# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 26, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-south-american-defender-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

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.

Tags: sports, portrait, football, world cup, south america