Former Manchester United and England striker, Wayne Rooney, has revealed the five toughest defenders he faced during his illustrious Champions League career — with a surprise name topping his list.
Speaking on his personal podcast, Rooney reflected on the fierce competition he encountered in Europe’s premier club competition. The 39-year-old, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, claimed that the defenders he came up against on the continent were “nastier” and “smarter” than their Premier League counterparts.
Rooney, who made 88 appearances in the Champions League for United, ranked some of football’s most iconic defenders, highlighting their intelligence, physicality, and tactical nous as key challenges throughout his career.
In fifth place, Rooney selected legendary Italian centre-back Alessandro Nesta, praising his calmness and positioning. Nesta, who spent the bulk of his career at AC Milan, was widely regarded as one of the most elegant defenders of his generation.
Another former Milan player, Paolo Maldini, was ranked third. The Italian icon, known for his leadership and consistency, partnered with Nesta for many years in one of the most formidable defensive line-ups in football history.
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In fourth place came Ricardo Carvalho, formerly of Chelsea and Real Madrid. Rooney lauded the Portuguese international for his reading of the game and aggressive yet subtle style of defending.
Rooney’s second spot went to former team-mate and Spanish international Gerard Piqué. The pair briefly played together at United before Piqué returned to Barcelona, where he became a central figure in their Champions League dominance.
Topping the list in first place was Chelsea legend John Terry — a surprise inclusion given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs and the history they share. It was Terry who famously missed a decisive penalty in the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow, slipping as he struck the ball, allowing United to eventually claim victory in the shootout.
Despite that infamous moment, Rooney was full of praise for the former England captain. “John Terry was tough — aggressive, smart, and always up for the battle,” he said. “You knew you were in for a game whenever you faced him.”
Rooney’s selections offer a glimpse into the respect top players have for their fiercest rivals and the challenges they face on Europe’s biggest stage.
