The 50 most Goalscoring Defenders in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues – Ranked

In modern football, defenders are no longer just guardians of the back line—they are key contributors in attack. This list ranks the 50 most goal-scoring full-backs and centre-backs across Europe’s top leagues during the 2024/25 season. From thunderous headers to sharp finishes, these defenders have made their presence felt in the final third.

50. Ko Itakura – 3 Goals

The Japanese centre-back continues to prove his versatility and composure in Germany. With 3 goals from the backline, he’s become a vital piece for Gladbach both in defense and during set pieces.

49. Jeff Chabot – 3 Goals

Chabot has offered consistency and physical presence for Stuttgart this season. His 3 goals were a bonus to a campaign defined by solid defensive displays.

48. Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 3 Goals

The Napoli captain remains one of the most dependable right-backs in Serie A. He chipped in with 3 goals, showcasing his ability to overlap and finish from wide areas.

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47. Johan Vásquez – 3 Goals

The Mexican international was one of Genoa’s standout performers. His 3 goals were crucial in tight matches, adding to his growing reputation in Italy.

46. Joakim Maehle – 3 Goals

Maehle’s pace and tireless runs down the left flank created havoc for opponents. His 3 goals underline how effective he is in getting into scoring positions.

45. Javi Rodríguez – 3 Goals

A young revelation at the heart of Celta’s defense, Rodríguez impressed with maturity beyond his years. His 3 goals made him one of La Liga’s emerging defenders to watch.

44. Robin Koch – 3 Goals

Back in the Bundesliga, Koch brought aerial dominance and leadership to Frankfurt. Scoring 3 times, he was instrumental in both boxes throughout the campaign.

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43. Nathaniel Brown – 3 Goals

Brown is quickly becoming a name to remember in Germany. The young left-back's 3 goals were the product of clever positioning and bold attacking play.

42. Aitor Paredes – 3 Goals

Paredes stood tall for Athletic in multiple crucial moments this season. His 3 goals added an extra edge to Bilbao’s threat from corners and set pieces.

41. Koni De Winter – 3 Goals

The Belgian defender had a breakout year with Genoa. Calm in possession and decisive in duels, his 3 goals highlight his value beyond defense.

40. Virgil van Dijk – 3 Goals

Van Dijk remains a commanding presence at the back for Liverpool. His 3 goals were reminders of his aerial prowess and timing during offensive set-pieces.

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39. Patrick Dorgu – 3 Goals

At just 19, Dorgu enjoyed a promising season across two clubs. His 3 goals showed confidence and attacking initiative from deep.

38. Trevoh Chalobah – 3 Goals

Chalobah played across different roles but consistently contributed when on the pitch. His 3 goals capped off a season marked by adaptability and strength.

37. Carlos Augusto – 3 Goals

Inter's attacking full-back kept up his offensive output with 3 goals. His left foot is a real weapon, especially when cutting inside or arriving late in the box.

36. Jonathan Tah – 3 Goals

An experienced leader for Leverkusen, Tah added 3 goals to his defensive excellence. His physicality makes him a threat on every set piece.

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35. Yann Bisseck – 3 Goals

Bisseck enjoyed a solid season in Italy, asserting himself as a reliable centre-back. His 3 goals were the product of smart positioning and strong headers.

34. Marc Guéhi – 3 Goals

Guéhi’s consistency at the back continues to impress for Palace. With 3 goals, he also added value in attack during crucial league matches.

33. Dean Huijsen – 3 Goals

The teenage defender enjoyed a big season in the Premier League. Huijsen’s 3 goals showed confidence and boldness rarely seen at his age.

32. Gabriel Magalhães – 3 Goals

Gabriel was once again one of Arsenal’s most dependable defenders. His 3 goals added another layer to his complete all-round game.

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31. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 3 Goals

Known for his passing and creativity, Trent also found the net 3 times. His ability to influence games from right-back remains unmatched.

30. Leandro Cabrera – 4 Goals

A veteran of La Liga, Cabrera was a steady figure at the back for Espanyol. He chipped in with 4 goals, making a difference in tight encounters.

29. Adam Marusic – 4 Goals

Marusic offered both defensive cover and offensive intent for Lazio. His 4 goals this season were a testament to his well-rounded game.

28. Enrico Delprato – 4 Goals

Delprato stepped up for newly promoted Parma with consistency. His 4 goals made him one of the most surprising threats from deep.

27. Przemyslaw Frankowski – 4 Goals

The Polish wing-back maintained his attacking nature despite limited appearances. Scoring 4 times in 18 matches is an impressive return for a defender.

26. Fabian Schär – 4 Goals

Schär delivered another strong campaign for the Magpies. His 4 goals, combined with solid defending, make him one of the most complete centre-backs in the league.

25. Raphaël Guerreiro – 4 Goals

Though limited by injuries, Guerreiro managed to score 4 goals in just 23 games. His technical ability makes him a unique asset from the left flank.

24. Ridle Baku – 4 Goals

Baku’s explosive speed and attacking runs were on display across two clubs. His 4 goals demonstrate his evolution into a modern right-back.

23. Juanlu Sánchez – 4 Goals

A rising talent in Spanish football, Juanlu was lively on the right for Sevilla. His 4 goals were reward for his energetic, fearless style of play.

22. Ryan Sessegnon – 4 Goals

Despite limited minutes due to injury, Sessegnon scored 4 goals. When fit, he offers width, pace, and end-product from the left.

21. Óscar Mingueza – 4 Goals

The versatile Spaniard had a productive season at Celta. His 4 goals show his readiness to support the attack when needed.

20. Thilo Kehrer – 4 Goals

Now in Ligue 1, Kehrer brought stability and sharpness to Monaco’s back line. He scored 4 goals, showing his timing in advanced positions.

19. Daniel Muñoz – 4 Goals

Muñoz had a breakout season in the Premier League. His 4 goals came from clever positioning and a strong will to surge forward.

18. Bafodé Diakité – 4 Goals

Diakité has become one of Ligue 1’s rising defenders. His 4 goals add to an already impressive defensive package.

17. Rayan Aït-Nouri – 4 Goals

The Algerian full-back continues to grow in confidence. With 4 goals this season, he’s among the most attacking-minded left-backs in England.

16. Theo Hernández – 4 Goals

A regular on the scoresheet, Theo brought his trademark drive and fire to Milan. His 4 goals were the result of constant offensive involvement.

15. Dani Vivian – 4 Goals

Vivian’s leadership at the back for Bilbao is growing. His 4 goals added bite to set-piece situations and helped secure important points.

14. Federico Dimarco – 4 Goals

Dimarco’s left foot was once again a potent weapon. The Italian scored 4 goals and played a major role in Inter’s build-up play.

13. Achraf Hakimi – 4 Goals

One of the most dangerous full-backs in world football, Hakimi scored 4 goals in just 25 matches. His pace and technique remain elite.

12. Lukas Kübler – 5 Goals

The experienced German brought consistency to Freiburg’s flank. His 5 goals were a career-best return.

11. Ali Abdi – 5 Goals

Abdi was one of Ligue 1’s surprise packages. His 5 goals from left-back helped Nice in several tight encounters.

10. Mitchell Weiser – 5 Goals

Weiser continued to be a key attacking outlet for Bremen. His 5 goals made him one of the Bundesliga’s top-scoring defenders.

9. Robin Gosens – 5 Goals

A regular attacking threat, Gosens maintained his goal-scoring form across two clubs. With 5 goals, he remains one of the most productive wide defenders in Europe.

8. Willi Orbán – 5 Goals

Despite some time out, Orbán still made his mark with 5 goals. He remains a dominant force in both penalty boxes.

7. Rasmus Kristensen – 5 Goals

Kristensen provided drive and grit for Frankfurt. His 5 goals showed how dangerous he can be when allowed to push forward.

6. Nikola Milenković – 5 Goals

Milenković was a tower of strength for Forest. Adding 5 goals to his strong defending, he proved invaluable on set pieces.

5. Marc Cucurella – 5 Goals

Back to his best, Cucurella delivered both stability and attacking threat. His 5 goals were crucial for Chelsea’s attacking balance.

4. Jeremie Frimpong – 5 Goals

Frimpong continues to evolve into a wing-back superstar. His 5 goals are a testament to his end-to-end game and dynamism.

3. Josko Gvardiol – 5 Goals

City’s multi-functional defender had a brilliant season. His 5 goals showed how comfortable he is stepping into attacking roles.

2. Jubal – 6 Goals

The Brazilian centre-back was a goal machine for Auxerre. His 6 goals led all Ligue 1 defenders and were vital for his team’s survival hopes.

1. Denzel Dumfries – 7 Goals

Dumfries tops the list with an impressive 7 goals from right-back. His power, timing, and attacking instinct make him one of Europe’s most dangerous defenders going forward.