10 Greatest Sweepers in Football History [Ranked]

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said that while attack wins games, it is defence that wins titles – and no position has reflected that mindset more than the sweeper, a role that combined tactical intelligence with elegance and redefined how the game could be controlled from the back.

While the role of a sweeper – also known as a libero – has somewhat faded from the game over the past two decades, it once defined an era in football and gave a platform for some of the best defenders in the world to shine in completely new colours.

Operating behind the backline, the sweeper was the final barrier and often the most tactically aware player on the pitch, providing leadership, positioning and a reading of the game that set them apart from traditional defenders and helped achieve impressive success at both club and international level.

Whether it was Franz Beckenbauer’s dominant era with West Germany and Bayern Munich or Bobby Moore’s iconic run with England to 1966 World Cup glory, elite sweepers were often associated with memorable wins, numerous titles and defensive brilliance. Here are the 10 greatest sweepers in football history – ranked.

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10

Elias Figueroa

Notable clubs: Internacional, Penarol, Chile

One of the most complete sweepers in football history, Elias Figueroa was known for his elegant style of play and composure. While the defender never stepped foot outside South America during his professional career, he still earned a well-deserved place among the elite defenders of the game.

Figueroa won two Brazilian championships during his time with Internacional and was crowned South American Footballer of the Year for three years in a row from 1974 to 1976, beating the likes of Zico and Rivelino.

It was an unprecedented achievement for a sweeper and spoke volumes of the defender, who also won over 40 caps for Chile and captained his country at the 1974 World Cup.

9

Ronald Koeman

Notable clubs: Barcelona, Ajax, Netherlands

Former Everton coach Ronald Koeman brought a completely new dimension to the sweeper role during his time at Barcelona. The Dutchman combined defensive awareness with an eye for goal and one of the most powerful shots in football history, which translated into a whopping 240 goals in his illustrious club career.

Koeman’s ability to start attacks from deep was instrumental to the Catalans’ golden period in the 1990s, when they won four La Liga titles, one European Cup and one Copa del Rey with the Dutchman operating as a cornerstone of their defence. At international level, Koeman enjoyed Euro 1988 success with the Netherlands and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

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8

Matthias Sammer

Notable clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Dynamo Dresden, Germany

Borussia Dortmund icon Matthias Sammer was one of the last great true sweepers in the history of the game, despite starting his professional career as a central midfielder. The Germany international peaked in the mid-1990s, when he led Die Mannschaft to the Euro 1996 title and was named Player of the Tournament.

At club level, Sammer’s accolades were just as impressive, including back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996, as well as a Champions League triumph with Dortmund in 1997. Sammer stood out from traditional sweepers as he based his game on energy and aggressiveness.

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7

Ruud Krol

Notable clubs: Ajax, Napoli, Netherlands

Former Ajax and Napoli defender Ruud Krol always stood out for his versatility – the Dutchman could play anywhere across the backline, in central midfield and, of course, as a sweeper. Krol was an intelligent and technically gifted defender who thrived in fluid, possession-oriented systems for both club and country.

Krol was particularly impressive on international duty and was a cornerstone of the Netherlands sides that reached consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. While he never got his hands on the golden trophy, the Dutchman won six Eredivisie titles, three European Cups and four Dutch Cups during his time with Ajax.

6

Daniel Passarella

Notable clubs: River Plate, Fiorentina, Argentina

Argentina icon Daniel Passarella is still considered one of the country’s best defenders to date, while his legacy as a technical and highly intelligent sweeper was cemented by two World Cup triumphs in 1978 and 1986.

While injury limited his involvement in the latter edition, Passarella captained Argentina to their first ever World Cup triumph in 1978 while playing behind the defensive line and also offering an attacking threat.

The former River Plate defender was always a danger from set pieces and was known for his powerful left foot, with a staggering 165 goals for club and country to his name.

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5

Alessandro Nesta

Notable clubs: AC Milan, Lazio, Italy

Former AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta was one of the most elegant centre-backs ever to grace football and often made even the most demanding aspects of the game look effortless. Though primarily a centre-back, the Italian often operated as a traditional sweeper too, with his reading of the game and positional awareness particular standouts.

While Nesta came through the ranks at Lazio, winning the Coppa Italia, UEFA Super Cup and the 1999 Cup Winners’ Cup, he was part of one of the most formidable defences at AC Milan under Carlo Ancelotti, winning two Champions Leagues and two Serie A titles during his truly remarkable era at San Siro.

4

Bobby Moore

Notable clubs: West Ham, Fulham, England

A true gentleman of the game, Bobby Moore anticipated danger and read opposition attacks like no other footballer before his time. Flawless in positioning and calm on the ball, the West Ham United icon captained England during their 1966 World Cup win, which solidified his status as one of the best defenders of all time.

At club level, Moore led West Ham to FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs and is considered the club’s most iconic player ever. The elegant sweeper even received praise from Brazil icon Pele, who once named Moore as the greatest defender he had ever played against after facing him during the 1970 World Cup.

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3

Gaetano Scirea

Notable clubs: Juventus, Atalanta, Italy

Gaetano Scirea redefined the sweeper role as a true example of composure, class and intelligence. He was a cornerstone of Juventus’ defence in the late 1970s and 1980s, winning every major club trophy available, including seven Serie A titles and a European Cup in 1985.

At international level, Scirea’s importance to Italy was just as evident during their victorious 1982 World Cup, when the defender played every single minute of the title-winning campaign.

Scirea is one of only six players in European football history to have won all international club competitions organised by UEFA, excluding the Conference League, which was introduced in the 2021/22 season.

2

Franco Baresi

Notable clubs: AC Milan, Italy

A true definition of a classic sweeper, Franco Baresi was the heartbeat of AC Milan’s defence for two decades and dominated games with exceptional reading of the play and a perfect sense of timing. The Italian defender captained Milan through arguably their most successful period ever, winning six Serie A titles and three European Cups.

Due to similarities to fellow sweeper Franz Beckenbauer, Baresi was known as ‘Kaiser Franz’ during his playing career and is considered one of the best defenders ever to grace the beautiful game.

1

Franz Beckenbauer

Notable clubs: Bayern Munich, Hamburg, West Germany

Bayern Munich and West Germany icon Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time, who redefined the sweeper role by bringing elegance, vision and control to a position not typically associated with flair in his era.

‘Der Kaiser’ is one of only nine players in history to have won the World Cup, the European Champions Cup and the Ballon d’Or during his illustrious playing career that spanned nearly two decades.

Beckenbauer brought a sense of control and creativity to defences while operating as a sweeper and captained West Germany to European Championship glory in 1972 and World Cup triumph in 1974.

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Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 07-05-25.