You know how conceding many goals would be detrimental to your team’s success, right? Well, that’s where quality defenders come in.
Over the past decades, we’ve watched some of the best defenders exert command in their backline, dictating for the rest of the players to score decisive goals.
In our pubs, match centres, and homes, we’ve sat in front of our TV screens (although some are documentaries) to watch iconic names like Alessandro Nesta, Franz Beckenbauer, and Bobby Moore dominate the game.
But who are the best legs in this position? From Ruben Dias, Sergio Ramos, and Virgil van Dijk to the next gens like Alphonso Davies, Interesting Football takes a look at the best defenders in the world right now.
20. Marquinhos
Marquinhos is one of the long-standing players at Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian centre-back has been part of the team since 2013.
Marquinhos is known for putting out quality displays, and his ability to play right-back or a defensive midfielder makes him rank among the best defenders in world football.
19. Pau Cubarsi
Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi is another name that cannot be forgotten on the list. He has been one of the regulars in the first team.
Pau Cubarsi is currently one of the best talents in world football and continued to stand tall in his position.
18. Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero has been a joy to watch at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium since his arrival in 2022. The 24-year-old centre-back also played a significant role in helping Argentina lift the World Cup trophy in 2022.
Although he hasn’t been in his best form since his return from the World Cup, he remains a key player at the club.
17. Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez is one of the most decent defenders in Serie A. The Frenchman is a key player at Milan.
He won the Serie A with Milan and played a significant role in the team. He is known for his confidence, pace, and physical presence, which makes it difficult for opponents to thrive in his position.
Theo Hernandez has been playing an advanced role at AC Milan. He is sometimes allowed to play more offensively and has been largely successful.
16. Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni is one of the best centre-backs and a key member of the Inter Milan squad in the Italian Serie A. The 23-year has proven to be a reliable player for the Nerazzurri in the current campaign.
Alessandro Bastoni is a player on the rise. He is highly talented and continues to gain more experience.
This season, he has made several appearances for Inter Milan. His performance has drawn interest from top European clubs.
15. Eder Militão
Éder Militão is one of the most consistent players in Real Madrid. The Brazilian has established himself as a fantastic and reliable player in the defence of Los Blancos, forming a working partnership with Antonio Rüdiger.
At times, he has turned out to be the match-winner for the Los Blancos as he scores particularly with his head which resembles that of club legend Sergio Ramos.
14. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has been on the rise for quite a while. The right-back showed his class at the last World Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in the defence for the Moroccan Men’s National Football team as they finished fourth in the tournament.
He has also been a consistent figure at Paris Saint-Germain since he arrived in 2021. He is a unique player who could play either left back, right, or as a winger.
Hakimi is a modern fullback whose capability goes beyond the defensive side but effectively in the offensive role.
13. Ibrahima Konate
It is no surprise Ibrahima Konate is included in the list which is largely due to his consistency under the Liverpool new boss.
He has played a key role this season even as Liverpool led the Premier League table. He has formed a strong defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
12. Dani Carvajal
One of the biggest names in world football is Dani Carvajal who stood up to the occasion as Spain lifted the European Football Championship.
The Real Madrid captain was one of the senior players in the national team as they went on to win the title while creating more records.
Dani Carvajal has been one of the mainstays in Real Madrid squad. He established himself as a modern defender whose contributions are in the defensive and offensive positions.
11. Alphonso Davies
Canadian soccer star Alphonso Davies can deliver as a winger and in his left-back position. The 22-year olds five-star performance against Barcelona in the 2020 Champions League remains one of the highest points of his career.
He is considered one of the best defenders in football due to his creativity, dribbling, and pace.
Since 2019, he has made a big impact at Bayern Munich and transformed into one of the most valuable players in Europe.
10. Gabriel Magalhaes
Another name that cannot be ignored on the top list is the Arsenal man Gabriel Magalhaes who has continued to top the charts.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been one of the most consistent players at arsenal, forming a defensive partnership with William Saliba who also makes the list.
The Brazilian is known for his aggressive style of play. While taking the position as a defensive stalwart, he is shown to be offensive occasionally.
9. John Stones
John Stones has been a longstanding player in the English Premier League and has continued to rank on the top list.
The English footballer is known for his level of ball possession tactical approach to the game.
8. Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol is arguably one of the best players at Manchester city who immediately established himself under Pep Guardiola.
He is currently one of the best signings by Pep Guardiola lately. The Croatian international joined the Manchester based club from RB Leipzig.
One of the high points of his career was during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar where he played a significant role throughout the competition with Croatia.
At the club level, he played an integral role as Manchester city went on to win the historic treble.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the most outstanding players at Liverpool since he broke into the first team in 2016. The English defender has played a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
He has successfully established himself as one of the world’s best full-backs.
But this season, his defensive and offensive attributes have attracted criticism. However, his role in the full-back position has been helpful to the team, even though some would prefer he plays in the midfield.
6. David Alaba
David Alaba has consistently shown decency and fewer mistakes, and leadership qualities. The Austrian defender commanded a significant role at Bayern Munich, where he helped the club to several Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.
Upon his arrival at Real Madrid, he established the same level and quickly cemented his position in the first team. He also helped the club to lift the Champions League title in his first season.
Alaba’s flawlessness makes him among the most elite players in world football today. He could play as a centre-back or left-back. He is also known for his outstanding set pieces.
5. Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji is arguably one of the best players at Manchester city as he seized the opportunity handed to him by head coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The Swiss soccer player joined the club in 2022 from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
Fast forward to 2025, he is one of the most reliable players at Manchester city. Interestingly, he has continued to flourish in different positions and makes him one of the most versatile players.
Another high point of his career was his performance with the Swiss national during the Euro 2024 which earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.
4. Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias has evolved into one of the best defenders in the English Premier League. The Portuguese instantly impacted Manchester City, winning the Premier League Player of the Season in his first season.
Fast forward to 2023, Ruben Dias is ranked among the best defenders in the world due to his defensive prowess and consistency.
This season, he is the only player with the most appearances for Manchester City. He has been a decisive factor in the defence for the Citizens as Pep Guardiola’s men press forward for more titles.
3. William Saliba
William Saliba has been transformed to be one of the best defenders in the world.
The Frenchman has established himself as one of the key members of the arsenal defense. He has been known for his versatility and physically.
Statistics show that William Saliba has a success rate in one-on-one duels as well as playing offensively. That said, he is a defensive minded player who is also reliable.
2. Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger arrived at Real Madrid in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the most preferred options in the defence. The German footballer has consistently played a key role in the defence for Los Blancos.
So far, he has won the Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in his first season at the Bernabéu and is currently helping the team in the Champions League as he looks set to lift the trophy with two different clubs.
This season, Antonio Rüdiger has slotted seamlessly into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real Madrid.
1. Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk and Liverpool have endured a troubled season. The Dutchman has featured several times and has played more minutes in all competitions.
His underwhelming form has undoubtedly changed the dynamics in the defence for the Reds. However, the 31-year-old is one of the players consistently producing their best performance.