Timeless Talent: Would Roberto Carlos Be The Best Left-Back in The Modern Era

There haven't been many players with a more lethal left-footed strike than Roberto Carlos, who often gave goalkeepers no chance when he let fly. Take, for example, his physics-defying free-kick for Brazil against France back in 1997.

Carlos enjoyed a trophy-laden career for both club and country, winning the World Cup, three Champions League trophies, and four La Liga titles, among a long list of major honours. He was a member of one of the greatest national teams in history, thriving alongside the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.

The legendary left-back certainly left his mark on the game and is used as a reference point for young prospects looking to make it as an attacking full-back. Seeing a player surge down the wing often brings back memories of him doing so at the Estadio Bernabeu.

With that said, it's interesting to ponder how Carlos would fare in today's game if he were playing at his peak. We have delved into the Brazilian icon and assessed whether he'd sit at the top of a long list of talented left-backs who get fans off their feet.

Roberto Carlos in Today's Game - Comparisons

Carlos almost transformed the full-back role, proving that a wide defender can serve as an outlet using creativity and pace. He is a blueprint for modern-day wing-backs, a position that has evolved since his playing days.

There's a reason he was nicknamed El Hombre Bala (The Bullet Man) and that's because of his explosive speed and powerful shooting ability. It's hard to find a player of this current generation with a similar profile because he was such a unique talent.

That said, Carlos' successor was undoubtedly Marcelo for both Brazil and Madrid. He played more as a playmaker than a traditional full-back, possessing incredible skill and inch-perfect crossing abilities.

As for a player who could give the Brazilian a run for his money in a beep test, you needn't look further than Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich star tears down the channel and uses his agility to cause havoc for the opposition.

There are also similarities between Carlos and AC Milan's Theo Hernandez, whose main attributes are his power and directness. The Frenchman isn't afraid to take his man on and also has an appetite for scoring goals.

When you assess the pool of left-backs making names for themselves nowadays, you point to the likes of PSG's Nuno Mendes, Madrid's Marc Cucurella, and Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori. While the trio are undoubtedly excellent, it's fair to say they don't quite have as big an impact on their teams as Carlos did.

Opinions - Past and Present Footballers and Fans

Carlos' impact on football is evident in the endless praise he receives from past and present players. As he has taken on mentorship since hanging up his boots, tapping into his knowledge and experience is exactly what Marcelo did after joining Madrid.

Marcelo took the baton from Carlos and followed in his footsteps at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian recalled conversations with the two-time Copa America winner and how seeing him in action served as inspiration (via Managing Madrid):

"When he was there, I just wanted to watch him train and play. That was enough. He helped me in every way. I still talk to him, and when I see him, I get nervous. Having him as my idol made it much easier."

England legend Gary Lineker once named Carlos in a 'Perfect XI' for FourFourTwo and made clear how his playing style fits the mdoern era:

"Together with Roberto Carlos, you've got the best combination of full-backs you'll ever see because he and Cafu are so good at getting up and down. In the modern game your width comes from your full-backs."

Carlos himself opined about how he'd fit into modern football and believes he'd be a more 'complete' player. He told BeIN Sports back in 2023:

"I don't know if I would be, as you said, the best left-back in the world. But I would be more complete. I would be much more complete with the modernity that exists today. In my time is was also good. But with this modern football, I would be a little better."

Last year, Fabrizio Romano asked his followers who the best left-back in history is. Most fans opted for Carlos with one responding:

"Kindly re~frame your question and ask; Who's the Second best Leftback in the World after Roberto Carlos."

Another added:

"In any league? Roberto Carlos. Prem - Ashley Cole. No questions at all."

Carlos is one of the few South Americans who resonated with European fans because of his thrilling playing style. Young people often transferred him to their favorite team in FIFA Career Mode, while many will remember his frightening left-footed 'gamebreakers' on FIFA Street.

Roberto Carlos in Today's Game - The Verdict

Imagine Carlos bombing down the wing to support Vinicius Junior in attack for Madrid in El Clasico. He'd be absolutely sublime to watch in action with his Brazilian compatriot for both club and country.

The question of whether Carlos would be the best left-back in modern-day football is easy to answer. At his very best, he wouldn't just take that honour, he'd be challenging for the Ballon d'Or.

When you watch a wing-back in current times, most if not all of them are reliant on the attributes that made Carlos such a huge success. He is simply the benchmark for wide defenders who hand their teams an advantage on the counter.