Top 10 Right Backs in the World for 2026

The role of right backs has shifted dramatically from purely defensive duties to a blend of defense and attack. In 2026, players like Achraf Hakimi, Jurrien Timber, and Jules Koundé stand out not just for their defensive skills but also for their goal contributions and overall influence on the pitch. This list ranks the best right backs based on key statistics such as tackles, interceptions, goals, and assists, reflecting how vital full-backs have become across top leagues worldwide.

Once, football spotlight focused solely on star forwards, leaving little attention for full-backs. Over time, the expectations for right backs grew, especially in leading leagues. Legendary defenders like Gary Neville, Dani Alves, and Philipp Lahm paved the way for current stars including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Achraf Hakimi, and Denzel Dumfries, who now attract significant recognition. With the 2025-26 season complete and the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, the question arises: who is the best right back today? Here is our ranking based on multiple factors.

Top 10 Best Right Backs in 2026

• 10. Denzel Dumfries - Real Madrid (Netherlands)
• 9. Trent Alexander-Arnold - Real Madrid (England)
• 8. Pedro Porro - Tottenham Hotspur (Spain)
• 7. Reece James - Chelsea FC (England)
• 6. Julian Ryerson - Borussia Dortmund (Norway)
• 5. Matheus Nunes - Manchester City (England)
• 4. Jules Koundé - FC Barcelona (France)
• 3. Marcos Llorente - Atlético Madrid (Spain)
• 2. Jurrien Timber - Arsenal FC (Netherlands)
• 1. Achraf Hakimi - Paris Saint-Germain (Morocco)

Ranking Criteria Explained

The ranking emphasizes core defensive stats such as tackles, interceptions, and blocks, since stopping opponents remains a right back’s main task. Additionally, attacking output like goals and assists is factored in, showing how these players contribute to creating chances and scoring. The data comes from trusted sources including Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia.

Profiles of the Top Right Backs

10. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Dumfries emerged from Serie A's strong defenses and revitalized his career after moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2018. At Inter Milan, he was a key figure in both domestic and European campaigns, combining stamina with attacking drive. Despite a serious ankle injury limiting his 2025-26 season, he joined Real Madrid before the World Cup, aiming to regain form for the Netherlands.

• Appearances: 25
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 1
• Recoveries/90: 3.02
• Interceptions/90: 0.50
• Tackles/90: 1.60

9. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

Known for his pace and precise passing, Trent fits the mold of a modern attacking right back. After shining at Liverpool, injuries have challenged him at Real Madrid, but his moments on the pitch still remind fans of his top-tier ability. Defensively, he has room to improve, yet remains a vital offensive outlet for Madrid.

• Appearances: 23
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 5
• Recoveries/90: 4.04
• Interceptions/90: 0.97
• Tackles/90: 1.68

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Porro stands out for his attacking flair, excellent ball control, and ability to deliver crosses. Since joining Spurs, he's been a regular starter and played a vital role in steering the team clear of relegation worries. His consistency has improved, and he contributed to Tottenham’s 2024-25 Europa League win, though he has yet to debut in a World Cup.

• Appearances: 43
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 4
• Recoveries/90: 4.59
• Interceptions/90: 1.26
• Tackles/90: 1.74

7. Reece James (Chelsea)

James returned to Chelsea after a loan spell with Wigan and quickly impressed with his attacking runs and defensive reliability. He captained Chelsea to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title. Known for speed and agility, he occasionally plays as a defensive midfielder, showcasing versatility. Injuries have hampered him recently, but his talent keeps him among the elite.

• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 6
• Recoveries/90: 4.89
• Interceptions/90: 1.55
• Tackles/90: 1.74

6. Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)

Norwegian defender Ryerson has impressed in the Bundesliga with Dortmund, known for his crossing, pace, and marking. After rising through Norway’s youth clubs and Union Berlin, he became a key player for Dortmund and the national team. His 17 assists in 36 appearances highlight his attacking threat.

• Appearances: 36
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 17
• Recoveries/90: 5.37
• Interceptions/90: 0.94
• Tackles/90: 1.86

5. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Originally a central midfielder, Nunes was transformed into a right back by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. After initial struggles adapting to defense, he improved significantly in 2025-26, using his speed and strength effectively. He played a major role in City's FA Cup and Carabao Cup wins and competes for Portugal’s national team spot.

• Appearances: 49
• Goals: 4
• Assists: 8
• Recoveries/90: 5.35
• Interceptions/90: 0.78
• Tackles/90: 1.51

4. Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)

Koundé transitioned from center-back to right back at Barcelona, blending attacking flair with disciplined defending. Key for both club and France, he helps link defense and offense seamlessly, contributing with through balls and set-piece threats. His form helped Barcelona capture league and cup titles this season.

• Appearances: 45
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 4
• Recoveries/90: 3.67
• Interceptions/90: 1.21
• Tackles/90: 1.97

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

Former Real Madrid youth product Llorente now excels as a right back under Diego Simeone. Known for his versatility and work rate, he defends effectively against top attackers in La Liga. Spain’s coach trusts him as the starting right back for the World Cup, reflecting his importance and form.

• Appearances: 43
• Goals: 4
• Assists: 5
• Recoveries/90: 4.66
• Interceptions/90: 0.79
• Tackles/90: 2.58

2. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Timber is a young Dutch talent excelling at Arsenal, trusted by Mikel Arteta for his defensive and offensive balance. Capable of playing multiple defensive roles, he combines aggression with adaptability. His contributions helped end Arsenal’s 24-year league title drought. An injury kept him out of the 2026 World Cup, but his impact remains notable.

• Appearances: 44
• Goals: 4
• Assists: 6
• Recoveries/90: 3.92
• Interceptions/90: 0.83
• Tackles/90: 2.32

1. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Hakimi stands as the top right back globally, combining blistering speed with precise passing. His journey includes stints at Real Madrid, Dortmund, and Inter Milan before becoming indispensable at PSG. He helped secure five trophies in 2024-25 and earned the CAF African Player of the Year award. Despite injuries in 2025-26, he bounced back to help PSG win back-to-back UCL titles and Ligue 1.

• Appearances: 43
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 11
• Recoveries/90: 4.75
• Interceptions/90: 0.67
• Tackles/90: 1.45

FAQs

• Is Achraf Hakimi the best right back in 2026? Yes, Hakimi tops the list.
• How many La Liga players are in the top 10? Four players from La Liga feature in the rankings.
• What are Jules Koundé’s 2025-26 goal and assist totals? He scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists.
• Is there a Bundesliga player among the top right backs? Yes, Julian Ryerson represents the Bundesliga.