We present to you the top 10 Argentine defenders in history,Tango is considered one of the greatest footballing powers in the world, having given the game unforgettable defenders throughout its long history. 

Argentine players have achieved historic accomplishments both at club and national team levels, making them stand out in the memory of football fans—not only for the Tango dancers.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 Argentine defenders all time, who left an unforgettable mark on the world of football.

Top 10 Argentina Defenders

1 – Daniel Passarella

The first Argentine to lift the World Cup trophy, and the only one to win it twice, Daniel Passarella is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history.

A commanding centre-back or sweeper, he played for River Plate, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan, combining excellent reading of the game with an impressive scoring record of over 130 career goals. Captain of Argentina’s victorious 1978 World Cup team, he was also part of the 1986 squad but was sidelined by enterocolitis and didn’t feature during the tournament.

2 – Javier Zanetti

With 145 caps between 1994 and 2011, Javier Zanetti is considered one of the finest right-backs of all time.

Nicknamed El Tractor for his relentless stamina and tireless runs up and down the flank, he could also slot into midfield. A former Argentina captain, Zanetti appeared in two World Cups, though surprisingly missed out on the 2006 and 2010 squads. At club level, he made over 850 appearances for Inter Milan, becoming a legend there and an integral part of José Mourinho’s treble-winning side in 2009/10.

3 – Oscar Ruggeri

A tough, uncompromising centre-back with nearly 100 caps, Oscar Ruggeri is among Argentina’s most iconic defenders.

He played a pivotal role in the 1986 World Cup victory and the 1990 runners-up finish, also lifting Copa América titles in 1991 and 1993. At club level, he began with Boca Juniors before a controversial move to River Plate, later enjoying spells at Real Madrid and being named South American Footballer of the Year in 1991.

4 – Roberto Ayala

Tenacious in the tackle and dominant in the air, Roberto Ayala earned over 100 caps for Argentina between 1994 and 2007, captaining the side for much of his career.

He twice finished runner-up in the Copa América (2004, 2007), but led the Olympic squad to gold in Athens 2004. At Valencia, he enjoyed seven seasons, winning two La Liga titles, a UEFA Cup, and reaching a Champions League final. Ayala also played for River Plate, Napoli, and AC Milan.

5 – José Luis Brown

Unattached to any club at the time, José Luis Brown was a surprise call-up for the 1986 World Cup – yet became a national hero.

Replacing the ill Passarella, he scored his only international goal with a header in the final against West Germany. Despite dislocating his shoulder late in the match, he refused to be substituted, cutting a hole in his shirt to support his arm while bravely seeing out the game.

6 – Rafael Albrecht

Rafael Albrecht represented Argentina in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups and won a national championship with San Lorenzo before moving to Mexico to play for Club León and Atlas.

Renowned as a penalty specialist, he would wait for the goalkeeper’s movement before deciding his shot, scoring 95 career goals – an extraordinary tally for a defender.

7 – Alberto Tarantini

An iconic left-back of the 1970s and early 1980s, Alberto Tarantini was part of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup-winning squad and earned a place in the tournament’s All-Star XI.

At club level, he lifted the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors in 1977, had a brief stint at Birmingham City, and later returned to Argentina with Talleres and River Plate. He retired from international duty after the 1982 World Cup.

8 – Nicolás Otamendi

Part of a generation that endured several near misses, Nicolás Otamendi eventually enjoyed glory with Argentina later in his career.

The experienced centre-back has earned over 100 caps and was a defensive leader in the 2022 World Cup triumph, as well as the Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024. At club level, he spent a successful spell with Manchester City among others.

9 – Roberto Perfumo

Nicknamed El Mariscal (The Marshal), Roberto Perfumo was an elegant centre-back who began as a midfielder. He represented Argentina at the 1966 and 1974 World Cups, winning 37 caps.

At club level, he was a cornerstone of Racing Club’s golden era, winning league titles, a Copa Libertadores, and an Intercontinental Cup. Perfumo later starred for Cruzeiro in Brazil and also River Plate.

10 – Luis Galván

Luis Galván partnered Passarella in central defense during Argentina’s 1978 World Cup triumph and also featured in the 1982 tournament.

Debuting in 1975 under César Luis Menotti, who wanted to give opportunities to players outside the big clubs, Galván went on to collect more than 30 caps. He was especially praised for his strong display in the 1978 final.

And with that, we have presented to you the top 10 Argentine defenders of All Time, ranked in order.