Top 25 Right Backs in World Soccer Today

Gianluca Vialli once claimed that right backs were the weakest players on any team. His idea was that if they had defensive skills, they would move inward, and better attackers would take their place on the wing. Left backs carried a certain charm due to their left foot, but right backs often lacked distinction.

Yet football has changed dramatically since Vialli’s era. Modern tactics require fullbacks to run up and down the flank as well as drift inside, acting like midfielders when in possession. This shift has given rise to a new breed of right backs who combine attacking flair with defensive responsibility.

Here, we rank the 25 best right backs currently shaping the game, highlighting their strengths and career journeys.

25. Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal is a Real Madrid icon with six Champions League titles and four La Liga trophies. Despite some debate about his impact, he earned trust from Zidane and Ancelotti alike. His peak came in 2023-24 when he helped Madrid win La Liga and scored in the Champions League final. He also played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or. An ACL injury in October 2024 affected his final season at Madrid, but many clubs would welcome his experience.

24. João Cancelo

João Cancelo has dazzled with his ball skills, though his form has dipped mysteriously. Known for unpredictability, he’s more of an offensive threat than a defensive stalwart. After success at Manchester City, a falling out led to loans at Bayern and Barcelona before a surprising return to Barcelona in January 2026.

23. Nahuel Molina

Nahuel Molina is a steady presence for Argentina and Atlético Madrid. While not flashy, he boasts a solid international career with a World Cup and two Copa América titles. His club silverware is limited, but he remains a reliable asset on both ends of the pitch.

22. Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot has faced ups and downs at Manchester United amid team inconsistencies. His work rate is relentless, and when in form, he becomes a formidable opponent along the right flank, pressing defenses and disrupting attacks.

21. Ben White

Ben White raised eyebrows with his £69 million move to Arsenal but has justified the price. Versatile at right back and center back, he’s known for solid performances and adaptability. White elevates teammates like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, and might have made England’s World Cup squad if not for injury.

20. Nordi Mukiele

Nordi Mukiele, signed by Sunderland for just £9.5 million from Bayer Leverkusen, quickly became vital. Offering defensive stability, adventurous runs, and strong aerial ability with long throws, Mukiele has impressed in the Premier League at just 28 years old.

19. Ola Aina

Ola Aina found regular play after moving from Chelsea to Torino, then Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian international balances offense and defense well, handling speedy wingers confidently and supporting attacks when needed.

18. Julian Ryerson

Julian Ryerson specializes in set pieces for Borussia Dortmund. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he amassed 11 assists in 20 games, exceeding his previous total across 202 appearances. His precise deliveries have been crucial for Dortmund’s attack.

17. Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley rose impressively after a loan to Bolton Wanderers and now backs up Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. His development hinges on overcoming injury troubles to reach higher levels.

16. Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro shines with exquisite passing and occasional long-range goals for Tottenham Hotspur. Defensively inconsistent, he needs to tighten up to outshine peers. Spurs coach Thomas Frank rates him above all others at the club.

15. Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento overcame a severe knee injury to become a key player for Newcastle United. Signed for £32 million, he’s proving his worth with speed and versatility on both flanks under Eddie Howe.

14. Zeki Çelik

Zeki Çelik has battled for minutes at Roma but revived his attacking instincts as a wingback in Gasperini’s 3-5-2. Despite never playing in Turkey’s top league, he remains important for his national team.

13. Konrad Laimer

Konrad Laimer moved from box-to-box midfielder to right back at Bayern Munich, helping them win the Bundesliga in 2024-25. His tireless runs and adaptability even see him occasionally deployed at left back.

12. Daniel Muñoz

Daniel Muñoz is one of soccer’s underrated talents. After a late rise from Colombia to Genk and then Crystal Palace, he thrives as a wingback with great pace and distribution. He was pivotal in Palace’s 2024-25 FA Cup win.

11. Marco Palestra

Marco Palestra transformed from an overlooked youth to a rising star in 2025-26. At 20, he became an Italian international and attracted big-money offers, showing endless energy up and down Atalanta’s right flank.

10. Marcos Llorente

Marcos Llorente shifted from midfield to right back at Atlético Madrid, using speed and tough tackling to control his side of the pitch. He remains dangerous going forward, blending a midfielder’s vision with defensive duties.

9. Matheus Nunes

Matheus Nunes reinvented himself at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Originally a bench player, he switched to right back in 2024-25 and excelled with stamina, technique, and smart positioning. Guardiola praised his potential as one of the world’s best right backs.

8. Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong rose through English youth ranks alongside Jadon Sancho, becoming a fan favorite at Celtic and later shining at Bayer Leverkusen. Injuries slowed his start at Liverpool in 2025-26, but his talent remains undeniable.

7. Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Giovanni Di Lorenzo captained Napoli to Serie A titles in 2022-23 and 2024-25. A robust defender with a conservative style, he is a mainstay for Italy and highly valued for his reliability.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold redefined what a modern defender can be with his exceptional playmaking skills. Emerging under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, he moved to Real Madrid in 2025 aiming to add more trophies. Though injuries have hampered his start in Spain, his talent remains evident. Spanish media likened him to David Beckham after an outstanding performance. England manager Thomas Tuchel still questions him.

5. Denzel Dumfries

Denzel Dumfries stands out among Dutch right backs. His speed, strength, and ability to break past defenders make him a powerful force for Inter Milan and the Netherlands. He helped Inter reach two Champions League finals and win multiple trophies.

4. Jules Koundé

Jules Koundé adapted from center back to right back at Barcelona and France, despite initial reluctance. He grew into a dependable presence, forming a strong partnership with Lamine Yamal and delivering consistent performances.

3. Reece James

Reece James was once seen as the most complete right back globally. His crossing and shooting power rival a striker’s, and he combined attacking output with solid defense. Injuries stalled him, but recent improvements at Chelsea signal a bright future.

2. Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber missed Arsenal’s 2025 season opener with an ACL tear but bounced back strongly. Versatile across the backline, he excels at right back with increasing confidence and attacking intent, earning fans worldwide.

1. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi thrived under Antonio Conte at Inter, driving the team to the 2020-21 Serie A title. Moving to PSG, he blends blazing speed with sharp decision-making. He scored crucial goals in PSG’s 2024-25 Champions League run and led Morocco to the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final, preparing for the World Cup.