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Football is a dynamic game, and sometimes players become even better when they change positions. Whether it is due to a manager’s decision or the player’s natural evolution, switching roles on the pitch can unlock new levels of performance. Some of the greatest players in football history found success after a big position change.
From midfielders turned defenders to wingers who became strikers, here are seven footballers who changed positions and became even better.
1. Gareth Bale – Left-back to Winger/Forward
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Bale began his professional career at Southampton and early on at Tottenham Hotspur as a left-back. Although he showed great pace and crossing ability, he struggled defensively and often found himself on the losing side.
His career transformed when Harry Redknapp pushed him forward into an attacking winger role. Suddenly, Bale’s blistering speed, powerful shots, and ability to beat defenders made him one of the most dangerous players in Europe.
At his peak, Bale earned a world-record transfer to Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles and became a club legend. His positional switch turned him into a global star.
2. Vincent Kompany – Defensive Midfielder to Centre-back
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Kompany started out as a defensive midfielder in his early days at Hamburg and during his youth career. While he had the physical presence and tackling ability, it was not until he was moved to centre-back at Manchester City that his true potential emerged.
Kompany became a rock at the back and a natural leader. He captained City to multiple Premier League titles, including their first in 44 years in 2012. His vision, composure, and ability to read the game made him one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
The position switch helped him become a club icon and a respected leader in world football.
3. Thierry Henry – Winger to Striker
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When Arsène Wenger brought Henry to Arsenal in 1999, he was mostly used as a left winger. His time at Juventus had not gone well, and many doubted his ability to thrive in the Premier League.
Wenger made a bold decision to convert Henry into a central striker, and it changed football history. Henry became the face of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” team, scoring stunning goals with flair and intelligence. He finished as Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and won multiple Premier League Golden Boots.
Henry’s move from the wing to striker made him one of the greatest forwards of all time.
4. Joshua Kimmich – Right-back to Central Midfielder
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Kimmich joined Bayern Munich as a promising right-back, impressing with his discipline and consistency. Under Pep Guardiola and later Hansi Flick, Kimmich slowly transitioned into central midfield, where he became even more effective.
As a midfielder, Kimmich controls the tempo, breaks up play, and creates chances. He is now seen as one of the most complete midfielders in world football, regularly topping stats for passes, assists, and interceptions.
His intelligence and versatility made the transition smooth, and today Kimmich is the heart of both Bayern Munich and Germany’s midfield.
5. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Winger to Midfielder
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Early in his career, Schweinsteiger was a winger for Bayern Munich. Though he was talented, he lacked the pace and flair of a top-class wide player.
His career changed when Louis van Gaal converted him into a central midfielder. From that point on, Schweinsteiger blossomed into a world-class engine in the middle of the park. His strength, passing range, and football intelligence made him a key figure for both club and country.
He helped Germany win the 2014 FIFA World Cup and guided Bayern Munich to numerous Bundesliga titles and the 2013 UEFA Champions League.
6. Antonio Valencia – Winger to Right-back
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Valencia made his name as a right winger with Wigan Athletic and in his early days at Manchester United. Known for his speed and strength, he delivered dangerous crosses and scored goals.
Later in his United career, especially under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, Valencia was moved to right-back — a decision that paid off. He became more consistent defensively while still offering an attacking outlet.
Valencia’s reinvention helped him extend his Manchester United career and captain the team. His ability to adapt made him one of the most trusted players at Old Trafford for nearly a decade.
7. Sergio Ramos – Right-back to Centre-back
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Ramos started his career as a right-back at Sevilla and continued in that role when he joined Real Madrid. While he showed great potential, it was not until he was moved to centre-back that his full ability shone through.
Ramos became one of the most complete defenders in football history. His aerial strength, tackling, leadership, and eye for goals from set-pieces made him a key player in Real Madrid’s golden era.
He won five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles with Los Blancos, also leading Spain to Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012.
Ramos’s position switch gave him the platform to become a football icon and captain his club and country to glory.
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