Best Right Backs in the World Right Now: The right-back position has grown more important in modern football, requiring strong defense, attacking creativity, and physical strength. In 2024, many outstanding right-backs have become key players for their clubs and national teams.
Best Right Backs in the World Right Now
In this article we will talk about top 10 best right-backs in the world, recognizing their great performances and contributions to the game.
10. Rico Lewis
- Date of Birth: 21 November 2004
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.69 m)
- Position(s): Full-back, defensive midfielder
Rico Lewis is ranked 10th among the best right-backs. He is a rising star from Manchester City. Under Pep Guardiola, he’s known for quick decision-making and playing a hybrid role, often stepping into midfield.
Despite his young age, Lewis shows great maturity and tactical understanding. In his debut season (2022–23), he became the youngest to score in a Champions League start and helped City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, achieving a treble.
Starting as a substitute, he earned a key role in the team, contributing to their historic season.
9. Reece James
- Date of Birth: 8 December 1999
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m)
- Position(s): Right-back
Reece James ranks 9th among the best right-backs in the world. A modern full-back for Chelsea, he combines strength, pace, and technical skill, excelling both defensively and offensively.
Despite injuries affecting his consistency, his crossing, set-piece delivery, and attacking play make him a top performer when fit. James’ versatility allows him to play in midfield or as a center-back, showcasing his football intelligence.
Starting at Chelsea’s academy, James became a key player and was named Academy Player of the Season. After a successful loan at Wigan, he returned to Chelsea in 2019 and became club captain in 2023. His impact goes beyond stats, making him a vital player for Chelsea’s future.
8. Takehiro Tomiyasu
- Date of Birth: 5 November 1998
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Position(s): Full back, centre-back
Takehiro Tomiyasu is ranked 8th among the best right-backs in the world. He is known for his defensive strength and versatility at Arsenal. Whether playing as a right-back or in central defense, Tomiyasu is composed on the ball and reads the game well, contributing to both attack and defense.
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in 2021 after playing for Sint-Truiden and Bologna. He immediately impacted, winning Player of the Month in September 2021.
Despite a controversial red card in August 2023, he earned Arsenal’s MVP award in October 2023. He plays for Japan, having represented the team at the 2022 World Cup and AFC Asian Cups.
7. Tino Livramento
- Date of Birth: 12 November 2002
- Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Full-back
Tino Livramento is ranked 7th among the best right-backs in the world. Since joining Newcastle United, he has emerged as one of the most promising English right-backs.
He is known for his pace, dribbling, and attacking mindset. His agility helps him beat defenders, while his defensive work rate ensures he covers the ground effectively.
He gained recognition at Chelsea, winning the Academy Player of the Year for 2020–21, before joining Newcastle on a five-year contract.
Livramento has represented England at the U21 level and is also eligible to play for Scotland and Portugal.
6. Malo Gusto
- Date of Birth: 18 March 1999
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Full-back
Malo Gusto ranks 6th among the best right-backs in the world. The young French talent has adapted well to the Premier League with Chelsea, showcasing his attacking instincts, speed, and accurate crosses.
His energy allows him to contribute in attack while tracking back efficiently, keeping Chelsea’s defense balanced. Despite his youth, Gusto plays with confidence and maturity.
He started his career at Olympique Lyonnais, making his debut in 2021 and quickly becoming a key player. Chelsea signed him in 2023 for £26.3 million, with a loan back to Lyon for the remainder of the season.
5. Diogo Dalot
- Date of Birth: 18 March 1999
- Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
- Position(s): Full-back
Diogo Dalot ranks 5th among the best right-backs in the world, playing for Manchester United. He has secured his spot as United’s first-choice right-back, known for his defensive strength and attacking support.
Dalot’s crossing ability, eye for goal, and improved defending have made him a key figure in United’s setup.
Starting his career in Porto’s youth system, Dalot joined Manchester United in 2018. He had a loan spell at AC Milan in 2020-21.
Dalot has also 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.
4. Pedro Porro
- Date of Birth: 13 September 1999
- Height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
- Position(s): Right-back, right wing-back
At number 4 on the list of the Best Right Backs in the World is Pedro Porro. A key player for Tottenham Hotspur, Porro is known for his speed, flair, and attacking mindset. His accurate crosses, smart runs, and dribbling ability make him a constant threat on the right flank.
Porro started his career with Girona before moving to Manchester City in 2019. He had successful loan spells with Real Valladolid and Sporting CP, where he won the Primeira Liga and Taça da Liga.
His performances led to a permanent move to Sporting, and later, to Tottenham Hotspur. He also represents the Spanish national team.
3. Ben White
- Date of Birth: 8 October 1997
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)
- Position(s): Defender
At number 3 on the list of the Best Right Backs in the World is Ben White. Originally a center-back, White has seamlessly transitioned to the right-back position under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
His intelligence, positional awareness, and excellent passing range allow him to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Starting his career with Brighton & Hove Albion, In 2021, he joined Arsenal for £50 million, becoming their most expensive defender. Since then, he has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s defense.
By 2024, Ben White’s versatility and composure have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable right-backs in world football.
2. Achraf Hakimi
- Date of Birth: 4 November 1998
- Height: 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Position(s): Right-back, right winger
Achraf Hakimi ranks number 2 among the best right-backs in the world. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he is known for his speed, dribbling, and attacking instincts, making him a constant threat on the flank. His stamina and tactical awareness enhance his defensive capabilities and versatility.
Hakimi began his career at Real Madrid, debuted in 2017, and had a successful loan at Borussia Dortmund. He then moved to Inter Milan, contributing to their Serie A title win, before joining PSG in 2021 for €68 million.
Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, Hakimi has represented Morocco at various levels, participating in the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. He excels as both a defender and winger, significantly impacting European football with his goals and assists.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Date of Birth: 7 October 1998
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Position(s): Right-back, midfielder
Trent Alexander-Arnold tops our ranking of the best right-backs in the world for 2024, showcasing unmatched creativity, vision, and technical skill. As Liverpool’s chief playmaker from the back, he delivers precise crosses and long-range passes that consistently lead to goals.
His ability to drift into midfield highlights his intelligence and adaptability. Despite past criticisms of his defensive skills, he has improved his positioning and tackling, solidifying his status as a complete player.
Having joined Liverpool’s academy in 2004, he made his senior debut in 2016 and quickly made history by playing in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals. He won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, along with multiple domestic awards, including the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Alexander-Arnold continues to redefine the modern right-back role, combining defensive duties with playmaking excellence, firmly establishing himself at the top in 2024.