Defenders are often the unsung heroes of football. While strikers get most of the glory for scoring goals, it's the defenders who provide the backbone for any successful team. A top-quality defender can stop the opposition's attacks, win possession back, and even initiate attacks with their distribution. In recent years, defenders have become more involved in build-up play, but their primary duties remain stopping goals at one end and contributing at the other.
In this article, we count down the top 10 best defenders in the world right now. To compile the list, factors like current ability, consistency, achievements, and impact were considered. Both center-backs and full-backs were eligible for inclusion. Let's get started!
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Key factors to become a best defender
Here are some additional factors that allow players to become the best defenders in the world:
- Aerial Ability - The top defenders are dominant in the air, winning headers both defensively and offensively on set pieces. Watch live soccer streams today to enjoy all the defender's skills.
- Tackling - Clean, well-timed tackling is essential for defenders. The best choose when to go to ground wisely and rarely give away fouls in dangerous areas.
- Positioning - Elite defenders like Leonardo Bonucci boast tremendous positional sense, allowing them to sniff out danger before it arises. Their ability to read the game and be in the right place is second to none.
- Recovery Pace - Many top defenders like Alphonso Davies combine size and strength with deceptive pace. This allows them to catch fleet-footed forwards and prevent goals on the counter-attack.
- Concentration - Lapses in concentration can be fatal for defenders. The best remain focused throughout the full 90 minutes, regardless of the scoreline.
- Personality - Defenders require tremendous leadership skills and resilience. The best take responsibility and lead by example as Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk do for club and country.
- Technical ability - Modern defenders need to be comfortable on the ball, initiating attacks, and progressing play from deep. The likes of David Alaba and John Stones have sublime technical qualities.
- Adaptability - Truly elite defenders like Azpilicueta can slot into multiple positions and adapt their game accordingly. Their tactical intelligence and versatility make them invaluable.
Top 10 best defenders in soccer 2023
- Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has a strong claim to being the best defender right now. He is also one of the best soccer players in the world. The Dutchman has been a colossus at the heart of Liverpool’s defense since joining them in 2018. He was instrumental in their Champions League triumph in 2019 and long-awaited Premier League title win in 2020.
Standing at 6’4”, van Dijk is an imposing physical presence. He dominates in the air and excels at last-ditch defending. But he is also exceptionally comfortable in possession, often striding forward to initiate attacks. His positioning and reading of the game are exemplary, allowing him to snuff out danger before it arises.
For both club and country, van Dijk is a true leader. Since his arrival at Anfield, Liverpool has gone from having a shaky defense to boasting one of Europe’s meanest backlines. Despite missing most of the 2020/21 season through injury, he remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
- Ruben Dias
When Manchester City spent big to sign Ruben Dias in 2020, it was a clear sign of intent. They had long been vulnerable defensively, especially in the biggest games. But Dias’ impact was transformative, as he led them to the Premier League title and a first-ever Champions League final last season.
The Portuguese defender is an old-school center-back who excels at the fundamentals. He is strong in the tackle, dominant aerially, and boasts tremendous leadership qualities. Alongside John Stones, he forged an outstanding partnership at the heart of City's defense.
Still only 25, Dias has his best years ahead. Since his arrival, City have kept 26 clean sheets in 55 league games. Already accomplished at club level, he will now be targeting success with Portugal on the international stage.
- Antonio Rüdiger
After falling out of favor under Frank Lampard, Antonio Rüdiger has been revitalized under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. The German coach has turned Rüdiger into one of the best defenders in Europe with his tactical approach to maximize the center-back’s unique skillset.
Rüdiger boasts an imposing blend of pace, power, and aggression. He drives forward with the ball impressively and is a major goal threat from set pieces. But it is his defending that has markedly improved under Tuchel. His positioning is now exceptional, and he timed his challenges to perfection as Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021.
Now into his peak years at 29, Rüdiger will be a free agent this summer. He will have no shortage of takers if he decides to leave Stamford Bridge. However, Tuchel and Chelsea are doing all they can to tie him down to a new contract.
- Achraf Hakimi
As football has evolved, full-backs have become crucial. The best combine defending steel with attacking flair. There are few better in that regard than Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Initially a product of the Real Madrid academy, Hakimi gained first-team experience on loan with Dortmund. After impressing in the Bundesliga, he joined Inter Milan in 2020 where he established himself as one of the world’s premier right-backs. That form led to a lucrative 2021 move to PSG.
Blessed with a searing pace, the Moroccan rampages up and down the right flank. He contributes heavily at both ends, evidenced by his combined 13 goals and assists last season. Still only 23, he is well on his way to becoming the best full-back of his generation.
- Thiago Silva
Some players seem to get better with age, and that is certainly the case with Thiago Silva. At 37, he remains one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Chelsea in 2020.
Silva initially came to prominence with AC Milan, helping them win the Serie A title in 2011 before moving to PSG. There he further enhanced his reputation as an intelligent reader of the game with exceptional leadership skills.
While he may have lost a yard of pace, Silva’s positioning and anticipation are still world-class. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph last season and is still going strong this campaign. With over 100 caps for Brazil, his status as an all-time great is assured.
Besides, fans can continue enjoying his skills by streaming Chelsea matches on AMZ Football.
- Alphonso Davies
Full-back was a problem position for Bayern Munich until Alphonso Davies burst onto the scene. Since establishing himself there in 2019/20, the Canadian has become one of the world’s elite left-backs despite still being only 21.
Initially signed as a winger, Davies impressed with his dribbling ability and searing pace. His defensive skills were a work in progress, but he has made exceptional strides. His athleticism and attacking verve make him perfect for Bayern’s high-intensity style.
Despite his tender years, Davies already has a Bundesliga title, Champions League winner’s medal, and CONCACAF Gold Cup to his name. Barring injuries, he seems certain to be one of the world’s dominant full-backs for the next decade. Canada is also reaping the rewards at the international level.
- Marquinhos
While the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar grab the headlines, Marquinhos is arguably the most important player for Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian has been a rock in the heart of their defense since joining from Roma in 2013.
Initially signed as a right-back, Marquinhos has transitioned into an elite center-back. He excels at reading the game and uses his pace to snuff out counter-attacks. Strong in the air and tackle despite lacking imposing height, he is an exceptionally well-rounded defender.
Marquinhos has all the attributes to be the best defender in the world. The only question mark is whether PSG's domestic dominance makes his life too easy compared to peers in more competitive leagues. At 27, his peak years should still lie ahead.
- Antonio Rüdiger
Chelsea have an embarrassment of riches at center-back, with Antonio Rüdiger and Thiago Silva both among the world's best. But arguably their most important defender is Cesar Azpilicueta, who has been an absolute model of consistency for nearly a decade.
Initially signed in 2012 from Marseille, few would have predicted Azpilicueta’s Chelsea legacy. But he has overcome a shaky start to become one of the most reliable defenders around. Although naturally a full-back, the Spaniard transitioned seamlessly into a center-back role.
Azpilicueta is the perfect low-maintenance defender. He rarely makes mistakes or loses individual battles. His intelligent reading of the game and clever positional play are a manager's dream. Now Chelsea captain, he fully deserves his status as a Stamford Bridge legend.
- Leonardo Bonucci
Italian defenders have long been held up as masters of the art, and Leonardo Bonucci is the contemporary standard-bearer. A key figure in Juventus’ decade of dominance, he remains going strong for both club and country at 35.
Bonucci formed part of Juve’s famed ‘BBC’ defense alongside Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Their understanding was telepathic, built on countless battles together. While less imposing than his partners physically, Bonucci makes up for it with supreme tactical intelligence.
Now in the twilight of his career, Bonucci is still a top-class operator. He returned to Juve in 2018 after a season with AC Milan and has maintained his elite levels. With Chiellini’s retirement from the international game, Bonucci is now the leader of Italy’s defense.
- Dayot Upamecano
At just 23, Dayot Upamecano represents the future of defending. After a breakout few seasons with RB Leipzig, he earned a big-money move to Bayern Munich last summer where he has settled in seamlessly.
Upamecano announced himself to the wider football world with a string of dominant performances in Leipzig’s run to the 2020 Champions League semi-finals. That form led Europe’s elite clubs to take notice, but Bayern won the race for his signature.
A superb athlete, Upamecano combines speed with power and coordination. He relishes physical duels but is also remarkably composed in possession. If he can maintain consistency, his ceiling is almost limitless. Over the next decade, he is likely to emerge as the world’s premier central defender.
Conclusion
This rundown of the top 10 best defenders in the world shows how the position has evolved. The best defenders today need both supreme defensive skills and increasing ability on the ball. Full-backs are more prominent than ever, with the likes of Hakimi and Davies redefining offensive output. But classic center-backs like van Dijk and Dias remain indispensable with their elite defensive mastery.
The world's best defenders share many traits like leadership, tactical intelligence, and concentration. Most importantly, they make their teams more resilient and provide a foundation to enable attacking freedom. While goals grab headlines, defenses win major honors. All of these defenders have been integral to their club's successes. For any footballer, being considered among the world's best defenders is a remarkable achievement.