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.
17. Matt Clarke
Hailed by many Pompey fans as one of the best defenders to wear the shirt, the 25-year-old made 175 outings before joining Brighton in a big money move. He has since had two successful loan spells at Derby before spending this season on loan at promotion chasing West Brom. Photo: Joe Pepler
18. Tom Davies
The 29-year-old spent one season on the south coast making 17 appearances, which included helping Paul Cook’s side to promotion in 2017. He failed to be a part of Kenny Jacett’s plans and would make a deadline day move to Coventry before going on to play for Bristol Rovers, Barrow and Tranmere. Photo: Joe Pepler
19. Paul Downing
Downing was one of the men recruited to fill the shoes left by outgoing Matt Clarke in 2019. However he made just 11 league appearances before being sent out on loan to Rochdale where he has kept two clean sheets in his first five games. Photo: Joe Pepler
20. Sean Raggett
Raggett arrived on loan from Norwich in 2019 before an impressive season saw the 28-year-old arrive permanently. The former Norwich has shone during his two-and-a-half year stay which has seen him make 124 appearances as well as captaining this side on a number of occasions. Photo: Robin Jones