The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now

Football teams are only as good as the strength of their spine and strong centre-backs are a crucial part of building a trophy-winning unit.

Central defenders have evolved in the modern game, with a greater emphasis than ever on quality in possession, in addition to the fundamentals of defending their own penalty box.

We’ve attempted the tough task of ranking the finest centre-backs in the game right now.

The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now

10. Ronald Araujo – Barcelona

Ronald Araujo ended speculation over his Barcelona future by penning a new long-term deal with the club in January.

Though there have been injury issues and reservations over his suitability to the demands of Hansi Flick, Araujo has returned to the side impressively in recent weeks. He was exceptional over the two legs of the Champions League win over Benfica, as Barcelona progressed to the quarter-finals. A defender who loves to defend – an increasing rarity in modern football.

9. Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool

Ibrahima Konate is often overshadowed by Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, but the Frenchman’s role for the Reds is a key one.

His rapid recovery pace and sheer strength allow Konate to defend huge spaces, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold the freedom to roam forward from right-back. Konate’s channel-defending offers an insurance policy for Liverpool against transitions.

IBOU ⛔️ pic.twitter.com/VxYOWxpbP0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2025

8. John Stones – Manchester City

Fortunate to earn inclusion here after another injury-impacted season. However, the difference between Manchester City with and without Stones is stark. The England international oozes quality in possession and his ability to break lines with his passing – and step forward into midfield – allows the Citizens to exert control. It’s a control that has too often been lacking this season in the absence of Stones and the injured Rodri.

7. Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias has been a rock for Manchester City ever since his arrival from Benfica in 2020. Signed as a replacement for Vincent Kompany, he stepped into a leadership role in the backline as the Citizens won a record-breaking four consecutive Premier League titles.

Dias hasn’t quite been the commanding force of old in an increasingly vulnerable team this season, but his presence still makes a huge difference. City have lost nine times in the Premier League this season, though just two have come with Dias in the starting side.

City have a 56.25% win percentage with Dias starting this season and just a 38.46% without him.

6. Gabriel – Arsenal

Part of one of the best centre-back pairings in European football right now, Gabriel brings a robust aerial presence to the silk of William Saliba alongside him.

That’s not to say Gabriel can’t play, he’s brilliant at breaking line with his passing in his own right, but there’s a certain old-school to the way the big Brazilian powers towards flighted balls in both boxes. He’s a massive weapon for Arsenal, who have become the Premier League’s set-piece specialists.

What a tackle by Gabriel 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/Y7cZLchXRH
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 14, 2025

5. Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain’s long-serving leader has his sights set on the ultimate prize this season. After arriving in Paris as a teenager, Marquinhos has seen the highs and lows of the Qatari project.

He learnt under the guidance of Thiago Silva and is now the man who sets the standards for the French powerhouse. His reading of the game and ability to snuff out danger is almost unmatched. With a more tenacious team now ahead of him, PSG have the tools to conquer Europe.

4. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

Italy have hardly been short of world-class centre-backs; Franco Baresi. Paolo Maldini. Fabio Cannavaro. Alessandro Nesta. Giorgi Chiellini. Leonardo Bonucci – you get the idea.

Alessandro Bastoni has now taken that mantle with the Azzurri, bringing his own unique take on the role. He meanders forward freely, orchestrating attacks with threaded passes and wonderful crossing ability from a deep position.

BASTONI’S PINGED PASS 🥵🥵🥵#InterSalernitana pic.twitter.com/gVRVhLRxXa
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 18, 2024

Combined with a 6ft 3in frame and aerial excellence, it’s a combination that has all of Europe’s top clubs taking a long look. Prizing him from Inter, where he is perfect for Simone Inzaghi’s system, looks a formidable challenge.

3. William Saliba – Arsenal

William Saliba has taken to the Premier League like the proverbial duck to water. After a succession of loan spells, he returned to Arsenal in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. Rarely has a defender looked so unruffled amid the intensity of English football.

Whether it’s turning out of trouble, give-and-goes inside his own third, or simply stepping on the accelerator to shut down attacks, Saliba does it all. Approaching his 24th birthday, he’s the heir to the title of the world’s best.

2. Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Antonio Rudiger is mad as a box of frogs but Real Madrid would not have him any other way. The German gets real enjoyment from unsettling strikers, taking an uncompromising approach to duels with the best.

His pick-up on a free transfer from Chelsea is some of the Spanish’s sides best business of recent years. Excellent at Chelsea, he’s become genuinely elite at the Bernabeu.

1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk, still, has few peers in the world of centre-backs.

The Dutch defender is a man-mountain for Liverpool, who are cantering towards the Premier League title this season. Colossal in the air and perfectly precise with raking passes to get Liverpool from back to front, Van Dijk is integral to the Reds at both ends of the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk has lost just THREE times at Anfield in the Premier League with Liverpool FC 🤯💥 pic.twitter.com/46xvB7UuqA
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) March 19, 2025

Finding a route past Van Dijk so often proves troublesome for opposition forwards. He’s often bigger, stronger, quicker and better than the forwards he faces. He might be 34 in the summer but he’s far from done at the top. Liverpool will be sweating over his expiring contract.

Read – The 10 best right-backs in the world right now

See more – The 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Topics

After PSG beat Liverpool, we ask: Is Dembélé the world's best?

Right now, I'm confident that Ousmane Dembéleé is the best soccer player in the world. Here's why.
ESPN - Mar. 15
Poch: USMNT can be world's best in 5 or 10 years

Mauricio Pochettino has said the U.S. men's national team can be the best in the world within "five or 10 years" due to the growth and investment in soccer in the country.
ESPN - 6d
The 33 Best Shows on Apple TV+ Right Now (March 2025)

Dope Thief, Severance, and Mythic Quest are among the best shows on Apple TV+ this month.
Wired - Mar. 11
4 best mystery books to read right now

Books from Ron Currie and Travis Mulhauser are among the must-read mysteries for spring.
Los Angeles Times - Mar. 17
The 23 Best Movies on Apple TV+ Right Now (March 2025)

The Gorge, Fly Me to the Moon, and Blitz are just a few of the movies you should be watching on Apple TV+ this month.
Wired - Mar. 13
The 23 Best Shows on Amazon Prime Right Now (March 2025)

The Wheel of Time, Reacher, and Fallout are just a few of the shows you should be watching on Amazon Prime Video this week.
Wired - Mar. 15
The 44 Best Shows on Netflix Right Now (March 2025)

Adolescence, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Squid Game are just a few of the shows you need to watch on Netflix this month.
Wired - 3d
The 43 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now (March 2025)

Plankton: The Movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and Troll are just a few of the movies you should watch on Netflix this month.
Wired - 3d
Who will be the best flag football player in the Gainesville area for the 2025 season? Vote now!

It's time to voice your opinion! Vote for the Gainesville-area's best high school flag football player for the 2025 season out of 10 nominees.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Six records fall: See which ones toppled at boys NIC-10 indoor track and field meet

The NIC-10 indoor track and field meet highlighted Hononegah's dominance right now, as well as seeing six records fall. Find out which six.
Yahoo Sports - 7h
Raducanu 'scraps' in Miami to earn best win of season

Emma Raducanu shows fight to beat world number 10 Emma Navarro in a gripping Miami Open contest which she ranks as her best victory of the season.
BBC News - 3d
The Best RAM for Your PC (2025)

Building a new computer or looking to upgrade your memory? Here are our favorite options right now.
Wired - Mar. 16
The 45 Best Shows on Max (aka HBO Max) Right Now (March 2025)

When No One Sees Us, The White Lotus, and Celtics City are just a few of the shows you need to be watching on Max this month.
Wired - 6d
The 33 Best Movies on Max (aka HBO Max) Right Now (March 2025)

Sing Sing, Heretic, and Beau is Afraid are just a few of the movies you should be watching on Max this month.
Wired - 4d
How right wing media amplifies Trump’s war on truth

Americans and people around the world are now experiencing the disastrous consequences of our becoming a “post-truth” society.
The Hill - Mar. 10
The 37 Best Movies on Hulu This Week (March 2025)

Sly Lives!, A Real Pain, and Alien are just a few of the movies you need to watch on Hulu right now.
Wired - Mar. 6
3 tips for getting the best HELOC rate this March

HELOC interest rates are on a steep decline. Here are three ways to get a great rate right now.
CBS News - Mar. 13
PFF ranks Rams among the top-10 best NFL teams after early free agency signings

The Rams made enough of the right moves to remain as one of the better teams in the league at this point in the offseason.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
Vote now for the Daily Advertiser Athlete of the Week (March 10-16)

The poll is back open for the Daily Advertiser Athlete of the Week for March 10-16. Vote now and vote often.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
Silent Hill F Preorders Include $10 Gift Card At Best Buy

Silent Hill f Standard Edition $70 | Get $10 Gift Card at Best ...
GameSpot - Mar. 14
Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout, 17, runs fastest 200m time in the world this year

Australian 17-year-old Gout Gout continued to demonstrate why he is the most exciting talent in sprinting right now, running the fastest 200-meter time in the world this year on Sunday.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
Canadian lawmaker to Trump: Economy 'smarter than your stupidity right now'

Canadian lawmaker Charlie Angus hammered President Trump’s wide-ranging tariff agenda, arguing the economy is “bigger and broader and smarter than your stupidity right now” and that Ottawa will ...
The Hill - 4d
“He’s coming in”: Arsenal are now poised to sign “world-class” £51m star – Journalist

Arsenal are poised to sign one of La Liga’s best-performing midfielders during the summer transfer window.The Gunners are expected to be busy during the off-season, and there could be plenty of ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
What’s Going on With TikTok Right Now?

Trump says a TikTok deal is in the works. Here’s where things stand with the app.
Inc. - Mar. 12
Six of the world's 10 most polluted cities are in one country, report shows

Six out the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in India, while California has the worst air pollution in North America, a new report shows.
NBC News - Mar. 11
Bump-up, step-up or traditional CDs: Which CD account type is better right now?

There are multiple CD options to choose from right now, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
CBS News - Mar. 13
Trump is right: The World Health Organization isn’t working

The abrupt halt to U.S. involvement in the World Health Organization has caused considerable and immediate uncertainty for global health. But it can also signal a new opportunity to fix at last ...
The Hill - Mar. 15
Tech Companies Are Erasing Open Job Postings Now

Is the industry coming to grips with the fact that hiring makes no sense right now?
Inc. - 1d
Murphy says Americans want Democrats to 'take risks right now' to 'save our democracy'

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Sunday that Americans want Democrats to “take risks right now” to “save our democracy” after internal party divisions over a funding bill. “While I totally ...
The Hill - Mar. 16
FEATURE | A week to remember for the ‘world’s best goalkeeper’ Lucas Perri

“The best goalkeeper in the world” were the superlatives used by Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca to describe his shot-stopper, Lucas Perri (27), last week. Whilst those comments may include a slight ex...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Football Daily | Celtic, Al-Ahly, Real Madrid … move over for the true kings

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! . Which football club is the best in the world? Come on, let’s get this straightened out, once and for all. A good place to start would be the ...
The Guardian - 6d
Every Game Delayed Right Now (2025 Edition)

Death, taxes, and video games getting delayed--it seems these are the three constants in 2025, with a number of high-profile video games getting delayed past their initial release dates. Some of ...
GameSpot - Mar. 14
Who would be a university president in America right now?

As fundraising has become a major obligation, votes of no confidence have followed just about any institutional crisis
Financial Times - 4d
3 things HELOC borrowers should watch for now

Both existing and prospective HELOC borrowers should be closely monitoring these three factors right now.
CBS News - Mar. 11
10 former Ravens are signed to UFL teams

With the NFL season now complete and the offseason underway, the Baltimore Ravens have 10 former players on UFL rosters
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Emma Raducanu storms back to stun world No 10 at Miami Open

Emma Raducanu battled against blisters and was forced to play “every single point like it was going to be my last” to secure a place in the third round of the Miami Open against top-10 opponent ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Perfect 10? Here are the best team-player marriages for NFL free agency

All eyes are on the quarterback market —including four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers — as the NFL offseason truly heats up. Here are 10 pairings we think make sense.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 10
The Analog System Is the Best Productivity Tool I’ve Used Yet

In a world of digital tools, sometimes an Analog system is the best way to stay organized.
Inc. - 3d
It's now Matt Rempe Against The World Including Referees

Among the most astonishing feats in hockey history, we have the never-ending Saga Of Matt Rempe – Again. (Enough of Rempy, already, no?)
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15

More from Yahoo Sports

Browns: Kirk Cousins won't waive no trade clause until after NFL draft

While the Browns may still be in active pursuit of Kirk Cousins, they will have to wait until after the 2025 NFL draft to trade with the Falcons
Yahoo Sports - 12m
Ranking Wisconsin basketball’s transfer portal, offseason roster needs

With the transfer cycle beginning to spin, here is a look at Wisconsin's biggest offseason needs, ranked in order of importance:
Yahoo Sports - 18m
3 free-agent centers Seahawks could still target during second wave

Identifying three available centers the Seattle Seahawks could still target in NFL free agency.
Yahoo Sports - 19m
Under Armour returns as NFL footwear, glove partner

Under Armour is back as an NFL partner.
Yahoo Sports - 20m
Inside Kim Caldwell's bold, polarizing plan to restore glory to Tennessee women's basketball

The first-year head coach has the Vols back in the Sweet 16 with the hockey-style subs and relentless pace that once helped her win a national title in Division II. Can she do the same at Tennessee?
Yahoo Sports - 24m