The role of a centre-back remains pivotal to a team’s success. These defenders are tasked with shielding the goal, organising the back line, and often initiating attacks from deep.
Defenders are often underrated, but some still stand out with their team’s success.
Our rankings are based on last season’s performances with their clubs and countries, including domestic leagues, EURO/Copa América, and the UEFA Champions League. The list does not favour big names; it is based solely on performance, eye test, and overall contribution.
Here is our top 10 ranking, with notable mentions of some standout players.
10. Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni has solidified his reputation as one of the top defenders in world football. He was named in the Serie A Team of the Year in both 2020–21 and 2022–23 and earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season for 2022–23. His stellar form continued into 2024, where he was awarded Serie A Player of the Month in March and crowned Serie A Best Defender for the 2023–24 season. Bastoni’s consistent excellence has made him a key figure for Inter Milan and a standout performer in both domestic and European competitions.
9. Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023–24 season, helping them secure their first-ever Bundesliga title. His rock-solid defending was instrumental throughout the campaign, especially in the title-clinching victory against Werder Bremen on 14 April 2024. Tah’s leadership and consistency at the back were key factors in Leverkusen’s success. He helped Germany to reach the EURO 2024 quarter-final.
8. John Stones
John Stones had an outstanding 2023-2024 season despite his injury, winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City. He also helped City claim the 2023 FA Cup and was a key player in England’s run to the 2024 European Championship final, where they finished as runners-up.
7. Rúben Dias
Rúben Dias had an incredible 2023-2024 season, as he has since making his debut for Manchester City, winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with the club. He also helped City claim the 2023 FA Cup and the 2024 Community Shield against Manchester United.
6. Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel Magalhães is a dominant and athletic centre-back who has established himself as a key player for Arsenal and the Brazil national team.
His recent performances for his club have been impressive; he scored goals and defended exceptionally well, helping Arsenal finish as runners-up in the 2023-24 Premier League season. His partnership with William Saliba has been particularly magical.
5. Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez has enjoyed a stellar period of success recently. He helped Manchester United win the English League Cup in 2023 and followed up with an FA Cup win in 2024. On the international stage, he was crucial in Argentina’s Copa América triumph for the 2023-2024 season.
He has successfully silenced all his critics and established himself as one of the best in the world.
4. Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His ball-playing ability, defensive awareness, and big-game performances make him stand out. He won the 2024 Copa América with the Argentina national team and has secured four trophies since making his debut for the national team.
3. William Saliba
William Saliba is one of the top defenders in the Premier League. His composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and impressive performances in crucial matches set him apart. Since joining Arsenal, he has been a key figure in their defensive line and has significantly improved their defensive setup.
He received his first call-up for EURO 2024 and reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Spain.
2. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has always been one of the best since joining Liverpool. With consistent, top-notch performances for the Premier League giants, the 33-year-old defender remains at the top of his game. His statistics consistently highlight his exceptional defensive abilities, making him a standout figure in world football. Van Dijk’s leadership, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure continue to make him a key asset for Liverpool.
1. Antonio Rüdiger
In the last two seasons, Antonio Rüdiger has been among the best defenders in the world, showcasing his incredible talent for both Real Madrid and the German national team. He has won everything with Real Madrid, including the Champions League, La Liga, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
Rüdiger is a key player in both Real Madrid’s and Germany’s defensive setups. Known for his warrior-like spirit and tenacity, he combines physicality with tactical intelligence, making him an indispensable asset to his teams. His leadership and relentless work ethic continue to set him apart as one of the top defenders in football.
Notable mentions:
•Ronaldo Araujo
•Edmond Tapsoba
•Mats Hummels
•Eder Militao
•Lenu Yoro
•Nathan Aké
•Manuel Akanji
•Andreas Christensen
•Ibrahima Konaté
•Aymeric Laporte
•Marquinhos
•Gleison Bremer
•Kim Min-jae
•David Alaba
•Jean-Clair Todibo
•Riccardo Calafiori
•Micky van de Ven
•Jarrad Branthwaite
