1. Paolo Maldini
Maldini is one of the few players who have won the champions league five times. He won the European cup twice before it was rebranded and has a total of 140 in the competition, 109 after the rebrand. Paolo Maldini will always be remembered as one of the best defenders to have ever played in eight different finals and won three of them as captain. In 2003, he was named man of the match against Juventus in a final that finished 0-0, the only goalless final in the history of the tournament. He had the record for most appearances in the Serie A with 647 until he was overtaken by Buffon.
2. Carles Puyol
Puyol is often regarded as one of the best defenders and captains in the history of sports. He won three champions league trophies, all with Barcelona were he played his entire career. Carles Puyol had 115 appearances in the Barcelona’s competition. Carles was a natural leader and an extremely decorated player besides his three champions league trophies. He had 100 cups for Spain and won 18 major club titles including six La Liga trophies. A true legend of the game and one of the champions league best defenders in history.