The Best Right-Backs in the World - 2025 Rank

The right-back position has significantly evolved in modern football. No longer just defensive specialists, today’s elite right-backs are versatile players who contribute meaningfully in both defense and attack. This updated ranking reflects the current state of the position as of June 2025, highlighting players who have excelled over the past year in club competitions and on the international stage. We consider not only their defensive capabilities but also their attacking contributions, tactical intelligence, and overall impact on their teams.

Our semi-annual ranking update aims to provide the most accurate evaluation of talent in this increasingly vital role. As football continues to evolve, the demands on right-backs have skyrocketed; many are now expected to function as auxiliary midfielders in possession and wingers in attack, all while maintaining their defensive responsibilities. Players who master this balance rank highest on our list.

Other rankings by tips.gg:

• The 10 Best Left-Backs in the World – 2025 Rank
• The Best Goalkeeper in the World – 2025 Rank
• The Best Midfielders in the World 2025 – 2025 Rank

Criteria for Right-Back Greatness in Football

Modern right-backs must excel in a wide range of attributes. The days of being just reliable defenders are over; today’s full-backs must contribute across all phases of the game.

Criterion	Description
Defensive Awareness	Positioning, successful tackles, aerial duels won, interceptions, 1v1 defending
Attacking Contribution	Goals, assists, key passes, crossing accuracy, progressive ball carrying
Technical Skills	Ball control, passing range, first touch, dribbling, set-piece execution
Physical Attributes	Speed, stamina, strength, injury resistance, recovery rate
Tactical Intelligence	Positional awareness, adaptability to systems, decision-making
Impact in Key Matches	Performance in high-stakes matches, tournaments, and pressure situations

Tactical evolution has placed increasing emphasis on right-backs participating in build-up play, creating midfield overloads, and providing width in attack. The most well-rounded players shine across all metrics, though different tactical systems may prioritize specific attributes. For example, teams utilizing inverted full-backs value technical composure and tactical IQ, while counter-attacking sides may emphasize speed and crossing ability.

Our rankings consider performance data from the top five European leagues, continental competitions, and international tournaments. Stats provide essential context but must be interpreted alongside qualitative assessments of overall player impact. The final rankings reflect a holistic evaluation of each player’s contribution over the past year.

Top Right-Backs of 2025

The elite group of right-backs in 2025 features a blend of established stars maintaining high standards and breakout talents rising to global prominence. Our top 10 represents the pinnacle of the position as of June 2025:

1. Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco)
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid, England)
3. Jules Koundé (Barcelona, France)
4. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands)
5. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, Netherlands)
6. Jurriën Timber (Arsenal, Netherlands)
7. Diogo Dalot (Manchester United, Portugal)
8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham, Spain)
9. Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli, Italy)
10. Tino Livramento (Newcastle, England)

This ranking highlights consistent excellence over the past year, with particular attention to performances in high-stakes matches and against elite opponents. The concentration of Dutch talent (three players in the top 10) underscores the Netherlands’ continued excellence in producing technically gifted defenders who thrive in modern systems.

Let’s take a look at what makes each of these players special.

Achraf Hakimi – PSG, Morocco

Key Achievements: Ligue 1 titles (2023-25), 2025 Champions League winner, record-breaking 25 goal involvements (G/A) in a season for a right-back.

Impact: At 26, Hakimi is the gold standard for modern full-backs. His lightning speed, dubbed “Usain Bolt on the flank,” and lethal attacking finishes (including goals in the semi-final and final of PSG’s Champions League triumph) make him a nightmare for defenders. Off the pitch, his global appeal inspires African youth, and his Ballon d’Or ambitions signal a new era for right-backs. Fact: UEFA clocked him as the fastest player in the 2025 Champions League at 36.7 km/h.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid, England

Key Achievements: Premier League and Champions League titles with Liverpool, most assists by a defender in Premier League history (64), La Liga starter in 2024-25.

Impact: Trent’s 2025 move to Real Madrid amplified his playmaking genius. His long-range passes, often likened to Steven Gerrard’s, unlock defenses with surgical precision. Despite occasional defensive lapses, his vision and set-piece mastery inspire a generation of full-backs. He aims to become the first right-back to win the Ballon d’Or. Fact: He co-owns a stake in a Formula 1 team, showcasing his off-field ambitions.

Jules Koundé – Barcelona, France

Key Achievements: La Liga title contender 2024-25, Spanish Super Cup assist, 2022 World Cup finalist, 42 caps for France.

Impact: Koundé’s transition from center-back to right-back highlights his tactical and physical prowess. His defensive solidity enables Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to thrive, while his overlapping runs fuel their six-trophy chase. A leader at 26, he redefines versatility in elite football. Fact: His bold fashion choices, from runway appearances to custom boots, make him a style icon.

Jeremie Frimpong – Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands

Key Achievements: 2023-24 Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, 26 goal involvements in 2023-24, most penalty box touches by a defender (345), 2025 transfer to Liverpool.

Impact: Frimpong’s move to Liverpool as Trent’s successor brings his blistering pace and goal-scoring instinct to Anfield. His 14 goals in 2023-24 redefined the full-back role, and he now targets World Cup glory with the Netherlands. Fact: He honed his skills alongside Jadon Sancho in Manchester City’s academy.

Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan, Netherlands

Key Achievements: 2023-24 Serie A, 2025 Champions League finalist, 63 caps for the Netherlands, 12 goal involvements in 2024-25.

Impact: Dumfries is Inter’s powerhouse, blending aerial dominance with relentless attacking runs. His heroic displays in the 2025 semi-final against Barcelona showcased his clutch mentality, making him a fan favorite. He next eyes a Premier League move. Fact: Named after Denzel Washington, he brings Hollywood charisma to the pitch.

Jurrien Timber – Arsenal, Netherlands

Key Achievements: 43 matches in the 2024-25 Premier League/Champions League, neutralized Vinicius Jr. in the Champions League quarter-finals, 20 caps for the Netherlands.

Impact: Timber’s return from a 2023 ACL injury highlights his resilience. His quick feet, crossing ability, and composure suit Arsenal’s dynamic system, inspiring versatile defenders. He aims for a starting spot at the 2026 World Cup. Fact: His €60m valuation reflects his rapid rise since joining Arsenal.

Diogo Dalot – Manchester United, Portugal

Key Achievements: Manchester United’s 2024 Player of the Year, 38 matches in 2024-25, excels in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Impact: Dalot’s two-footed versatility and relentless energy stretch defenses. His consistency under new management earned him a Portugal call-up, redefining modern defenders with his balance of attack and defense. Fact: His attacking flair draws comparisons to Brazilian legend Maicon.

Pedro Porro – Tottenham Hotspur, Spain

Key Achievements: 24 goal involvements in 81 Premier League matches, most assists (6) by a right-back in 2024-25, 10 caps for Spain.

Impact: Porro’s pinpoint crosses and improved defending make him Tottenham’s backbone. His high-energy style and long-range strikes inspire attacking full-backs worldwide. He targets Euro 2028 glory with Spain. Fact: His stunning goals against Arsenal and Manchester City in 2024 went viral.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – Napoli, Italy

Key Achievements: 2022-23 Serie A title, over 300 Napoli appearances, Euro 2020 winner, led Napoli to the 2024 Coppa Italia.

Impact: Di Lorenzo’s leadership during Napoli’s Scudetto and subsequent rebuild under Conte cements his legacy. His conservative yet vital role balancing attack and defense earns him respect as Italy’s Mr. Reliable. Fact: He emulated Diego Maradona by winning Napoli’s third Scudetto.

Tino Livramento – Newcastle United, England

Key Achievements: England debut in 2024, contained Mohamed Salah in the 2025 EFL Cup final, 35 matches for Newcastle in 2024-25.

Impact: Livramento’s blistering pace and defensive maturity mark him as Newcastle’s future star. His versatility and composure under pressure position him for a 2026 World Cup spot. Fact: His career-high £50m Transfermarkt valuation reflects his meteoric rise.

Honourable Mentions

Rico Lewis continues his development at Manchester City, with Guardiola praising his tactical intelligence and ability to drift into midfield. His positional awareness belies his young age, though consistency is still a work in progress. Ben White remains Arsenal’s Mr. Consistent, often playing centrally now. His versatility and calmness under pressure make him invaluable to Arteta’s system, even if he lacks the attacking flair of others on this list.

Reece James’ immense talent is still hampered by injury issues, again limiting his appearances this season. When fit, his blend of physicality and technical quality makes him one of the world’s best, but availability concerns continue to stall his career growth. Daniel Muñoz impresses since joining Brighton, bringing Colombian flair and defensive tenacity to the Premier League. His adaptation to English football has been remarkably smooth.

Marcos Llorente’s versatility remains valuable for Atlético Madrid, with his ability to play as a right-back, wing-back, or midfielder offering Simeone tactical flexibility. His incredible stamina and goal threat make him unique, even if he’s not a specialist right-back. Kyle Walker, at 35, is nearing the end of his career but still offers elite recovery pace and unmatched experience. His leadership and big-game mentality keep him valuable, even as his overall impact wanes.

Legacy and Future of Right-Back Legends

The evolution of the right-back position continues to accelerate, with growing expectations in both attack and defense. Today’s elite must combine defensive solidity with genuine attacking threat – a far cry from the purely defensive role of past generations. This transformation has been driven by tactical innovations, with coaches realizing the potential of right-backs to create numerical advantages across different phases of play.

The physical demands on modern right-backs are immense, requiring exceptional stamina, speed, and recovery ability. Players must cover vast distances while maintaining technical quality to contribute in the final third. This has led to specialized training regimens and recovery protocols tailored for full-backs.

The position’s evolution continues to blur the lines between defender, midfielder, and attacker. Future stars will likely need to be even more versatile, with specialized skills becoming less valuable than tactical adaptability and positional flexibility. Tomorrow’s most successful right-backs will seamlessly transition between roles based on game state and tactical needs.

As football continues to evolve, the right-back position is likely to remain at the forefront of tactical innovation. Players who best adapt to these changing demands while maintaining excellence in their core duties will continue to rise to the top of future rankings.