Top 20 Ball-Playing Centre-Backs in World Football (2025)

A ball-playing centre-back is a type of defender who excels at playing with the ball at their feet, often contributing to the team’s attack from a defensive position. They are comfortable receiving the ball, passing it effectively, and sometimes even driving it forward to create opportunities.

This ranking is based primarily on players who have played centre-back this year, excluding those who have featured mainly as right-backs or left-backs but occasionally played centrally.

The role of the centre-back has evolved. It is no longer just about tackles and aerial duels; it is about how you start the attack, break the press, and manage the tempo. These 20 players are currently doing this better than anyone else.

20. Jonathan Tah

A key cog in Leverkusen’s historic season under Xabi Alonso. Tah has been solid defensively but also excellent at stepping into midfield and distributing under pressure.

19. Manuel Akanji

Reliable and calm under pressure, Akanji’s reading of the game and ability to break lines with crisp passes make him a valuable ball-playing centre-back. His experience in the Bundesliga and Premier League speaks volumes.

18. Aymeric Laporte

Now in Saudi Arabia, but Laporte still has one of the silkiest left feet in world football. He was pivotal in City’s build-up for years and continues to showcase his class on the ball.

17. Dean Huijsen

A rising star and youthful prodigy, Huijsen’s composure on the ball and intelligence in possession have caught many eyes. Already showing promise as a future top-tier ball-playing defender.

16. Dayot Upamecano

Can be erratic at times, but his physicality paired with his passing range keeps him on this list. When focused, Upamecano is hard to beat and hard to press.

15. Leny Yoro

Another teenage sensation. Yoro’s passing is clean, confident, and always progressive. His performances this season have earned him attention from Europe’s biggest clubs for good reason.

14. Levi Colwill

Still growing into his role at Chelsea, but Colwill has all the traits of a top ball-playing defender. Comfortable on the left, reads the game well, and doesn’t panic in possession.

13. Ibrahima Konaté

Powerful, quick, and improving technically every year. Konaté’s not quite a natural ball-player yet, but his growth in distribution and calmness in buildup has been impressive.

12. Cristian Romero

Aggressive by nature, but Romero is also far better on the ball than he gets credit for. He’s a risk-taker, sometimes too much, but Spurs rely on his vertical passing to move forward.

11. William Pacho

Pacho has emerged as one of the Ligue 1’s most exciting defenders. Strong in duels and confident in tight spaces, he’s quickly becoming a top-tier modern centre-back.

10. Marquinhos

The Brazilian veteran remains a reliable outlet for PSG when building from the back. His experience and reading of the game allow him to break lines with simple, effective passes.

9. Lisandro Martínez

When fit. Lisandro brings a mix of grit and elegance to Manchester United’s back line. Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, brilliant at threading passes between the lines, and fearless when stepping into midfield, the Argentine is a modern centre-back through and through.

8. John Stones

When fit, Stones plays like a deep-lying midfielder in disguise. He’s technically sound, progressive with his passing, and comfortable stepping high into midfield zones.

7. Pau Cubarsí

Just 17 years old, but already playing like a seasoned pro. Cubarsí’s decision-making, vision, and poise on the ball are far beyond his years. A special talent.

6. Iñigo Martínez

One of the most underrated centre-backs in Europe when it comes to ball distribution. Iñigo has brought balance and experience to Barcelona’s build-up, especially with his sharp left foot.

5. Virgil van Dijk

Still dominant in duels, but it’s his composure in possession that sets him apart. Van Dijk rarely looks flustered and continues to be Liverpool’s calming influence at the back.

4. Alessandro Bastoni

Inter’s deep-lying playmaker in defence. Bastoni’s range of passing, especially diagonals, and his ability to step into midfield makes him a serious asset against deep blocks.

3. Gabriel Magalhães

Left-footed, aggressive, and increasingly reliable in possession. Gabriel complements Saliba perfectly and has matured into one of Europe’s most consistent ball-playing centre-backs.

2. William Saliba

A Rolls-Royce of a defender. Saliba has been at the heart of Arsenal’s build-up play all season. Smooth on the ball, hard to press, and confident carrying it forward.

1. Rúben Dias

The leader of Manchester City’s back line remains one of the most complete defenders in the game. He’s not just a physical presence; he’s composed, picks out vertical passes with ease, and consistently makes the right decisions under pressure.

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