The names Matt Clarke, Christian Burgess and Jack Whatmough instantly spring to mind for many but there have been other defenders who have gone on to have successful careers.
However there have been other career paths for others, who have gone into coaching and technical roles.
And no doubt there’s been a few who wore royal blue who slipped your minds...
We take a look at where Pompey’s 23 central defenders over the past decade have ended up.
Here’s what we found.
9. Jack Whatmough
Another player to come through the academy at Pompey, Whatmough made his first outing as a central midfielder in 2013 but was returned to his natural position soon after and made 136 appearances in total before joining Wigan in 2021. He is currently mounting a promotion push with his new side who sit second in League One. Photo: Mike Hewitt
10. Adam Webster
Webster came through the ranks at Fratton Park, he made his first appearance in 2012 and played 91 times for the Blues before leaving in 2018. After playing for Ipswich and Bristol City, he would make a big £20m move to Premier League side Brighton in 2019 and has been rumoured to be called up to the England squad. Photo: The News
11. Joe Devera
The 35-year-old joined Pompey in 2013 for free after a successful spell at Swindon. Despite being involved in the Robins’ play-off League One campaign he joined Pompey and played 8 times before leaving in 2015. He would go on to play 72 times for Boreham Wood and retired in 2017 Photo: Joe Pepler
12. Sonny Bradley
The ex-Aldershot man spent a single season at Fratton Park making 39 appearances during the 2013-14 season. The 30-year-old has since played for Crawley and Plymouth before having a successful career at Luton where he has become one of the standout defenders in the Championship. Photo: Joe Pepler