The days of right backs just staying deep and defending are long gone. In modern football, these guys are practically midfielders, wingers, and defenders all rolled into one. Some create more chances than strikers. Others bully wingers like it’s nothing. Picking the best in the world isn’t just about tackles anymore — it’s about impact, influence, and consistency.
So after looking at form, roles, and how much chaos they cause (or prevent), here’s my 2026 ranking of the top 10 right backs on the planet — from rock-solid defenders to full-on attacking weapons.
10. Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
Now at Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to redefine what it means to be a modern right back. His long-range passing and vision make him more of a playmaker than a defender at times, spraying balls across the pitch with ease. He’s a constant threat from set pieces and can turn defense into attack in a single touch.
Defensively, he still divides opinion there are moments where he gambles high and leaves space behind but Madrid’s structure allows him more freedom. In a team built to dominate the ball, his weaknesses matter less and his creativity shines brighter. He may not be the most traditional full-back, but few influence games from this position like he does.
9. Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
Matty Cash is the kind of right back every manager trusts. He doesn’t overcomplicate his game — he defends hard, recovers quickly, and picks his moments to surge forward. There’s a ruggedness to the way he plays, always tight in the tackle and never afraid to put his body on the line.
Going forward, he may not be the flashiest, but he offers reliable width and knows when to support attacks without losing defensive shape. In a league as unforgiving as the Premier League, consistency is gold — and Cash delivers that week in, week out.
8. Jesús Areso (Athletic Club)
Areso isn’t a household name yet, but those watching La Liga closely know how quietly impressive he’s become. He plays with maturity beyond his years — rarely caught out of position, always composed when pressed, and confident when pushing forward. There’s a discipline to his style that makes him stand out in a league filled with explosive wingers.
He’s not a highlight-reel full-back, but he brings control and stability to his flank. Give him another strong season and he’ll be knocking on the door of even bigger clubs.
7. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
While technically a midfielder, Llorente’s transformation into a hybrid right back has been one of Atlético’s smartest moves. His engine is relentless — he covers ground like few others and can turn defense into attack in seconds. Simeone uses him as both protector and runner, giving him the freedom to break lines when opportunities open.
He may not have the positional instincts of someone raised as a full-back, but his tactical intelligence compensates. When Atlético need drive from deep, Llorente is the man who provides it.
6. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Porro plays right back like a winger in disguise. Always looking forward, he attacks defenders directly and links beautifully with attacking midfielders. His crossing is sharp, his movement clever, and he brings a constant sense of urgency to Spurs’ right flank.
Defensively, he’s improved massively since arriving in England, learning when to hold and when to push. He plays with flair but also with fight — a combination that makes him one of the most exciting offensive full-backs in Europe.
5. Reece James (Chelsea)
When fit, Reece James is one of the most complete right backs in the world. Strong in duels, technically polished, and capable of delivering crosses that feel like passes from a number 10 — he’s a weapon in both halves of the pitch. His calmness under pressure allows Chelsea to build through him with confidence.
His biggest battle has been consistency through injuries. But even with interruptions, his ceiling remains undeniable. If he strings a full season together, he’s easily top three on this list.
4. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)
Dumfries is pure power in motion. His runs down the right are relentless — he keeps making the same overlapping charge until defenders finally crack. Inter’s system allows him to play like an auxiliary forward at times, crashing the box and arriving at the back post for goals.
Defensively, he’s difficult to bully, using his strength to hold off opponents. He doesn’t always choose finesse — but sometimes blunt force is all you need.
3. Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)
Koundé blends elegance with aggression. Originally a center-back, his move to right back has brought surprising attacking growth. He times his forward runs smartly, rarely leaving his side exposed, and he defends one-on-one with authority.
His ability to stay composed when isolated makes him invaluable to Barcelona’s possession game. He may not have Hakimi’s fireworks or James’ power, but his balance of control and intelligence keeps him firmly among the elite.
2. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Timber’s return from injury proved why Arsenal were so desperate to sign him. He plays the position like a midfielder trapped in a defender’s body — always scanning, always calm. Whether building play under pressure or stepping into midfield, he makes everything look effortless.
What separates him is his defensive awareness. He doesn’t dive into tackles; he anticipates. In a team playing high-risk football, that kind of composure is priceless.
1. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi remains the gold standard. No one at right back attacks space like him — he’s practically a winger with defensive discipline. His acceleration catches opponents off guard, and once he gets moving, there’s no stopping him. He delivers goals, assists, and constant threat from deep.
Over the years, he’s added maturity to his game, choosing his moments wisely rather than sprinting endlessly. In a role that demands both chaos and control, Hakimi masters both.
