Best Defensive Midfielders in the World Right Now: Defensive midfielders are often the hidden heroes in football, playing a key role in the team. They stop the other team’s attacks, protect the defense, and help control the pace of the game. This position needs a mix of skills, awareness, strength, and leadership. Right now, there are many great defensive midfielders who shine in these areas and perform well in top leagues and international tournaments.
Best Defensive Midfielders in the World Right Now
From experienced players to new talents, here is a list of the top 10 best defensive midfielders in the world today.
1. Rodri
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 28
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: Manchester City
Rodri is undoubtedly the best defensive midfielder in the world today. He joined Manchester City in 2019, where he quickly became an essential player in Pep Guardiola’s possession-based system.
At Manchester City, Rodri played a pivotal role in their successes, including the historic treble in the 2022/23 season. His standout moment came in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan, where he scored the only goal, solidifying his status as a club legend.
Rodri is renowned for his exceptional passing, playmaking, and physical strength, making him one of the best in the world. In 2024, he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, becoming the second Spanish player to achieve this honor. His contributions also helped Spain win Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Throughout his time at City, Rodri helped secure four consecutive Premier League titles from 2020 to 2024 and also played a crucial role in winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023. His leadership and consistency have cemented his place as one of the top midfielders in the world.
2. Declan Rice
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 25
- Nationality: England/Ireland
- Club: Arsenal FC
Declan Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He started his career at West Ham United and became the club captain. He played a key role in winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.
After joining West Ham from Chelsea’s academy, Rice became a key player and later the captain. In 2023, he moved to Arsenal for a record £100 million. He has also represented England since 2019, playing in major tournaments the UEFA Euro 2020, 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024.
At Arsenal, Rice continues to impress with his ability to break up play and drive forward. He’s a key player for both his club and country.
3. Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 24
- Nationality: France/Cameroon
- Club: Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni is ranked 3rd among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He started at AS Monaco, where he became one of the top young midfielders in Ligue 1. His strong performances led to a move to Real Madrid in 2022, joining their already star-packed midfield.
At Real Madrid, Tchouaméni has shown his versatility, playing both as a defensive midfielder and in more advanced roles. His athleticism, passing, and ability to break up play have made him essential for the team.
Tchouaméni has also impressed with the French national team, playing a key role in their 2022 World Cup run, including scoring a memorable goal against England. He remains a key player for France, contributing to both defense and attack. He was named London Football Premier League Player of the Year in 2024.
4. Bruno Guimarães
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 27
- Nationality: Brazil/Spain
- Club: Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães is ranked 4th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He started his career at Athletico Paranaense in Brazil before moving to Lyon in Ligue 1, where his technical skills and ability to control the game earned him praise.
In January 2022, he joined Newcastle United, quickly becoming a key player in their midfield. Bruno excels at balancing defensive work with creative play, which has been crucial to Newcastle’s success.
For Brazil, Bruno has been a regular in the national team, playing in major tournaments the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. His performances have solidified his place as one of the top midfielders of his generation.
5. Moisés Caicedo
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Ecuador
- Club: Chelsea FC
Moisés Caicedo is ranked 5th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He typically plays on the right side of the midfield pivot for Brighton and Chelsea, focusing on defensive duties. Despite this, he is a box-to-box player who contributes to counterattacks.
Caicedo is known for his strong passing and ability to intercept the ball. In the 2023-2024 Premier League season, he achieved a pass completion rate of 90.9%, showing his reliability in ball distribution.
For Ecuador, Caicedo has been a standout player, playing a crucial role in their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and continuing to be a vital part of their national team.
6. João Neves
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Portugal
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
João Neves is ranked 6th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. A bright young talent from Portugal, he started at Benfica, impressing with his maturity, technical skills, and vision. His performances led to a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 for €60 million.
Neves began his career at Benfica, helping the team win the UEFA Youth League in 2021-22 and a league title in his first season with the first team. His versatility allows him to adapt to both defensive and attacking roles.
At PSG, Neves quickly adjusted to the elite level of play, and for Portugal, he is becoming a key player, praised for his football intelligence and precise passing, earning comparisons to legendary midfielders.
7. Martín Zubimendi
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 25
- Nationality: Spain
- Club: Real Sociedad
Martín Zubimendi is ranked 7th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, Zubimendi has become a key player for the club, known for his composure, control, and ability to dictate the game’s tempo.
His style of play is often compared to Sergio Busquets, thanks to his excellent decision-making and deep playmaking ability. He also shares traits with midfield legends Xabi Alonso and David Silva, with strong ball retention and the ability to create space in tight situations.
Zubimendi’s versatility allows him to initiate plays from deep, shield the defense, and break up opposition attacks. His performances have earned him recognition on the international stage with Spain, where his positional awareness and calmness under pressure make him a standout player.
8. Amadou Onana
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Belgium/Senegal
- Club: Aston Villa
Amadou Onana is ranked 8th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He began his career in Germany with Hamburger SV before moving to Lille in France, where his physicality and intelligence in midfield caught attention.
Onana’s performances led to a move to Everton in 2022, where he quickly became a standout player in the Premier League. In 2023, he transferred to Aston Villa, further solidifying his reputation as a key midfield figure. His performances helped Villa compete at higher levels both domestically and in Europe, and he was named Aston Villa Player of the Month for August 2024.
For Belgium, Onana has been a consistent presence in the national team, representing them at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising young talents.
9. Aleksandar Pavlovic
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Germany/Serbia
- Club: Bayern Munich
Aleksandar Pavlovic is ranked 9th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. A rising star in European football, Pavlovic came through Bayern Munich’s youth system and was promoted to the first team at a young age.
His exceptional work rate, technical ability, and tactical understanding have earned him praise from both teammates and coaches. At Bayern, he has played a key role in both domestic and European competitions, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
Pavlovic’s performances have also garnered attention from the Serbian national team, where he is seen as a key player for the future.
10. Joshua Kimmich
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Age: 29
- Nationality: Germany
- Club: Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is ranked 10th among the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. A mainstay at Bayern Munich, he has won multiple Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Kimmich began his career at RB Leipzig before joining Bayern Munich in 2015. In the 2019–20 season, he was part of the team that won the continental treble and was included in the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA FIFPro Men’s World11.
For Germany, Kimmich has been a key figure, representing his country in various international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euros. His leadership on and off the pitch has made him one of the most influential players for both club and country.