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Few positions in football have undergone as dramatic a transformation as the fullback role in the modern era.
Gone are the days when right backs and left backs could idle on the halfway line, scrambling back the moment possession was lost. Today's fullbacks must be dynamic attackers and precise distributors, contributing goals and assists while still fulfilling their defensive responsibilities.
The Premier League is full of examples of these modern fullbacks as England embraces continental tactical ideas. Yet there is still a place for the traditional fullback — tough, no-nonsense, and focused on winning duels with wingers before quickly recycling the ball to a more creative player.
Determining the greatest of all time is inherently subjective, but here is who Sports Illustrated considers to be the finest right backs of the Premier League era.
How We Ranked the Premier League's Greatest Right Backs
Peak & Longevity—A player's highest level, how long they sustained it, and their overall consistency throughout their Premier League career.
Ability—The eye test carries weight. Technical skill, tactical awareness, defensive contribution, leadership and influence all played a major role in our rankings.
Legacy—Trophies, personal accolades, memorable moments and the enduring impact each player left on both their club and the Premier League as a whole.
10. Steve Finnan
Seamus Coleman, Stephen Carr and Gary Kelly were all outstanding Irish right backs, but Steve Finnan, who enjoyed his prime years at Liverpool in the mid-2000s, may well have been the finest and most underappreciated of the group.
A dependable option for both Gérard Houllier and Rafael Benítez, Finnan possessed a right foot capable of picking out any striker in the box — most notably Peter Crouch. He had exceptional stamina, consistently bombing up and down the right flank, and crucially he understood the art of defending — something not every modern fullback has truly mastered.
9. Bacary Sagna
Much like his international compatriot, teammate and fellow fullback Gaël Clichy, Bacary Sagna split his Premier League career between Arsenal and Manchester City, making the switch from north London to Manchester in 2014.
Nevertheless, it was during his time with the Gunners that Sagna shone brightest, delivering a series of outstanding performances on the right side of Arsène Wenger's backline.
The 65-cap France international made 267 Premier League appearances and deserved to end his time in England with considerably more silverware than just an FA Cup and League Cup to his name.
8. Lauren
Lauren was a key member of an Arsenal squad that scaled remarkable heights in the early 2000s, cementing his place in the starting XI under Wenger following a difficult first season at Highbury.
The Cameroonian's development was integral to the Gunners winning two Premier League titles, including the iconic Invincibles campaign of 2003–04.
He was not a prolific contributor in the attacking third, though he was never afraid to join the attack — not that it was strictly necessary given the wealth of talent Arsenal had out wide.
7. Branislav Ivanovic
Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic was a menace in the air, frequently arriving at the back post to deliver the crucial touch for Chelsea inside the penalty area. His powerful runs forward and timely finishes made him a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge — 22 Premier League goals a testament to his effectiveness in the final third.
He was equally impressive as a defender: commanding in the challenge, deceptively rapid and capable of holding his own against quick and physical forwards. His adaptability proved invaluable to Chelsea, as he performed superbly at right back while also excelling when deployed at center back.
6. Cesar Azpilicueta
Fullbacks are known for their wholehearted commitment, and César Azpilicueta embodied that quality more than almost anyone. The tireless Spaniard gave everything in pursuit of victory, willing to cover every inch of the pitch and put his body on the line without hesitation.
Yet it is easy to overlook just how technically accomplished Azpilicueta was during his time at Chelsea. He registered ten goals and 36 assists across 349 Premier League outings and demonstrated the flexibility to operate as a wingback or center back when required.
Chelsea's captain for several seasons, he won the Premier League title on two separate occasions.