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Also called "libero" (Italian for "free"). A defender who sits behind the back line to mop up balls that get through. Unlike other defenders, the sweeper had license to carry the ball forward and start attacks. Beckenbauer, Baresi, and Sammer were famous for combining defensive work with creative passing from deep. The role has mostly vanished because modern teams play high lines and use the offside trap.
Franz Beckenbauer revolutionized the sweeper role for Germany and Bayern Munich in the 1970s, not just defending but orchestrating attacks from deep and even scoring crucial goals, including in the 1974 World Cup.
Robbie
Jan 24, 2026
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