Best Centre-Backs in The World Right Now: Football has seen some incredible centre-backs over the years, and the 2023/24 season is no exception. These defenders have demonstrated exceptional leadership, solid defending, and technical skills on the pitch, earning them a spot among the best in the world right now. From top performances in domestic leagues to international success, they continue to set the standard for defensive excellence.
From well-known stars, Virgil van Dijk and Rúben Dias to rising talents Giorgio Scalvini and Levi Colwill, the top 20 centre-backs have proven their worth in domestic leagues and European competitions.
Best Centre-Backs in The World Right Now
Here’s a look at the top 20 centre-backs who have stood out 2023/24 season, each playing a big part in their teams’ success.
20. Benjamin Pavard
- Date of Birth: March 28, 1996
- Club: Bayern Munich
At number 20 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Benjamin Pavard. A solid and versatile defender for Bayern Munich, he played a key role in their success, including a historic sextuple in 2020.
Pavard made his France debut in 2017, winning the 2018 World Cup and 2020 UEFA Nations League. He also featured in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, famously scoring a stunning volley against Argentina in 2018.
19. Pau Torres
- Date of Birth: January 16, 1997
- Club: Aston Villa
At number 19 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Pau Torres. A key player for Aston Villa, he impressed with his ball-playing ability and strong defending, helping Villa maintain a solid position in the Premier League.
Starting his career at Villarreal, Torres won the 2021 Europa League before moving to Aston Villa in 2023. He made his Spain debut in 2019, scoring in his first game and was part of Spain’s squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. He also won an Olympic silver medal with Spain in Tokyo.
18. Min-Jae Kim
- Date of Birth: November 15, 1996
- Club: Bayern Munich
At number 18 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Kim. After moving to Bayern Munich in the summer, he made an immediate impact with his physical presence, aerial dominance, and strong tackles.
He helped strengthen Bayern’s defense, playing a key role in their Bundesliga campaign and also contributing in the Champions League.
17. Gonçalo Inácio
- Date of Birth: November 25, 2001
- Club: Sporting CP
At number 17 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Gonçalo Inácio. He continued to impress with his strong performances for Sporting CP.
His excellent positioning and decision-making made him a dependable defender, helping his team in both the Primeira Liga and European competitions, with several standout displays.
16. Edmond Tapsoba
- Date of Birth: February 2, 1999
- Club: Bayer Leverkusen
At number 16 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Tapsoba. His consistency in the heart of Bayer Leverkusen’s defense was a key highlight of their season.
He is known for his speed and smart play, and played a vital role in their defensive setup, helping the team have a strong campaign in both the Bundesliga and European matches.
15. Giorgio Scalvini
- Date of Birth: February 22, 2003
- Club: Atalanta
At number 15 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is the young Italian defender, Scalvini.
He had a breakout season with Atalanta, showing impressive defensive maturity and excellent passing skills. These qualities made him a key figure for Atalanta in Serie A and their European campaigns. His strong performances caught the attention of top clubs.
14. Marquinhos
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1994
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
At number 14 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Marquinhos. He has remained a key leader for PSG, known for his defensive consistency and leadership, helping the team stay competitive in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
Marquinhos has been a vital part of PSG’s defense, especially in crucial matches. He started his career at Corinthians and moved to Roma in 2012, before joining PSG in 2013 for €31.4 million. His trophy haul includes nine Ligue 1 titles and thirteen domestic cups.
Marquinhos made his Brazil debut in 2013 and has been a key player for his country, winning the 2019 Copa América, the 2016 Olympic gold medal, and representing Brazil in two World Cups (2018, 2022).
13. Lisandro Martínez
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1998
- Club: Manchester United
At number 13 among the best centre-backs in the world is Lisandro Martínez. His physicality and leadership were crucial for Manchester United in the 2023/24 season.
Despite facing injury setbacks, Martínez played a vital role in United’s defense, delivering key interceptions and tackles in tough league and European matches.
He also played a key role in Argentina’s successes, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
12. Levi Colwill
- Date of Birth: February 26, 2003
- Club: Chelsea
At number 12 among the best centre-backs in the world is Levi Colwill. He had a standout season at Chelsea, impressing with his composure, leadership, and excellent positioning in defense.
Colwill’s ability to read the game helped Chelsea strengthen their defensive line, and his performances earned him a call-up to the England senior squad.
11. Matthijs de Ligt
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1999
- Club: Bayern Munich
At number 11 among the best centre-backs in the world is Matthijs de Ligt. After joining Bayern Munich in 2022, he became a key player, contributing to their Bundesliga title and European campaigns. Previously, he starred at Ajax and Juventus, winning multiple league titles and the Italian Cup.
De Ligt made his international debut for the Netherlands at just 17 and played in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. In 2024, he moved to Manchester United, where he made an immediate impact with a debut win and a goal in his first few matches.
10. Micky van de Ven
- Date of Birth: May 19, 2001
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
At number 10 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Micky van de Ven. He had an exceptional season for Tottenham Hotspur, impressing with his speed, composure on the ball, and defensive maturity.
His performances were crucial in helping Tottenham maintain a strong backline, earning him praise as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League.
Van de Ven was awarded Tottenham’s Player of the Season at the Official Supporters’ Clubs award night ceremony, having started 28 of the club’s 38 games up until that point.
9. Éder Militão
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1998
- Club: Real Madrid
At number 9 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Éder Militão. A rock in Real Madrid’s defense, Militão contributed significantly to their strong performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. His ability to read the game, combined with his speed and aerial skills, made him one of the most reliable defenders in Europe.
Militão began his career at São Paulo before moving to Porto, and in 2019, he joined Real Madrid for a reported €50 million. Since then, he has won two La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022.
He made his senior international debut for Brazil in 2018 and was part of their squads that won the 2019 Copa América and finished as runners-up in 2021, also playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
8. Bremer
- Date of Birth: March 18, 1997
- Club: Juventus
At number 8 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Bremer. Continuing to excel for Juventus, he played a central role in their defensive setup with his physicality, aerial dominance, and leadership.
Bremer was key to Juventus’ strong Serie A season and their success in European competitions. He is Known for his strength, speed, and excellent sense of positioning. He is also a versatile defender inspired by Brazilian legend Lúcio.
7. Cristian Romero
- Date of Birth: April 27, 1998
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
At number 7 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Romero. Known for his aggressive and hard-hitting defensive style, he became a standout performer in the Premier League. His contributions were crucial in Tottenham’s defensive efforts, helping secure important clean sheets.
Romero’s journey began at Belgrano in 2016, before moving to Italy and eventually joining Tottenham in 2022 after a successful loan spell. He has also been a key part of Argentina’s success, winning the 2021 Copa América, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América.
6. Alessandro Bastoni
- Date of Birth: April 13, 1999
- Club: Inter Milan
At number 6 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Bastoni. He continued to be one of the top defenders in Europe, playing a key role in Inter Milan’s strong Serie A and Champions League campaigns.
He is Known for his passing ability, ball control, and aerial threat. He is a versatile left-footed defender. He began his career as a full-back but evolved into a centre-back. His calmness under pressure and excellent timing of challenges have made him one of the most complete defenders in the game.
5. Ronald Araujo
- Date of Birth: March 7, 1999
- Club: Barcelona
At number 5 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Araujo. He remained a physical and dominant force at the back for Barcelona.
His defensive consistency played a key role in Barcelona’s challenge for the La Liga title, and his leadership was evident in both domestic and European competitions.
4. Gabriel Magalhães
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1997
- Club: Arsenal
At number 4 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Gabriel. His leadership and defensive skills were key in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title. His aerial dominance, physicality, and timely interceptions helped Arsenal stay competitive, and he formed a solid defensive partnership with William Saliba.
Gabriel is known for his speed despite his height, and he is strong in aerial duels. He is also praised for his distribution, often looking to play the ball forward. In the 2019–20 season, Gabriel completed the most passes into the opposition half in Ligue 1.
Regarded as one of the best defenders, Gabriel is known for his strength, aggression, tackling, and aerial ability.
3. William Saliba
- Date of Birth: March 3, 2001
- Club: Arsenal
At number 3 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Saliba. He was exceptional for Arsenal, providing strength and composure in defense. His key performances helped Arsenal in their strong Premier League campaign and their push for the title, with crucial tackles and clearances.
Saliba signed a long-term deal with Arsenal until 2028 and was given the number 2 shirt. In the 2023–24 season, he became the first Arsenal outfield player to play every minute of a Premier League season.
Saliba was sent off for the first time in his career in October 2024, but he scored his first goal of the 2024-25 season in December 2024, deflecting a header against Manchester United.
He is Known for his strength, pace, tackling, and composure, and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
2. Virgil van Dijk
- Date of Birth: July 8, 1991
- Club: Liverpool
At number 2 among the best centre-backs in the world right now is Van Dijk. He continues to be a standout player, helping Liverpool secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and perform well in European competitions. His leadership, composure, and dominance in the air were key to Liverpool’s strong defense.
With Liverpool, he won the UEFA Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has also won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award and finished as a runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 2019.
Van Dijk became the captain of the national team in 2018 and led them to the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League. He also played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
1. Rúben Dias
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1997
- Club: Manchester City
Finally At number 1 among the best centre-backs right now is Rúben Dias. He had an excellent season for Manchester City, helping them win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. His leadership and defense were key to the City’s success.
Dias started his career at Benfica, making his debut in 2017 and winning the league title in 2019. He joined Manchester City in 2020 for €68 million and won the Premier League and EFL Cup in his first season. In 2021, he was named FWA Footballer of the Year and UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season. He also helped City win a treble in 2023.
He has represented Portugal at all youth levels and made his senior debut in 2018. He was part of Portugal’s 2019 UEFA Nations League win and played in two World Cups and two European Championships.