Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now: Today full-backs started to evolve as one of the crucial and fascinating roles on the football field. Not only do they sit back and defend now; these players have to attack as well, by using our skill, top-floor vision, and fresh legs.
Depending on the match’s conditions, it is the best full-backs who can cross the ball well, go for tackles when the other team is attacking, or runners that make the other team’s defenders in a rush to cover.
Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now
So here is a list of the Top 20 Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now with a review of their recent results, and contributions to their teams and nations.
20. Ferland Mendy
- Date of Birth: 8 June 1995
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 20 is Ferland Mendy, a key full-back for Real Madrid. Strong and fast, he’s great at defending and helping with attacks.
Mendy makes important runs and delivers good crosses. Though some fans have mixed views, his role as a starter at just 29 shows he’s already proven himself and has a bright future.
19. Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Date of Birth: 6 June 2001
- Position(s): Left-back, left wing-back
At number 19 is Rayan Aït-Nouri, a talented full-back for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is known for his speed, skill, and crossing ability, and links up well with forwards and defends strongly.
Aït-Nouri has shown great potential at a young age, starting his career at Angers before impressing at Wolves. Recently, he made his 100th appearance for the team, scoring in a 4-2 win against Chelsea. He continues to improve and is a key player for Wolves.
18. Alejandro Balde
- Date of Birth: 18 October 2003
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 18 is Alejandro Balde, a young star from Barcelona. He is known for his speed, composure, and skills, and plays an important role in Barcelona’s defense despite his youth.
At just 19, Balde is seen as the future of Barcelona’s left-back position. Coming through the club’s youth academy, he has the potential to be one of the best in the world. His strong defending and quickness make him great at stopping attacks, and this season, his passing and assists have been key to Barcelona’s offense.
17. Alejandro Grimaldo
- Date of Birth: 20 September 1995
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 17 is Alejandro Grimaldo, a full-back for Bayer Leverkusen. He is known for his attacking style, creativity, and strong left foot. He delivers dangerous crosses and set pieces, making him a key player in attacks.
Grimaldo joined Benfica in 2016 after playing for Barcelona’s B team. In May 2023, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen and scored his first goal with a free kick against Bayern Munich. He finished his first season at Leverkusen as the Bundesliga’s top assist provider with 13 assists and has impressed in the Champions League.
16. Rico Lewis
- Date of Birth: 21 November 2004
- Position(s): Full-back, defensive midfielder
Rico Lewis is ranked 16th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. A rising star from Manchester City, he’s known for quick decision-making and playing a versatile role, often stepping into midfield under Pep Guardiola.
Despite his youth, Lewis shows great maturity and understanding of the game. In his debut season (2022–23), he became the youngest player to score in a Champions League start and helped City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, completing a treble. Starting as a substitute, he earned a key role in their historic season.
15. Reece James
- Date of Birth: 8 December 1999
- Position(s): Right-back
Reece James is ranked 15th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. A strong and fast player for Chelsea, he excels in both defense and attack.
Injuries have affected his consistency, but when fit, his crossing, set-pieces, and attacking skills stand out.
James can also play in midfield or as a center-back. After coming through Chelsea’s academy and a successful loan at Wigan, he became a key player and club captain in 2023. His impact is huge for Chelsea’s future.
14. Takehiro Tomiyasu
- Date of Birth: 5 November 1998
- Position(s): Full back, center-back
Takehiro Tomiyasu is ranked 14th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. He is known for his defensive strength and versatility at Arsenal. He can play as a right-back or center-back, always calm on the ball and smart in reading the game.
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in 2021 from Sint-Truiden and Bologna, making an immediate impact by winning Player of the Month in September 2021.
Despite a controversial red card in August 2023, he was named Arsenal’s MVP in October 2023. He also plays for Japan, representing them in the 2022 World Cup and AFC Asian Cups.
13. Tino Livramento
- Date of Birth: 12 November 2002
- Position(s): Full-back
Tino Livramento is ranked 13th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. Since joining Newcastle United, he has become one of the most promising English right-backs.
He is known for his pace, dribbling, and attacking style. He uses his agility to beat defenders while also working hard defensively.
He earned recognition at Chelsea, winning Academy Player of the Year in 2020–21, before moving to Newcastle on a five-year deal.
Livramento has played for England at the U21 level and is also eligible to play for Scotland and Portugal.
12. Malo Gusto
- Date of Birth: 18 March 1999
- Position(s): Full-back
Malo Gusto ranks 12th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. The young French talent has quickly adapted to the Premier League with Chelsea, showing his attacking skills, speed, and precise crosses.
His energy helps him contribute to attacks while also defending well, keeping Chelsea’s balance. Despite being young, Gusto plays with confidence and maturity.
He started his career at Olympique Lyonnais, debuting in 2021 and becoming a key player. Chelsea signed him in 2023 for £26.3 million, with a loan back to Lyon for the rest of the season.
11. Diogo Dalot
- Date of Birth: 18 March 1999
- Position(s): Full-back
Diogo Dalot ranks 11th among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now, playing for Manchester United. He is known for his defensive strength and support in attack, becoming United’s first-choice right-back.
Dalot’s crossing ability, goal-scoring threat, and improved defending make him a key player for United.
Starting his career in Porto’s youth system, Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018 and had a loan spell at AC Milan in 2020-21. He has represented Portugal at all youth levels and made his senior debut at UEFA Euro 2020.
In 2024, he was named Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year.
10. Destiny Udogie
- Date of Birth: 28 November 2002
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 10 among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Destiny Udogie. A young and talented player for Tottenham Hotspur, he is known for his athleticism and hard work.
Udogie excels in both defense and attack, using his dribbling and speed to take on defenders. Many believe he has the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the world.
After impressing for Udinese in Serie A, Tottenham signed him in August 2022 for £21 million, with an initial £15 million and add-ons. He was loaned back to Udinese for the 2022-2023 season.
9. Federico Dimarco
- Date of Birth: 10 November 1997
- Position(s): Left wing-back
At number 9 among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Federico Dimarco. A key player for Inter Milan, he is known for his accurate crosses and smart play.
Dimarco excels at both defending and attacking. He is a left-footed defender who can also play on the right. His speed, strength, and ability to shoot from a distance make him dangerous, though some say his defense could improve.
A regular for Italy, he played in all their matches at the UEFA Nations League. If he continues his good form, he could become one of the best left-backs in the world.
8. Pedro Porro
- Date of Birth: 13 September 1999
- Position(s): Right-back, right wing-back
At number 8 on the list of the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Pedro Porro. A key player for Tottenham Hotspur, Porro is known for his speed, flair, and attacking style. His accurate crosses, smart runs, and dribbling make him a constant threat on the right flank.
Porro began his career at Girona before moving to Manchester City in 2019. He had successful loan spells with Real Valladolid and Sporting CP, winning the Primeira Liga and Taça da Liga.
His performances led to a permanent move to Sporting and later to Tottenham Hotspur.
7. Alphonso Davies
- Date of Birth: November 2, 2000
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 7 among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Alphonso Davies. Playing for Bayern Munich, he is known for his incredible speed and dribbling.
Davies is vital in attack, frequently overlapping with wingers to create chances. At just 23, he has already made a huge impact, earning the nickname “The Roadrunner” for his pace and creativity. He joined Bayern in 2019 from the Vancouver Whitecaps and helped the team win a treble in the 2019-20 season.
Born in Ghana and raised in Canada, Davies is the youngest to score for the Canadian national team. He also scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal in 2022 and has been named CONCACAF Men’s Player of the Year twice. Off the field, he is the first Canadian ambassador for the UN refugee agency.
6. Nuno Mendes
- Date of Birth: 19 June 2002
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 6 among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Nuno Mendes. The 21-year-old has become a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with his speed, technical skills, and composure. He plays an important role in both defense and attack.
Mendes has made 19 appearances for Portugal, showing his potential on the international stage. He is known for his dribbling and ability to cause problems for opponents, and often links up with PSG’s attacking players.
He plays on the left side, forming a strong partnership with Achraf Hakimi on the right. In Euro 2024 qualifying, Mendes assisted Cristiano Ronaldo in a 6-0 win over Luxembourg. Despite a hamstring injury, he has returned to help Portugal advance in the tournament, promising a bright future in his career.
5. Ben White
- Date of Birth: 8 October 1997
- Position(s): Defender
At number 5 among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now is Ben White. Originally a center-back, White has successfully transitioned to right-back under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
His intelligence, positional awareness, and passing ability allow him to contribute both defensively and offensively. After starting his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, White joined Arsenal in 2021 for £50 million, becoming their most expensive defender.
By 2024, White’s versatility and composure have made him one of the most reliable right-backs in world football.
4. Theo Hernández
- Date of Birth: 6 October 1997
- Position(s): Left-back
At number 4 among the Best Full-backs in the World Right Now is Theo Hernández. The 28-year-old is known for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and attacking contributions, making him a key player for AC Milan. His powerful left foot allows him to deliver precise crosses and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Since joining AC Milan from Real Madrid, Hernández has impressed in Serie A, showcasing his speed, vision, and defensive ability. He played a crucial role in UEFA Euro 2024, scoring the winning penalty against Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Nicknamed “the Train” for his remarkable pace, Hernández had an excellent season with 5 goals and 11 assists in 46 Serie A matches, solidifying his place as one of the best full-backs in the world.
3. Achraf Hakimi
- Date of Birth: 4 November 1998
- Position(s): Right-back, right winger
Achraf Hakimi ranks 3rd among the best full-backs in the world. Playing for PSG, he is known for his speed, dribbling, and attacking instincts, making him a constant threat. His tactical awareness and versatility strengthen both his defensive and offensive roles.
Hakimi started at Real Madrid, had a successful loan at Borussia Dortmund, and helped Inter Milan win Serie A before joining PSG in 2021 for €68 million.
Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, he represents Morocco in the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, excelling as both a defender and winger.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Date of Birth: 7 October 1998
- Position(s): Right-back, midfielder
Trent Alexander-Arnold ranks 2nd among the Best Full-backs in the World. He is known for his creativity, vision, and technical skills, he excels as Liverpool’s playmaker from the back, delivering precise crosses and passes. His ability to drift into midfield adds to his versatility.
Debuting for Liverpool in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has won multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He has redefined the right-back role with his unique blend of defending and playmaking.
1. Josko Gvardiol
- Date of Birth: 23 January 2002
- Position(s): Centre-back, left-back
Josko Gvardiol ranks 1st among the Best Full-Backs in the World Right Now. A versatile player for Manchester City, he excels as both a left-back and center-back. He is known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and ball skills.
Starting his career at Dinamo Zagreb, he moved to RB Leipzig in 2021 and won two DFB-Pokals. In 2023, he joined Manchester City for a record £77 million.
Gvardiol has represented Croatia at Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and Euro 2024, securing third place in the latter. His performances make him one of the top left-backs in football today.