# Who is the best defender in Argentina national team history?

> From libero architects to uncompromising stoppers, Argentina has produced defenders who've become pillars of footballing legend. Who earns your vote?

*By YPB Team · Published May 24, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-defender-in-argentina-national-team-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Daniel Passarella**
   Argentina's iconic captain who lifted the 1978 World Cup and scored an extraordinary number of goals from centre-back throughout his career.
2. **Roberto Ayala**
   Argentina's long-time defensive captain who was a model of consistency and calm authority for over a decade in the national team.
3. **Óscar Ruggeri**
   Argentina's combative and dominant centre-back who was a key figure in the 1986 World Cup triumph and 1990 World Cup final.
4. **Nicolás Otamendi**
   Argentina's commanding modern centre-back who was a key defensive figure throughout the 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup title wins.
5. **Lisandro Martínez**
   Argentina's commanding modern centre-back who was outstanding in the 2022 World Cup winning campaign with brave and aggressive defending.
6. **Juan Pablo Sorín**
   Argentina's energetic and attack-minded left-back who was a driving force across several Copa América and World Cup campaigns.
7. **Silvio Marzolini**
   Argentina's legendary attacking left-back of the 1960s who was considered one of the finest full-backs of his era.
8. **Nahuel Molina**
   Argentina's modern right-back who scored a crucial goal against the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.
9. **Javier Zanetti**
   Argentina's most-capped international who was equally comfortable at right-back or in midfield and represented the nation with distinction for 17 years.

Tags: sports, football, players, legends, argentina, national teams