Centre backs have continued to play a central role in football. Today, some of the best legs in this position include Marquinhos, Ruben Dias and Pau Cubarsi.
World football has continued to produce talented centre-backs. Here is the list of the best centre-backs in the world right now:
20. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur, Netherlands)
Micky van de Ven joined Tottenham Hotspur in the region of €50m from VfL Wolfsburg. So far, he has maintained his position in the first team, helping the club to win the UEFA Europa League.
19. Murillo (Nottingham Forest FC, Brazil)
Nottingham Forest star Murillo has stepped into the top list of the world's elite defenders. The Brazilian played a key role leading to the club's record clean sheets. His performance makes him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
18. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur, Argentina)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero has been a joy to watch since his arrival in 2022. The Argentine centre-back played a significant role in helping Argentina lift the World Cup trophy in 2022.
17. Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan, Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji is arguably one of the most reliable options in his position currently in the books of Inter Milan on loan from Manchester City. The Swiss soccer player joined the city in 2022 from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
16. Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool FC, France)
Ibrahima Konaté has been one of the most consistent players at the club since his arrival. He joined the Reds in 2021 from RB Leipzig for a transfer fee of €40.00m.
15. Willian Pacho (PSG, Ecuador)
Willian Pacho is also one of the new faces when it comes to ranking top-performing centre backs in the world. The PSG star is known for his defensive approach and solidity.
14. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
Antonio Rüdiger has continued to maintain his top form at Real Madrid over the years since his arrival from Chelsea back in 2022.
13. Eder Militao (Real Madrid CF, Brazil)
Éder Militão is one of the most consistent players in Real Madrid. The Brazilian has established himself as a fantastic and reliable player in the defence of Los Blancos, forming a working partnership with Antonio Rüdiger.
At times, he has turned out to be the match-winner for the Los Blancos, as he scores particularly with his head, which resembles that of club legend Sergio Ramos.
12. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
Dayot Upamecano is another key member of the Bayern Munich first team, especially in the defence, where he has been consistent. The French footballer joined the club from RB Leipzig. He has been transformed into one of the most reliable players in the team.
11. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, Croatia)
The Croatian star is arguably one of the best players in his position. He had an immediate impact following his arrival at Manchester City.
Josko Gvardiol is often regarded as one of the best signings by Pep Guardiola lately. His performance was noticed during his time at RB Leipzig and during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He played an integral role as Manchester City achieved the historic treble.
10. Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli, Italy)
Alessandro Buongiorno is one of the new faces at the biggest stage. The Italian star played a key role in Napoli's Serie A title win in the 2025 season. His performance sees him climb the rankings over the years.
9. Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid, Spain)
Dean Huijsen has been dubbed as one of the new generation defenders at Real Madrid, and he has lived up to the occasion to some extent. The youngster joined the Los Blancos from AFC Bournemouth.
8. Marquinhos (PSG, Brazil)
Marquinhos is one of the long-standing players at Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian has been part of the team since 2013. He is known for his top form and ability to play at right-back or in defensive midfield.
7. Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal)
Ruben Dias had an immediate impact at Manchester City following his arrival, winning the Premier League Player of the Year award.
The Portuguese star has evolved into one of the best defenders and has been one of the most consistent players. He is known for his defensive prowess and consistency.
Ruben Dias has been a decisive factor for Manchester City since his arrival at the club.
6. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace, England)
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is another standout performer known for his consistency over the last couple of seasons. The England international is currently one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League.
Marc Guehi played a key role as Crystal Palace went on to win the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
5. Pau Cubarsi (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Pau Cubarsi is another name that cannot be forgotten on the list. The young Spaniard has been one of the regulars in the first team. He is currently one of the best talents in world football and continues to stand tall in his position.
4. William Saliba (Arsenal FC, France)
Arsenal star William Saliba rose to be one of the best defenders in the world. The French star gradually established himself as a key player for Arsenal. He has been known for his versatility and physicality.
William Saliba is known for his success rate in one-on-one duels and playing offensively. He continues to stand out for his defensive approach.
3. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan, Italy)
Alessandro Bastoni has been ranked as a modern defender. The Italian has been a key member of the Inter Milan first team and the Italian National team. He has proven to be a reliable player for the club over the years.
This season, he has made several appearances for Inter Milan. His performance has drawn interest from top European clubs.
2. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal FC, Brazil)
The Brazilian star is another name that cannot be ignored when it comes to ranking the best in this position. The Brazilian has continued to top the charts.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been one of the most consistent and influential players at Arsenal and formed a defensive partnership with William Saliba. He is known for his aggressive style of play.
1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC, Netherlands)
Robust and more physical. The Dutch footballer is one of the best defenders right now. His contributions have been outstanding for Liverpool in the Premier League.
The Dutch footballer has been deployed at the left-hand position of the central defensive role. He is known for his ability to score on set pieces and also known for his excellent technique and final-third decision-making abilities.