & Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona’s full-backs were essential to the team’s tiki-taka dominance. Abidal was a rock defensively, calm on the ball and tactically aware, while Dani Alves brought relentless energy, overlapping runs and a constant attacking threat.
Their balance allowed Barcelona to play with width and freedom, underpinning an era that delivered multiple La Liga titles and two Champions League wins between 2009 and 2011.
3. Nuno Mendes & Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Still a relatively young pairing, Mendes and Hakimi represent the new wave of explosive full-backs.
Mendes’ pace and attacking instinct on the left mirror Hakimi’s dynamic runs and crossing ability on the right.
This full-back pairing powered PSG to European glory as part of a historic treble-winning season. If they stay together, they could become the all-time greatest full-back partnership.
2. Marcelo & Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
When Real Madrid dominated Europe with three straight Champions League titles under Zinedine Zidane, Marcelo and Carvajal were pivotal.
Marcelo, with his flair, dribbling and creativity, often overlapped his winger to act as an extra attacker while Carvajal was more of a conventional balanced fullback who combined defensive strength and crucial contributions going forward.
Together, they defined the modern full-back duo and were central to Madrid’s five Champions League titles between 2014 and 2022.
1. Paolo Maldini & Cafu (AC Milan)
At the very top is the legendary Milan duo of Maldini and Cafu.
Maldini – the ultimate defender – was elegance and leadership personified, while Cafu was the attacking right-back who combined Brazilian flair with tactical intelligence.
Their partnership was central to Milan’s Serie A titles and their 2007 Champions League victory, cementing them as perhaps the greatest full-back pairing in history.
