Top 10 defenders of all time according to AI - with no EPL stars featured

In what will no doubt be a frustration to defenders all over the world, strikers invariably claim the credit for their side.

Whether they score a hat-trick or a last-minute winner, they are often the headline makers. There is no other place where that is truer than in the Ballon d’Or voting.

In football history, only three defenders have claimed the trophy - the most recent coming as far back as 2006. We thought it was about time some of the game’s most talented defenders get their share of the credit.

So, Mirror Football turned to ChatGPT to produce a top 10 of the world’s greatest defenders of all-time. Take a look at what it came up with below:

A key player for Argentina, the centre-back also enjoyed a hugely successful club career by winning seven league titles in his home country. He also has two World Cup winners’ medals to his name.

However, he only had a brief spell in Europe with Italian side Fiorentina which may count against him in this case.

A one-club man - outside of a loan spell with Monza - the Italian went on to become a legendary figure with AC Milan. He made 663 appearances for the Rossoneri but scored just a measly three goals.

Despite his distinct lack of contribution in attack, that did not do any damage to Costacurta’s trophy cabinet. The centre-back won seven Serie A titles, five European Cups and a host of other trophies.

From one AC Milan legend to another, Nesta had an equally successful career in Serie A. Having won a host of trophies with Lazio, he moved to AC Milan, where he went on to win a further two league titles, two Champions League and many more trophies.

Nesta also helped Italy to win the 2006 World Cup. According to ChatGPT, his defensive skills and exceptional positional sense see him claim a justified place in this list.

Another World Cup winner, “Der Kaiser” redefined the role of a centre-back during a glittering spell with Germany and Bayern Munich. He has five Bundesliga winners’ medals to his name, alongside three European Cups.

A 103-time German international, Beckenbauer enjoyed a stunning 1974 as he helped his nation to the World Cup. It seems somewhat harsh that he is not slightly higher up in this list.

While Beckenbauer changed the demands of a centre-back, Brazilian international Roberto Carlos redefined the modern day demands of a full-back. He arguably was the first in a long line of attacking left-backs.

He became well-known for his psychics-defying free-kicks for both Real Madrid and Brazil. Carlos’ peak came with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won four league titles and three Champions Leagues.

There’s something about Italian centre-backs isn’t there? Baresi was actually a one-club man as he made 719 appearances for AC Milan over a two-decade career.

He played a key role in the club’s most successful period of their history having helped them to six league titles and three European crowns. Baresi also won the World Cup in 1982, while he also finished as the Ballon d’Or runner-up in 1989.

While he can’t quite match the club achievements of some of his colleagues on this list, winning just two Serie A titles and a Champions League, the Brazilian was a key performer for his country as they won the 1994 and 2002 World Cups.

Cafu was known for his incredible work rate and endurance that he displayed throughout his career.

Another iconic Brazilian right-back, he is celebrated for his iconic goal in the 1970 World Cup final. He became a legendary figure in his home country having made the majority of his appearances alongside Pele for Santos.

Whilst more comfortable on the right flank, Alberto was also capable of playing at centre-back, something that was extremely helpful to Brazil.

So legendary within English football that he actually has his own statue outside of Wembley Stadium, Bobby Moore is widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in football history.

He made just shy of 650 appearances for West Ham, while he also earned 108 caps for England. Moore remains the only captain to have lifted the World Cup for the Three Lions.

What is it about Italian centre-backs at the San Siro? Another one takes top spot in this list in the form of Paolo Maldini. Known for his elegance, versatility, and exceptional defending skills, he was equally adept at playing both in the centre and on the left.

It is certainly no surprise that he has plenty of silverware to his name. Throughout his career, he won seven Serie A titles, as well as five Champions League titles, while also managing to reach another three finals.