Who is the best South American defender of all time?

South America has forged some of the toughest and most gifted defenders in football history. From Cafu to Marcelo, who is the greatest South American defender of all time?

1

Carlos Alberto Torres

Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning captain whose thunderous final goal against Italy remains the greatest team goal ever scored.

2

Roberto Carlos

Brazil's rocket-legged left back whose free kick against France in 1997 is one of football's most astonishing moments.

3

Cafu

Brazil's relentless right back who appeared in three World Cup finals and is widely considered the greatest right back of all time.

4

Dani Alves

Brazil's most decorated player ever whose attacking right-back play and silverware haul are unmatched in football history.

5

Elías Figueroa

Chile's three-time South American Footballer of the Year who is widely considered the greatest center back the continent has produced.

6

Marcelo

Brazil's marauding left back who won four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, one of the most dangerous attacking defenders ever.

7

Maicon

Brazil's dominant right back who was arguably the world's best in his position during Inter Milan's 2009-10 treble season.

8

Aldair

Brazil's elegant center back who spent over a decade at Roma and was a cornerstone of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad.

9

Ivan Cordoba

Colombia's solid and versatile Inter Milan center back who was one of the best defenders in Serie A in the 2000s.

10

Diego Godin

Uruguay's commanding center back who anchored Atlético Madrid's sensational 2013-14 La Liga and Champions League run.