Top 10 Best Defenders In The World In 2025
In 2025, the football world continues to exhibit remarkable defensive talent. Here are the 10 defenders that continue to stand out on a global level:
Rúben Dias (Manchester City & Portugal)
Dias has been an important part of the City's defense and their tactical setup. Dominant leader, he passes very well and defends very well.
William Saliba (Arsenal & France)
Saliba has legitimized Arsenal's defence. Now, Saliba transformed Arsenal's defense and made it one of the most feared in the Premier League.. Saliba is very composed and quick when defending against opposing players.
Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid & Germany)
Rüdiger has raised the level of play at Real Madrid with his aggressive defending and aerial ability. The experience he brings to the back line has raised the level of defensive play at Real Madrid.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan & Italy)
Bastoni has shown calmness in defending, as well as ball-playing ability, and has become one of Serie A's premier center-backs. His impact and contribution to Inter Milan cannot be overstated when they eventually won their titles.
Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich - South Korea)
Min-jae has cemented his importance to Bayern Munich and reached the level of an all-around center back. Min-jae uses his raw power and tactically aware defending in both domestic and international football regularly.
Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City - Croatia)
Gvardiol possesses the build of a center-back, but can also provide value at left-back. Gvardiol's contributions have helped with the defensive shape of Manchester City.
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain - Brazil)
Marquinhos plays an effective and adaptable style of game, and is still playing well with PSG. His personnel added to PSG's defensive stability.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur - Argentina)
With a reputation for aggressive defending and leadership, Romero has cemented himself as an important player for the Argentine national team while playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Romero received accolades like Europa League Player of the Season.
Ronald Araujo (FC Barcelona - Uruguay)
Araujo has also gone through injuries. However, he has come back strong, he has been a great contributor for FC Barcelona, and he can use his athleticism in the defensive part of the field.
Éder Militão (Real Madrid - Brazil)
Militão's mobility and football intelligence help Real Madrid's defensive line, and he has been vital to the success for Real Madrid.
These defenders are the ultimate elite! They represent the defence side for football as a whole, with tactical awareness, athleticism, physicality, and leadership to help move together, the football narrative into 2025.
