The 25 Best Centre Backs in World Football – Ranked
Centre backs are the backbone of any great team—leaders, warriors, and tacticians who blend steel with composure. From raw potential to established dominance, these 25 defenders have mastered the most demanding role in the modern game. Here's a breakdown of the best in the business, ranked from #25 to #1.
25. Ousmane Diomande – Sporting CP
Diomande was a rock in Sporting CP's back three as they made history with consecutive league titles. His anticipation, aerial dominance, and rapid development mark him as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe.
24. Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
A rising star for Everton, Branthwaite has become the perfect complement to Tarkowski’s rugged style. He’s elegant on the ball and tough in the tackle—a defender you can build around.
23. Robin Le Normand – Atlético Madrid
Simeone’s latest defensive weapon, Le Normand doesn’t rely on crunching tackles but rather reads the game like a seasoned strategist. His smart positioning and anticipation are shaping a more modern version of Atleti’s backline.
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22. Illya Zabarnyi – Bournemouth
Zabarnyi’s intelligent passing and physical style have helped Bournemouth’s meteoric rise under Iraola. He’s already playing like a seasoned professional with elite potential.
21. Nico Schlotterbeck – Borussia Dortmund
Schlotterbeck was vital in Dortmund’s Champions League run, excelling as a front-foot defender. He’s aggressive, technical, and now a leader in the German game.
20. António Silva – Benfica
Silva has already surpassed 100 games for Benfica and looks every bit the future of Portugal’s defence. Composed, physically strong, and commanding, he’s a blueprint for the modern centre back.
19. Piero Hincapié – Bayer Leverkusen
Aggressive and energetic, Hincapié thrived under Xabi Alonso’s system at Leverkusen. He presses high, moves the ball fast, and defends with a fiery South American edge.
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18. Micky van de Ven – Tottenham
Injuries have stalled his momentum, but Van de Ven remains the fastest defender in the Premier League. When fit, his combination of speed and reach makes him nearly unbeatable.
17. Manuel Akanji – Manchester City
Akanji’s intelligence and versatility make him a vital asset for Guardiola’s City. Like a chess master, he shuts down plays before they unfold.
16. Gleison Bremer – Juventus
Juventus felt Bremer’s absence after his ACL injury, showing just how central he is to their defence. Physically dominant and tactically sharp, he elevates those around him.
15. Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace
The heartbeat of Palace’s defence, Guéhi shone in their FA Cup triumph and England’s Euro run. Calm under pressure and dangerous at set pieces, he’s one for the future.
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14. Rúben Dias – Manchester City
Though no longer the unstoppable force of 2021, Dias remains City’s vocal leader at the back. His intelligence and resilience continue to define him.
13. Murillo – Nottingham Forest
Murillo is a ball-playing centre back who brings excitement and aggression. Short for a CB, but fierce, creative, and incredibly hard to beat.
12. Jonathan Tah – Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen’s title-winning foundation began with Tah, whose composure and strength drew Bayern’s interest. A true professional, he delivered consistency until his high-profile transfer.
11. Cristian Romero – Tottenham
Romero is a passionate warrior and serial winner, now with a Europa League title under his belt. His intensity is both his weapon and his weakness.
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10. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid
Huijsen went from Roma loanee to Real Madrid’s future in a single year. Tall, composed, and bold in possession, he’s destined for stardom if managed carefully.
9. Willian Pacho – PSG
Pacho made his mark with a standout moment in the Champions League final and never looked back. Strong, quick, and fearless—he's a new-age defensive monster.
8. Marquinhos – PSG
Marquinhos has become the true leader of PSG’s backline. He’s more than a defender—he’s a general who organizes, inspires, and performs at the highest level.
7. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona
Just a teenager, Cubarsí plays like a veteran forged in Barcelona’s golden age. Calm, intelligent, and elegant, he’s emerging as the heir to Puyol and Piqué.
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6. Ibrahima Konaté – Liverpool
Konaté combines brute strength with growing tactical discipline. He bullies even elite strikers and is evolving into a complete centre back.
5. Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal
Once considered the weak link, Gabriel now stands as Arsenal’s defensive rock. He’s dominant in the air, composed under pressure, and a major attacking threat on set pieces.
4. Antonio Rüdiger – Real Madrid
A one-of-a-kind character, Rüdiger blends chaos with control. Fearless and wild yet deeply intelligent, he’s a disruptive force in all the right ways.
3. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan
Bastoni channels Italy’s centre back legacy with elegance and grit. He’s a physical presence with elite passing and perfect positioning.
2. William Saliba – Arsenal
Saliba is Arsenal’s most complete defender since the Invincibles era. Graceful yet commanding, he deserves a team that can match his brilliance.
1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Van Dijk remains the gold standard—graceful, powerful, and impossibly complete. He makes defending look effortless and is still the one every striker dreads.
