Top 10 Defensive Midfielders in Football of All Time
Interestingly many of the players mentioned on the list later turned to managing games from the touchline after calling it a day on their playing careers
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The defensive midfield position is the most underrated and most important position on the football pitch. Not only does it require the passing prowess of any midfielder but also the defensive qualities of a defender.
Sitting in front of the backline, offering defensive sturdiness and also keeping things ticking and passing forward to the attacking midfielder and the front line. Even a little mistake let alone a mistake leading to a goal from any defensive midfielder is highlighted more than others.
Over the years with football constantly changing and evolving, the defensive midfield position has also evolved and changed a lot. But only a few can be considered as the greats to have mastered the defensive midfield position.
Join us as we take a look at the top 10 best defensive midfielders of all time.
The 10 Best Defensive Midfielders in Football History
The 10 Best Defensive Midfielders in Football History
| Rank | Name | Nationality |
| 1 | Lothar Matthaus | Germany |
| 2 | Frank Rijkaard | Netherlands |
| 3 | Roy Keane | Republic of Ireland |
| 4 | Claude Makélélé | France |
| 5 | Patrick Vieira | France |
| 6 | Sergio Busquets | Spain |
| 7 | Didier Deschamps | France |
| 8 | Dunga | Brazil |
| 9 | Gennaro Gattuso | Italy |
| 10 | N'Golo Kanté | France |
10. N'Golo Kanté (France)
Starting off the list is the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France: N'Golo Kanté. Kante is one of only two active footballers on the list.
Kante made his name known to the world during Leicester City’s run to the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season. He later joined Chelsea, winning another Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League title, the UEFA Europa League trophy and a few other cup trophies. While on the international stage, Kante has won the FIFA World Cup (2018) and the UEFA Nations League (2021).
The French midfielder currently plays his club football in the Saudi Pro League with Al Ittihad.
9. Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
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While the modern generation may think of Gennaro Gattuso as a football manager. But if we turn back the clock a few decades, Gennaro Gattuso was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Nicknamed ‘Rino’ for his fiery temperament, Gattuso always gave it his all on the field and was seemingly always up for a fight. His ability to win back possession in the middle of the park still to this day has not been matched by any other player. Gattuso played a key role in midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo as Italy won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He also is a two-time UEFA Champions League winner, two Serie A titles and multiple other Cup titles.
8. Dunga (Brazil)
Dunga is a Brazilian legend, known for his physical and robust style of play in the middle of the park. While Brazilian teams and players are always known for their flair and skills, Dunga made it his job to organise the teams and help the players around him to express themselves and play beautiful football.
Dunga won the FIFA World Cup in 1994 with Brazil, while also lifting two Copa America titles in 1988-89 and 1886-96, while also winning the Confederations Cup in 1997.
7. Didier Deschamps (France)
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The current France men’s national team manager was once leading his teams from the front of the defensive line. He was nicknamed ‘the water carrier’ by former France teammate Eric Cantona due to his impressive ball-carrying skills. What was even more impressive was his ability to lead any side.
During his playing career, he won the UEFA Champions League twice, three Serie A titles, and three Ligue 1 titles alongside many other cup triumphs. On the international stage he won the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and the UFEA Euros in 2000.
In 2018, he became only the third man ever to win the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a manager.
6. Sergio Busquets (Spain)
Joining Kante as the only two active footballers on this list is Sergio Busquets. Sergio Busquets currently plays his club football in the Major Soccer League (MLS) with Inter Miami.
Sergio Busquets was a part of Spain’s golden generation that won three successive international tournaments. He is a three-time UCL winner, and nine-time LaLiga winner, while he also has seven Spanish Cups and Super Cups in his impressive trophy cabinet.
While often regarded as underrated, Sergio Busquets’ hand in Spain and Barcelona’s success can not be overlooked.
5. Patrick Vieira (France)
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Patrick Vieira is another player on the list of the best defensive midfielders in football history who turned into a manager after hanging up his boots.
Patrick Vieira is one of the most iconic players in the Premier League history. Known for his physicality, ability to read the game and leadership, Vieira led Arsenal to winning the league as ‘Invincibles’. His rivalry with then Manchester United captain Roy Keane will always have a special place in the Premier League archives.
The Arsenal legend also played a key role in France winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2000 Euros.
4. Claude Makélélé (France)
Very rarely in football history is a particular role named after a player. Makélélé executed the holding midfield role so effectively and effortlessly that it was renamed ‘The Makélélé role’.
Claude Makélélé played a key part in Real Madrid’s success in the early 2000’s, before joining Chelsea and playing an instrumental role in the club’s first-ever Premier League triumph. To this day, Claude Makélélé remains one of the best transfers in Chelsea history.
3. Roy Keane (Republic of Ireland)
While Sir Alex Ferguson might have been the brains behind Manchester United's success and domination at the start of the century, Roy Keane was certainly the heart of the whole operation. Keane is undoubtedly one of the greatest defensive midfield in Premier League history.
Roy Keane was the captain of the Red Devils’ side that won the historic treble in 1999. Until his Manchester United fallout and exit in 2005, the club enjoyed enormous success in the 12 years, Roy Keane served as the club captain.
Certainly known for leaving it all on the pitch and leading from the front, Keane will go down in history as one of the greatest captains in football history.
2. Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands)
Frank Rijkaard might not have made the headlines like some of his Dutch teammates, but he was a crucial part of the Euro triumph in 1988. Rijkaard was often desired as a flawless and very stylish player who brought success everywhere he went.
He played a key role in AC Milan’s successive Champions League triumphs in the 1888-89 and 1889-90 seasons. While later winning the UCL title again in the 1994-95 season with Ajax.
After retiring from his playing career, Rijkaard won the UEFA Champions League once again, this time as FC Barcelona manager in the 2005-06 season.
1. Lothar Matthaus (Germany)
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Taking the top spot on our list is none other than 1990 Ballon d’Or winner Lothar Matthaus. Many consider Matthaus as the complete footballer who could feature and do any role across the midfield due to his incredible flexibility, competitiveness, leadership and ability to read the game.
Once described by the legendary Diego Armando Maradona as “My toughest opponent”, Lothar Matthaus has every right to be labelled the best defensive midfielder of all time.
Talking about his incredible trophy cabinet, Lothar Matthaus won the FIFA World Cup in 1990 and UEFA Euros in 1980 with his national side Germany. While on the club level, he won seven Bundesliga titles, one Serie A title, two UEFA Cups and a handful of cup titles.
With over a decade of experience in sports writing, Hardik Malhotra has built a distinguished career in the internet industry. His expertise spans across various domains including Art Direction, Web Content Writing, and Content Management, all underscored by a high degree of initiative. Hardik’s passion for sports is reflected in his professional journey and personal interests.