The role of the full-back has been completely transformed over the past decade. No longer just traditional defenders who stick to the flanks, today’s full-backs are among the most versatile and influential players on the pitch.

They defend with intensity, attack with creativity, and often dictate the tempo of matches by linking defence to midfield and beyond.

From inverted defenders who step into midfield, to explosive wing-backs who stretch play and deliver in the final third, the modern full-back is a tactical weapon.

In 2025, the best in the world are not only shutting down elite wingers like Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Vinícius Júnior, but also racking up goals, assists, and game-changing moments on the biggest stages.

This list ranks the Top 20 best full-backs in football right now, based on current form, consistency, and impact at both club and international level.

Here’s a clean, well-formatted version of the table with corrected names and clubs (as of Sept 2025):

10. Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has rapidly risen into the conversation among the world’s best left-backs. At Arsenal, the Italian has proven to be a fearless tackler with the athleticism and flexibility to thrive in Mikel Arteta’s fluid build-up system.

While his aggression can sometimes push him to the edge defensively, it’s also what makes him such an assertive presence. His adaptability allows him to contribute in multiple phases of play, and his progression over the 2024–25 season has made him a key figure in Arsenal’s back line.

Still just 22, Calafiori has already shown the maturity and versatility needed to anchor a defence, and his ceiling only looks higher.

9. Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has reinvented himself in remarkable fashion. Known for his endless energy and wild mop of curls, the Spaniard became one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, where his relentless pressing and defensive grit helped propel Spain to the title.

He carried that momentum into Chelsea’s 2024–25 campaign, emerging as one of the club’s most consistent players after a shaky start to life in London. Fans have come to admire his fearless tackles, non-stop work rate, and infectious spirit, traits that embody the fight Chelsea supporters demand.

Even more impressively, Cucurella has added a scoring touch to his game, netting seven goals across the season — several of them in high-pressure moments. Once dismissed as erratic, he has evolved into a true game-changer for both club and country.

8. Álex Grimaldo

Álex Grimaldo cemented his place in Bayer Leverkusen history with a sensational 2023–24 campaign that delivered the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title.

Operating from left-back, the Spaniard posted staggering attacking numbers: 10 goals and 15 assists in the league — statistics unheard of for a defender.

His greatest weapon is his delivery. Whether swinging in crosses, taking corners, or striking free-kicks, Grimaldo consistently bends the game to his will. His technique makes him one of Europe’s deadliest creators from defence.

But Grimaldo is not just about flair. His recovery pace makes him an asset in defensive transitions, ensuring balance to his adventurous forward runs. With his blend of vision and reliability, he remains a complete modern full-back.

7. Federico Dimarco

Federico Dimarco has been one of Inter’s most valuable assets over the past few seasons. Under Simone Inzaghi, he thrived as a wing-back, bringing relentless energy to both attack and defence. His versatility allowed him to slot into multiple roles, including as a left-sided centre-back, where his balance of grit and intelligence stood out.

Dimarco’s attacking contributions have been significant — chipping in with goals and assists while stretching the pitch with his tireless runs. He is as comfortable delivering pinpoint crosses as he is holding the line defensively, making him the definition of a modern two-way full-back.

Even with Cristian Chivu now in charge at Inter, one thing is certain: Dimarco will remain essential. Ignore one bad night in the Champions League final — his consistency and versatility still make him one of the finest left-backs in Europe.

READ ALSO: TOP BEST STRIKER IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW (2025)

6. Joško Gvardiol

Joško Gvardiol is yet another example of Pep Guardiola’s tactical reinvention. Signed for £77 million as a centre-back, he was swiftly transformed into a marauding left-back, and by early 2024–25, he was among Manchester City’s most potent attacking outlets.

His blend of defensive awareness, physicality, and surprising attacking instincts made him one of the Premier League’s most unique full-backs. At one point, he was City’s most dangerous weapon going forward, often popping up in advanced positions and causing havoc with his surging runs.

With City now adding Rayan Aït-Nouri, Gvardiol may shift back into a central role. But the fact that he briefly became one of the world’s best in a completely new position speaks volumes about his adaptability and footballing intelligence.

5. Denzel Dumfries

Denzel Dumfries has established himself as one of the most physically dominant full-backs in Europe. At Inter Milan, Simone Inzaghi refined his aggressive, high-energy style, maximizing his strengths on both ends of the pitch. Even though Inter fell short in the 2025 Champions League final, Dumfries was consistently influential throughout the campaign.

His relentless runs down the right, coupled with his imposing frame, make him a constant outlet in attack and a powerful presence in defence.

Technically, he may not be at the same level as some of his peers, but Dumfries’ impact cannot be overlooked. On his best days, he is a near-unstoppable force — combining strength, stamina, and determination to overwhelm opponents.

4. Jurriën Timber

Jurriën Timber’s Arsenal story has already been one of resilience. Signed from Ajax in 2023 for £34 million, he was envisioned as a hybrid left-back capable of stepping into midfield. But on the opening day of the Premier League season, a serious knee injury halted those plans.

After months of intense recovery, Timber returned with determination and quickly adapted to a new role. With Ben White mostly sidelined, the Dutchman slotted in at right-back and impressed with his composure and consistency.

Timber brings a balance of strength and skill. He is more than capable of holding his own defensively while also supporting Bukayo Saka in attack. His ability to combine tactical intelligence with physical intensity makes him a vital cog in Mikel Arteta’s evolving system.

3. Jules Koundé

Initially reluctant to play outside his natural position, Jules Koundé has now become one of Barcelona’s most reliable right-backs. Forced to adapt due to squad shortages for both club and country, the Frenchman gradually embraced the challenge of playing wide.

What began as a temporary solution has developed into a long-term strength. Koundé’s sharp defensive awareness, recovery speed, and confidence on the ball have made him a steady performer on the flank.

His consistency shone brightest during Barcelona’s treble-winning 2024–25 campaign, where he delivered countless assured displays. Whether defending in tight situations or building from the back, Koundé has proven his worth as a dependable and adaptable defender.

2. Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes has taken his game to new heights this season, evolving into one of the most complete left-backs in Europe. Once viewed primarily as an attacking outlet with defensive vulnerabilities, the Portuguese star has transformed under Luis Enrique’s guidance at PSG.

His performances in 2024–25 highlighted his growth: shutting down Mohamed Salah twice, nullifying Phil Foden, keeping Bukayo Saka quiet, and outperforming top Ligue 1 wingers like Maghnes Akliouche, Mason Greenwood, and Rayan Cherki. Mendes now combines his blistering speed and strength with defensive discipline, winning duels and giving opponents little room to operate.

He still remains a major attacking threat, as shown in the Champions League quarterfinals against Aston Villa where he contributed two goals and an assist across two legs. At just 22, Mendes has reached an elite level, with even more room to improve.

one of the best statical football page name him the best left back in football at the moment 

1. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi continues to stand as the benchmark for modern full-backs. His spell under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan was the perfect marriage of player and system, helping the Nerazzurri secure the 2020–21 Serie A title.

Financial troubles at Inter led to his move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he adjusted from a wing-back role to a back-four system. Despite the shift, Hakimi has remained a standout performer thanks to his lightning pace, sharp decision-making in the final third, and strong defensive instincts.

The Moroccan was at the heart of PSG’s long-awaited Champions League triumph in 2024–25, scoring crucial goals in both the semi-final and the final. Few defenders can match his blend of athleticism, intelligence, and end product, making him one of the most complete full-backs in world football today.