The primary word in defenders is defend, and in football, defend means protecting one's goal. But sometimes, Defenders prove that they don't play football just to defend but to score goals too.

There are many defenders out there who have dominated the game continuously. We are well aware of the top-scoring strikers, but in this article, we'll get to know about the top 10 defenders with the Most Goals in the 21st Century.

Top 10 Defenders with Most Goals in the 21st Century

#1. Sergio Ramos | 145 goals

Sergio Ramos is at the top of the list with 145 goals in 963 appearances for club and country. One of the all-time greatest defenders, Sergio Ramos, is known for his knack for getting on the scoresheet when his team is in desperate need of goals. 

Ramos scored 122 goals for the clubs he has played for. His 23 goals came for the Spanish National team.

The Spanish sensation has not only scored over 100 goals, but those were also some crucial moments, including clutch performances. The Former Real Madrid captain has saved his side by both defending and scoring goals.

#2 Rene Aufhauser | 79 goals

Rene Aufhauser might not be as famous as the other names in this list, but he was a dependable player. He spent the majority of his career in Austria, while also making 58 appearances for his country. Rene has netted 122 goals in his career as a defender.

However, 79 goals in 455 games came in the 21st century. Rene scored 50 goals for RB Salzburg, which is a record as a defender for the club.

He also scored 12 goals for the Austrian team.

#3 Daniel Van Buyten | 73 goals

Daniel Van Buyten is one of the most underrated defenders of his generation. He was an excellent central defender who played for the likes of Marseille, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich while also making 83 appearances for Belgium.

Van Buyten was not only a top-class defender but was also quite prolific in front of the goal, having scored a total of 73 goals after making 566 appearances in his career.

#4 John Terry | 74

The former England skipper, John Terry, was regarded as one of the best defenders in the world in his prime and also had a solid record at the other end of the pitch. 

Mr.Chelsea has scored a total of 74 goals in his career, a tally that can put most midfielders to shame.

#5. Branislav Ivanovic | 68 goals

Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic was a world-class defender in his prime who could play both at right-back and centre-back. The former Serbia international spent the best years of his professional career at Chelsea and was a key part of the Blues' golden era.

He scored a total of 68 goals in his career after making 691 appearances.

Naldo enjoyed a good spell in the Bundesliga. The Brazilian international spent much of his career representing Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg. At Werder Bremen, Naldo made 254 appearances in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and winning the DFB-Pokal in 2009.

With Wolfsburg, the centre-back made 163 appearances in all competitions and scored 20 goals, winning another DFB-Pokal. His spells with Schalke and AS Monaco were decent.

John Arne Riise is the most-capped Norwegian player of all time, having made 110 appearances for his country. Riise enjoyed a decorated, 21-year career that took in spells at Monaco, Liverpool, Roma, and Fulham among others, before finishing in Norway. He then came out of retirement to play in Norway. Riise has scored 64 goals in 732 games and is 7th on the list of most goal-scoring defenders.

Sergey played for CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow throughout his career. The Russian centre-back has scored 64 goals in 801 games in his career. He has also registered over 90 caps for the Russian national team since debuting in 2002.

The Serbian is highly underrated for someone of his talent and longevity. Aleksandar Kolarov retired from football in 2022 after scoring 62 goals in 588 games all across Europe. He has also registered 94 caps for the Serbian national team, netting 11 goals.

William Janssen has scored an impressive tally of 59 goals since making his professional debut with VVV Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2006-07. The 37-year-old centre-back has scored 27 goals for Utrecht, whom he joined in 2013. Jannsen has also netted 23 goals for Roda and 13 goals with Twente, with whom he won the Dutch Super Cup in 2012. He became the first player to score in 13 consecutive Eredivisie seasons in 2020.

Lamine Yamal just created his greatest football XI of all time with Real Madrid and Barcelona legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The recently turned 18 year old teenage star has been one of the best footballers in the world currently from two seasons. 

The Spaniard had a Ballon d'Or 2025 worthy season with FC Barcelona as he helped the Catalan club regain La Liga and win a domestic treble. Not only that, he was super influential in Spain winning the Euro 2024 as he was named the best young player of the tournament.

The La Masia product has recently signed a groundbreaking contract with FC Barcelona till 2031. Moreover you will be wearing the famous No. 10 jersey of Lionel Messi from 2025-26 season. 

Yamal made an appearance on China Media Group's "Total Soccer" program and he was asked to create his greatest football XI of all-time. The youngster made an scintillating attack consisting Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentine great Lionel Messi. Not only that he had four Spain legends in his lineup as most of his XI players are from La Liga giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Read Also | 10 legendary Barcelona players to wear jersey no. 10

Lamine Yamal's Greatest Football XI

Goalkeeper

Iker Casillas

With more than 400 clean sheets in his entire career Iker Casillas is one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern football. The Spaniard was not only athletic but was brave in making decisions while pulling up some great saves for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Read Also | 10 great goals scored by goalkeepers

Iker Casillas is the player with second most apperances for Los Blancos and led them to many titles in his career. Not only that as he was as much a key player for Spain as he led the La Roja to their first major trophy in 44 years when they won the Euro 2008. Casillas had only conecced two goals in that entire tournameent.

Casillas won 23 major trophies in his career which includes 3 UEFA Champions League, 2 European Championships, 5 La Liga titles, and a FIFA World Cup.

Right-Back

Dani Alves

43 career trophies, the second most in football history, trophies across Europe, 280 goal contributions as a right-back and countless brave tackles, Dani Alves is surely one of the greats of the game. 

Although the Brazilian ended his career with bitter sweet experiences and cotroveries, no one can deny his ceredbilty as a footballer. 

Alves won 43 trophies in career, which had 3 Champions Leagues with FC Barcelona and 9 League titles across three leagues along with one Olympic title with Brazil.

Read Also | Reliving Barcelona's Golden Era: A Tribute to Footballing Brilliance

Center-Backs

Gerard Pique & Sergio Ramos

Here comes the two of the greatest center-backs of the modern era. Both defenders were part of the Golden generation of Spanish football where they won back-to-back three international trophies from 2008 to 2012. 

Pique, who won 39 trophies for FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Spain, had a stellar career as a defender. The FC Barcelona legend won four Champions League titles along with 9 La Liga titles, which makes him one of the most successful defenders of all-time.

Meantime, Ramos who is one of highest scoring defenders in football history is known for his performances in clutch moments. Moreover, he was crucial for Real Madrid as a leader and defender while winning four Champions League for them.

Left-back 

Marcelo

Marcelo, the Brazilian defender is one of the most loved players of the modern era. Quoted by Cristiano Ronaldo as the one of the best players he has played with, the Real Madrid legend won 5 Champions League titles and 6 La Liga, all for the Los Blancos.

Marcelo played 546 games for Real Madrid while having 58 appearences for Brazil.

Attacking mid-field

Zinedine Zidane

Now if we are talking about class, clutch moments, flair and midfield greatness, you will have to have Zinedine Zidane in your playing XI. Lamine Yamal thus had the French and Real Madrid great in his playing XI.

Zidane, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner with Juventus, helped Franch win the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In total he won 16 major trophies in his career. 

Zidane formed a teriffic mid-field in that Galactico team in the mid 2000s with Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazario, David Beckham and Roberto Carlos. His peformance in big moments influenced Yamal chose over Barcelona legends like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets in his greatest football XI.

Zidane won only Champions League title, in which he scored in the final, against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

Read Also | Kylian Mbappe named all-time XI including Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldinho & Neymar

Neymar Jr.

Probbaly the greatest showstopper of the modern football, Neymar Jr., formed one of the greatest trios of football alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. 

The Brazilian's dribbling skill had made him one of the biggest attackers in the world which made PSG sign him for a controversial record fee of £200m. Neymar scored the most goals for his country, Brazil while raking up goals for teams like FC Barcelona, PSG and Santos.

Read Also | MSN vs BBC: Rivalry of football's greatest trio in stats

Lionel Messi

The greatest playmaker in football history, Lionel Messi was a no-brainer in Lamine Yamal's greatest football XI of all-time. With 46 trophies, Messi is the player with most trophies in football history. Moreover, the Agrentine is the player with most goal contributions in football history. 

El calendario solidario de la @FundacioFCB 2008 en colaboración con @sport protagonizado por Leo Messi, Lamine Yamal y otros jugadores del primer equipo. 🤩

Una acción social para recaudar fondos para UNICEF y para los programas de protección de la infancia de la Fundación Barça… pic.twitter.com/PHqBhEYGaT

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) July 10, 2024

The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner, just like Lamine Yamal himself, was a La Masia product. Not only that, he was the one who had early connection with Yamal, in a once-in-a-generation photos for UNESCO, where Messi was seen holding a toddler Lamine Yamal.

Messi, who has the record of most non-penalty goals in 21st century, scored the most goals for FC Barcelona and Argentina and surely will be there in everyone's all-time football XI. 

Right Wing

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho's presence on the right wing proves how much Lamine Yamal is influenced with Brazilian style of football. Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner was one of the most eye-catching footballers of his time. 

The former FC Barcelona legend had the flair, style and skill which made even the opponents appreciate him. 

However his off-field life shoretned his carrer, which could have become more legendary. He won 11 major trophies including one Champions League and one FIFA World Cup.

Read Also | Top 12 players with most hat-tricks in football in the 21st century

Left Wing

Cristiano Ronaldo

The greatest goalscorer of the world with 938 goals and counting for his clubs and country combined, is a must in any World XI. Ronaldo, who started as a winger at Manchester United, became a goal scoring machine at Real Madrid. 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has won 36 major trophies in his career, including 5 Champions League titles and one European Championships.

Ronaldo's pace, agression, and will to score goal is an asset for any team and looks like Yamal knows that too.

Striker

Ronaldo Nazario

Now, here is the ultimate striker. The finishing skill, goal scoring ability, flair, agression, shooting and the ball control - all of these makes Ronaldo Nazario the ultimate striker. 

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is the youngest winner of the award, when he won it in 1997 while playing for Inter Milan, after a successful 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Read Also | The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team

Ronaldo won 18 major trophies in his career and is the only player on this list two have played for both Ral Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, he is the only player not to win the Champions League which he has compensted by winning two FIFA World Cup titles.

A game like football is filled with passion, skill, and intense moments. In a fast paced sport like this, player discipline and sportsmanship in the field of play matters a lot. We have witnessed players crossing the line multiple times and get a Yellow Card for it.

Sometimes, things get too far and even leads to a sanction of Red Card. These cards are direct consequences of actions that are too serious for a game.

But what exactly is it and who has the most red cards in football history? We will answer all of it for you here.

Understanding the Red Card

A red card is one of the most severe penalties a player can receive during a match. It is a physical card that the referee holds up to show a player as to warrant their removal from the game.

Once a player receives the card, they must leave the game immediately and cannot be replaced by another teammate. This marks a disadvantage for the team as they has to play with one less player for the rest of the match.

It also leads to suspension as the red-carded player faces a ban from playing in future matches. The length of the ban depends on severity of the offense.

Read Also: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

When is a Red Card awarded?

Red cards are given for serious offenses. These can include:

• Serious foul play: for example- a two-footed tackle from behind
• Violent conduct such as physical aggression towards match officials, opponent, or others.
• Any act of spitting (at an opponent or other person)
• Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO)
• Using offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures
• Receiving a second Yellow Card in the same match

Who has the most Red Cards in Football?

The highest count of red cards received by a player is 46 in the history of football. We have prepared an accurate list of Top 10 players who received it the most times. This includes some popular names from around the globe.

Get ready to read them all:

10. Fernando Amorebiata (19 red cards) | Venezuela

• Apperances: 398
• Red Cards: 19
• Yellow Cards: 142

The former Venezuelan centre-back, Fernando Amorebiata, holds the 10th position with 19 red cards in his career. Known for his physical defensive style, and an imposing height of 6'4, his presence in the backline for clubs like Athletic Bilbao was always felt.

He left his mark as a feared defender, who often intimidated the opponents, a little too forcefully, which led to this number of red cards.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

9. Matteo Contini (20 red cards) | Italy

• Appearances: 534
• Red Cards: 20
• Yellow Cards: 162

The Italian defender Matteo Contini had an aggressive and commited approach to winning, that often got him at the centre of heated moments. Throughout his career with various Italian clubs like Parma and AC Milan, he received 20 red cards.

From elbowing Gonzalo Higuain in a match against Real Madrid, to other fouls that tested the patience of referees, Matteo became one among the infamous list of red cards.

8. Felipe Melo (20 red cards) | Brazil

• Appearances: 804
• Red Cards: 20
• Yellow Cards: 258

The former Brazilian midfielder, Felipe Melo, is widely known for not just his defensive contributions, but mostly for his fiery temper. His determination to win and going to extremes for that led to 20 red cards throughout his career.

Melo received a red card and a three-game ban for an aerial kung-fu kick against Lazio's Lucas Biglia in an intense clash. His violent stamping on Arjen Robben also got him one, along with many other fouls.

His streak of fouls led to intense criticism in Brazil, which worsened as Melo got into a fight with the fans. He is also the player with highest number of yellow cards (258) in this list.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

7. Rafael Marquez (21 red cards) | Mexico

• Appearances: 633
• Red Cards: 21
• Yellow Cards: 150

One of the best Mexican footballers, Rafael Marquez, hold the 7th position with 21 red cards in 633 appearances. He got them while playing for his nation, as well as for Barcelona, back in his club career.

Despite his calmness on field, Marquez was involved in several extreme fouls, which includes leaving a high boot on an opponent's chest, a deliberate aerial head-butt on Cobi Jones, and many more such incidents.

6. Paolo Montero (21 red cards) | Uruguay

• Appearances: 436
• Red Cards: 21
• Yellow Cards: 70

The former Uruguayan defender, Paolo Montero, holds the unwanted record of receiving most no. of red cards in the history of Serie A. He received multiple while playing for Juventus and struggled with disciplinary issues in a particular period.

Montero got 21 red cards in total, which places him in the 6th rank in here.

5. Alexis Ruano Delgado (22 red cards) | Spain

• Appearances: 428
• Red Cards: 22
• Yellow Cards: 135

Alexis Ruano Delgado, the Spanish defender, was another strong presence in the central defense. Throughout his career in La Liga, he got involved in several damaging encounters, which led to 22 red cards and placed him at the top 5 of most red cards in football history.

Read Also: Football facts: Players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever

4. Cyril Rool (25 red cards) | France

• Apperances: 443
• Red Cards: 25
• Yellow Cards: 177

French midfielder Cyril Rool was one of the most infamously aggressive players of his generation. His playing style was full of strong tackles and a hot temper. He accumulated 25 red cards in his career.

Rool was highly criticised for his obscene gesture opponents' bench of Monaco, which earned him a red card in 2003.

3. Edgar Davids (25 red cards) | Netherlands

• Appearances: 581
• Red Cards: 25
• Yellow Cards: 106

The iconic Dutch midfielder, Edgar Davids, enters he top 3 of most red cards in football with a count of 25. Known as "The Pitbull" for his ferocious tackling, he often got involved in confrontations.

His brilliant career is inversely proportional with the kind of disciplinary record he had (106 yellow cards, 25 red cards).

2. Sergio Ramos (30 red cards) | Spain

• Appearances: 825
• Red Cards: 30
• Yellow Cards: 244

The Spanish defender, Sergio Ramos, is a living legend known for his leadership, skillset, and his notoriously high number of red cards. His fierce and competitive nature often led to taking out his frustration on opponents.

Ramos has been sent off multiple times against Barcelona in El Classicos. His attempts to stop Lionel Messi from scoring was once labelled as "criminal tackle" due to its intensity. With 30 red cards, he is currently the most red-carded player in top-tier European football history.

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

1. Gerardo Bedoya (46 red cards) | Colombia

• Appearances: 319
• Red Cards: 46
• Yellow Cards: 118

The Colombian defensive midfielder, Gerardo Bedoya holds the most red cards in football by a big margin. His aggressive presence and tendency of going physical, accumulated a total 46 red cards, which will be unmatched for a long time.

Bedoya was sent off the field many times, along with multiple bans. His major offence got him suspended from 15 matches straight. He was also known as world's "dirtiest" footballer, for his records of red cards and fouls.

In Europe, the Champions League is seen as the most demanding title among players, managers, and clubs from all over Europe. The Giant clubs compete for this specific trophy every year, with the prestige and financial rewards received from the tournament being among the biggest in club football.

Achieving success in this competition is usually seen by most players and managers as the benchmark of club-level achievement in Europe. For many managers, winning the Champions League is the ultimate goal.

Some managers, however, have managed to win the competition multiple times, some with multiple teams as well. Without further due, here are the interesting football facts of the five managers with the most Champions League titles.

Read Also: Barcelona 2008/09 vs Man City 2022/23 - which Pep Guardiola treble team is better?

Football Facts: Managers with the most UCL titles 

Pep Guardiola | 3 Champions League titles

Many regard Pep Guardiola as the greatest manager of his generation due to his success with all the clubs he has managed. The Spanish manager has won the competition thrice in his managerial career, two times with FC Barcelona and once with Manchester City.

Guardiola won his first Champions League title in his first season in charge of Barcelona, with his side defeating Manchester United 2-0 in 2008-09 as part of their first-ever treble. The former Barcelona midfielder was 38 years old at the time, making him the youngest manager to win the competition to date.

He won his second title two years later in the 2010-11 season, defeating the same opponent 3-1 in the final. Lionel Messi was the star of both triumphs, scoring both times.

Then he managed Bayern but wasn't able to bring any Champions League titles to the German Club. Finally, his 12-year wait came to an end when Manchester City defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in the Final of the UCL 2022-23 season.

Read Also | European treble winners in men's football history

Zinedine Zidane | 3 Champions League titles

Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid in its most dominant period of the 21st century. The Frenchman won three titles with Los Blancos in three years in charge of the club.

Zidane won his first title just four months after he replaced Rafael Benitez as manager of Real Madrid. He led the side to defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties in the 2015-16 final.

The next season, Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final for their 12th crown.

Zidane led Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the 2017-18 final. The Frenchman is the only manager in history to win the competition three consecutive times. He is also the first and only French manager to win the competition to date.

Bob Paisley | 3 European Cups

Bob Paisley was a Liverpool soccer player, manager, and administrator for almost 50 years. 

No football manager demonstrated the art of leading quietly and without ego more than Bob Paisley. He won twenty trophies in nine years for Liverpool Football Club between 1974 and 1983.

He brought 3 European Cups, six League Championships (including three in a row in 1981, 1982, and 1983), three League Cups, 6 Charity Shields, one UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Paisley is the only British manager to win the European Cup three times. Bob is now regarded as one of the best soccer managers of all time.

Carlo Ancelotti | 5 Champions League titles

Carlo Ancelotti is one of football's managerial greats of the 21st century. The Italian manager has won five Champions League titles in his time as a manager, having also won the competition twice as a player.

Ancelotti won his first Champions League title in the 2002-03 season with AC Milan as his side defeated Juventus on penalties in the final. He won his second title in the 2006-07 season as AC Milan defeated Liverpool 2-1.

Ancelotti won his third title with Real Madrid in the 2013-14 season after his side defeated Atlético Madrid 4-1. His fourth title came in the 2021-22 season with Real Madrid once again after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.

He completed his fifth win in the Champions League as a manager in the 2023-24 season when Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund by 2-0 in the final.

The Italian manager is also the only manager to win all of Europe's top five leagues.

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Football Facts: Managers with the most UCL titles (Top Ten)

The Champions League has always been a huge honour for any team. Teams like Real Madrid have won the trophy as many as 15 times while AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich have won found success in Europe's biggest club competition. 

As a result, the players from such elite teams as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, and AC Milan dominate the charts of players with the most Champions League titles.

Also Read: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

Players who have won the most Champions League titles

Iconic Real Madrid left-winger Paco Gento used to hold the record for the most Champions League titles by a player. He has won six trophies in his 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled his record and became the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. 

Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is tied up at 5 UCL titles with players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Larence Seedorf as well as other Real Madrid giants in Hector Rial and Marquitos, Lucas Vázquez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and a few others.

Also Read: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League Goals

Former Barcelona superstars, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and Gerard Pique won four titles as a player. 

List of Players who have won more than four UCL titles:

US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Trump was unaware of the ban

Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"

"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."

Trump on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it ‘could be a good incentive’ for Putin.

Also Read: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina

"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.

"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."

Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.