World Soccer's Elite Right Backs: The Definitive Top 25 Rankings Revealed
There was a time when full-backs were considered players who weren't skilled enough for central defense or talented enough to play as wingers higher up the field.
However, as contemporary football has developed, featuring adaptable formations that shift based on possession, full-backs must now excel at racing along the flanks while also cutting inside to function as additional playmaking midfielders.
Fortunately, we're witnessing an exceptional generation of players who have embraced this evolution, turning the position into one of the most distinctive and crucial roles in modern football.
This makes identifying the top 25 right-backs in today's game particularly challenging, yet Sports Illustrated is here to tackle this task head-on.
25. Ola Aina
After struggling to establish himself at Chelsea during his early career, Ola Aina chose the unconventional route to Italy seeking consistent playing time. The defender flourished at Torino before making his permanent return to England in 2023 with a free transfer to Nottingham Forest.
The Nigerian has since become a reliable Premier League performer for the Tricky Trees, offering excellent stability along the wing. While capable of contributing to attacks, Aina is equally adept at dealing with quick wingers in his defensive zone.
24. Wesley
Wesley remains relatively unknown having not yet moved to European football, but the Brazilian's outstanding displays for Flamengo in his home country merit attention.
He secured a regular spot in Flamengo's starting eleven in 2023 and has maintained that position, impressing with his attacking awareness and courage when surging up and down the touchline.
23. Malo Gusto
Chelsea acquired Malo Gusto from Lyon in 2023 and the French defender has demonstrated flashes of his tremendous potential since joining Stamford Bridge. Consistently covering for the injury-plagued Reece James and even displaying versatility by occasionally featuring at left-back, he's proven valuable for the Blues.
Achieving greater reliability will be crucial for Gusto to reach the highest level, but early indicators are encouraging, particularly regarding his offensive contributions.
22. Conor Bradley
Few anticipated Conor Bradley's remarkable rise. Following an outstanding loan period with Bolton Wanderers in 2022–23, the Northern Irish player gained regular first-team opportunities as Trent Alexander-Arnold's backup at Liverpool.
Bradley quickly impressed with his intensity in tackles and creative attacking play, contributing seven goals and assists in his first complete senior campaign with the Reds. His confidence and performances have continued to flourish since then.
21. João Cancelo
Some of João Cancelo's ball skills are simply extraordinary. This makes his dramatic decline all the more perplexing.
There remains an unpredictable element to Cancelo's play that creates excitement whenever he takes the field. The Portuguese international isn't the strongest defensive right-back globally, but his possession work is absolutely remarkable.
After reaching great heights at Manchester City, a public disagreement resulted in loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, though he's now settled permanently in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal.
20. Diogo Dalot
Nobody can question Diogo Dalot's commitment level. Manchester United have been an unpredictable team since the Portuguese player's arrival at Old Trafford in 2018, and various challenges on and off the field have impacted Dalot's consistency.
However, when he finds his rhythm, he becomes an impressive force down the right flank, with his outstanding work rate and relentless running making him troublesome for both opposing attacks and defenses.
19. Nahuel Molina
Becoming a regular for Argentina requires considerable talent. Nahuel Molina might not be the most spectacular right-back available, but he's an extremely reliable choice for his nation and Atlético Madrid.
Molina has captured the FIFA World Cup and two Copa América trophies with Argentina, regularly standing out with his attacking input. Club success has been more elusive, but he remains a valuable player for Atléti.
18. Lutsharel Geertruida
Lutsharel Geertruida excelled under Arne Slot's guidance at Feyenoord, and following a successful period with the Dutch club, he made his expected transfer to RB Leipzig in Germany to advance his career.
The adaptable Dutch international, capable of playing center-back and defensive midfield, is a strong defender with pace and outstanding physical attributes, qualities now serving him well in Germany.
17. Josip Stanišić
Josip Stanišić has enjoyed remarkable fortune since establishing himself in Bayern Munich's first team. The Croatian won three Bundesliga championships with Die Roten from 2021 to 2023, though his participation was restricted.
Consequently, he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen for 2023–24 and helped Die Werkself secure their maiden Bundesliga title during his temporary stay, before returning to Bayern and claiming another league title in 2024–25.
Truly a fortunate presence.
16. Ben White
Questions arose when Arsenal invested approximately £50m for Ben White's services, but the defender has thoroughly justified that expenditure through his Emirates Stadium performances.
Whether playing right-back or center-back, White has consistently been dependable, but his capacity to adapt and incorporate new elements into his game makes the former Brighton & Hove Albion player one of the most versatile right-backs available.
Arsenal knows precisely what to expect from the excluded England international.
15. Marcos Llorente
Among many contemporary midfielders converted to right-back, Marcos Llorente is another who has excelled in this repositioned role. Using his explosive pace and tackling determination to trouble opposing wingers and full-backs, he's an ideal fit at Atlético.
The Spanish international retains a midfielder's mentality in a right-back's body, making him highly aware of his positioning in both defensive and attacking phases. He's also comfortable creating goals and assists.
14. Konrad Laimer
Konrad Laimer joined Bayern Munich as an outstanding box-to-box midfielder known for his energy and strength. However, given the intense competition for midfield positions at Die Roten, the Austrian has frequently been deployed at right-back.
This was Laimer's primary position during the 2024–25 season as Bayern secured the Bundesliga title, with his energetic forward runs enabling him to contribute effectively in both halves.
13. Reece James
Reece James was previously considered the most well-rounded right-back in football.
The Chelsea defender possesses exceptional crossing ability and his shooting resembles that of a prolific striker. James is a commanding presence on the right and reached his attacking peak as a wing-back when he recorded 14 Premier League goal contributions in 2021/22.
James can defend as solidly as the world's finest, but persistent injuries have unfortunately hindered his progress in recent seasons.
12. Pedro Porro
On his best days, few players can match Pedro Porro's passing ability. The Spanish player possesses an exceptional right foot capable of breaking down the most compact and well-organized defenses. The tireless right-back has also demonstrated his ability to score spectacular long-range goals for Tottenham Hotspur.
Defensively, Porro is less reliable and certainly inconsistent with a tendency to lose concentration. Enhancing this aspect of his performance will be vital for him to surpass his positional rivals in the future.
11. Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento's career faced serious threat from a severe knee injury that occurred during a critical developmental phase at Southampton.
Despite this significant setback, Newcastle United believed Livramento's ability remained intact when they signed him for £32m in summer 2023.
The Magpies' judgment proved accurate. Livramento has retained his explosive speed and continues developing as a defender capable of performing excellently on either flank. He's been vital for Eddie Howe at St James' Park.
10. Daniel Muñoz
Daniel Muñoz ranks among world football's most overlooked talents. A late developer who spent most of his career in Colombia before transferring to Genk in 2020, the rapid right-back has amazed global audiences since joining Crystal Palace.
Excelling as a wing-back for the Eagles, Muñoz is dangerous in the attacking third with his overlapping runs and excellent distribution. He was instrumental in Palace's FA Cup victory in 2024–25 and has become a contemporary legend at Selhurst Park.
9. Vanderson
Monaco acquired Vanderson for merely €11m, representing exceptional business. The Brazilian has thrived for the Ligue 1 club since his 2022 transfer, and his excellent club performances have earned him national team recognition as well.
Vanderson possesses immense potential for further development and could compete at Europe's truly elite clubs, but Monaco hopes to benefit from his balance and reliability at right-back for as long as possible.
8. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Giovanni Di Lorenzo stands among the world's most undervalued right-backs. He has been a Napoli cornerstone for years and will be remembered as their Scudetto-winning captain in 2022–23 and 2024–25.
Di Lorenzo is an Italy regular and certainly among Serie A's finest full-backs. He's an aggressive and solid defender who performs a measured but essential role when Napoli possesses the ball.
Both Napoli and Italy benefit from having such a steady defensive presence.
7. Jurriën Timber
After missing his inaugural Arsenal season due to an ACL tear on opening day, Jurriën Timber has maintained excellent form since his recovery.
The versatile Dutchman can operate anywhere across the defensive line but is most effective as a right-back, something clearly evident to Arsenal supporters worldwide.
He's extremely dependable and is beginning to develop his attacking game, playing with impressive confidence in north London.
6. Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong spent considerable time in England during his youth and trained alongside Jadon Sancho at Manchester City's academy.
The Dutch international was beloved at Celtic and carried his excellent form to Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved a combined 18 goals and assists while helping secure the Bundesliga title in 2023/24.
The Dutchman's excellence should adapt seamlessly to new environments following his transfer to Liverpool.
5. Dani Carvajal
A Real Madrid mainstay for more than ten years with six Champions League titles and four Spanish championships, Dani Carvajal will conclude his career among football's most successful defenders.
His significance to Los Blancos' achievements has been questioned, but there's a clear reason why the Spanish player earned the confidence of both Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid.
Carvajal experienced his most fruitful campaign in 2023–24, capturing La Liga and netting in the Champions League final as Madrid secured their 15th European crown. He was also crucial as Spain claimed Euro 2024, helping him achieve fourth place in the Ballon d'Or voting that year.
4. Denzel Dumfries
The Netherlands possesses numerous world-class right-backs and Denzel Dumfries may be the finest—and most well-rounded—among them. The speedy Dutchman has benefited from an advanced position at Inter to become one of football's most destructive attacking full-backs.
Possessing remarkable speed, a powerful running style and the ability to outmuscle opposing defenders and forwards effortlessly, Dumfries is an outstanding all-around player who has demonstrated his worth for both club and country in recent seasons.
He's helped Inter reach two Champions League finals during his time with the Nerazzurri, while also securing an impressive collection of domestic trophies in Italy.
3. Jules Koundé
Jules Koundé became a casualty of both Barcelona and France's right-back problems. Though naturally a center-back, the former Sevilla player was compelled to play wide due to limited alternatives at both club and international levels.
Nevertheless, Koundé has evolved into a solid and dependable option on the right side of defense despite initially disliking being moved from his central position.
The French defender has been particularly impressive for Barcelona and delivered numerous outstanding performances as the Catalans secured the domestic treble in 2024–25.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has completely transformed the modern defender concept.
Any defensive weaknesses are far overshadowed by his exceptional playmaking skills, with the English international capable of executing any pass at any moment. His integration into Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool squad was among several factors in the Reds' remarkable ascent under their passionate German manager.
Alexander-Arnold has brought his abilities to record Champions League winners Real Madrid as he aims to expand his trophy collection, with Los Blancos now possessing one of the most revolutionary and exciting defenders of this era.
1. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi's partnership with Antonio Conte at Inter was absolutely perfect. The Moroccan wing-back was the final component in the demanding Italian's tactical puzzle as the Nerazzurri captured the 2020–21 Scudetto with Hakimi excelling.
However, he was compelled to continue his career elsewhere as Inter experienced a significant player exodus before the 2021–22 season. Paris Saint-Germain made their move and Hakimi returned to playing in a four-man defense.
Hakimi is an extraordinary athlete with sprinter-like speed, while his final pass decision-making is exceptional. His attacking capabilities are matched by solid defensive skills as well.
The relentless full-back was essential to PSG finally breaking their Champions League jinx in 2024–25 as he found the net in both the semi-final and final.