The 25 Best Right-Backs in World Soccer – Ranked
Once a position reserved for the less glamorous figures of a football team, the right-back role has undergone a radical transformation. Today, it is a position of immense tactical importance—blending defensive steel with midfield intelligence and attacking flair. In this ranking, we celebrate the top 25 right-backs on the planet in 2025, starting from #25 to #1, each pushing the limits of what a full-back can be.
25. Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest
Ola Aina has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most dependable full-backs at Nottingham Forest. Capable at both ends of the pitch, the Nigeria international brings balance, experience, and physicality to the flank.
24. Wesley – Flamengo
Wesley remains under the radar in Europe but has lit up Brazil’s domestic league with Flamengo. His fearless runs and attacking mindset have made him a regular starter since 2023.
23. Malo Gusto – Chelsea
Chelsea’s French prodigy has shown flashes of brilliance since joining from Lyon. Often covering for the injured Reece James, Gusto is growing into a key asset with notable attacking upside.
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22. Conor Bradley – Liverpool
Conor Bradley’s rise from Bolton to Liverpool’s first team has been nothing short of remarkable. A fierce tackler and sharp attacker, he’s proving to be more than just Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy.
21. João Cancelo – Al Hilal
Though past his peak, Cancelo still boasts unmatched flair with the ball at his feet. Now playing in Saudi Arabia, his creativity and unpredictability remain potent weapons despite defensive lapses.
20. Diogo Dalot – Manchester United
Dalot may struggle with consistency, but his energy and commitment are never in doubt. When on form, he’s a dynamic runner and a genuine threat down the right for United.
19. Nahuel Molina – Atlético Madrid
Molina’s reliability has earned him regular starts for both Atlético Madrid and Argentina. His attacking output and defensive stability make him a quietly essential player.
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18. Lutsharel Geertruida – RB Leipzig
The Dutch defender brings pace, strength, and tactical versatility to RB Leipzig after his success with Feyenoord. Comfortable in several roles, Geertruida is making a smooth transition to Bundesliga football.
17. Josip Stanišić – Bayern Munich
Stanišić has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles—first on loan at Leverkusen and then back at Bayern. The Croatian is a solid, often overlooked presence who simply knows how to win.
16. Ben White – Arsenal
Initially questioned for his price tag, White has grown into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. Whether at centre-back or right-back, he performs with consistency and tactical maturity.
15. Marcos Llorente – Atlético Madrid
A midfielder at heart, Llorente thrives at right-back by applying his positional sense and explosive speed. His attacking instincts bring added dynamism to Atlético’s right flank.
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14. Konrad Laimer – Bayern Munich
Laimer has adapted to a new role at right-back due to Bayern’s midfield depth. His tireless running and combative edge make him a dependable option for the German champions.
13. Reece James – Chelsea
Once hailed as the most complete right-back, injuries have unfortunately slowed James’ ascent. Still, his technical quality and defensive strength remain elite when fit.
12. Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur
Porro’s right foot is a wand—capable of delivering devastating crosses or thunderous shots. Defensive lapses still plague his game, but his attacking prowess is elite.
11. Tino Livramento – Newcastle United
After a serious knee injury, Livramento has bounced back with confidence at Newcastle. His versatility and pace have been vital to Eddie Howe’s plans on both flanks.
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10. Daniel Muñoz – Crystal Palace
Muñoz has become a cult hero at Selhurst Park with his tireless performances. A constant threat going forward, he played a key role in Palace’s 2025 FA Cup victory.
9. Vanderson – AS Monaco
Vanderson has flourished at Monaco, emerging as a consistent and balanced performer. His rise has been so strong that he now features regularly for the Brazilian national team.
8. Giovanni Di Lorenzo – Napoli
A stalwart for Napoli and Italy, Di Lorenzo is one of the most reliable full-backs in world football. His leadership and defensive composure have guided Napoli to multiple Serie A titles.
7. Jurriën Timber – Arsenal
After missing a full season due to injury, Timber has returned stronger than ever. His positional intelligence and calmness on the ball have cemented his place in Arsenal’s starting XI.
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6. Jeremie Frimpong – Liverpool
Frimpong combines dazzling pace with impressive end product, having starred in Leverkusen’s title-winning run. Now at Liverpool, he’s poised to shine on an even bigger stage.
5. Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
A veteran of Real Madrid’s golden era, Carvajal enjoyed his best season yet in 2023–24. He won La Liga, scored in a Champions League final, and was key to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
4. Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan
A force of nature down the right, Dumfries is both physically dominant and technically reliable. His contributions at Inter and for the Netherlands highlight his world-class consistency.
3. Jules Koundé – Barcelona
Forced to play right-back out of necessity, Koundé has thrived in the role. His composure and athleticism helped Barcelona capture a domestic treble in 2024–25.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid
More playmaker than defender, Trent’s vision and passing range are unmatched among full-backs. Now at Real Madrid, he continues to redefine what it means to be a modern right-back.
1. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain
A complete modern full-back, Hakimi boasts elite speed, intelligent decision-making, and attacking flair. His performances led PSG to their long-awaited Champions League triumph in 2025, scoring in both the semifinal and final.
