Choosing the best centre-backs in the world is a difficult task. Often, the best defenders do the least amount of work.
And that in its own right is a skill. Paolo Maldini is famously credited with claiming, “If I have to tackle, I have already made a mistake,” and much of defending these days is about anticipation and starting play.
So we've struck a balance between the two spheres of a centre-back's role with our list.
How our experts decided the best centre-backs in the world
We wanted a well-rounded and reflective list of the top centre-backs on Earth, so went to our esteemed team of experts at FourFourTwo to compile their picks. – just three months after our last list, in order to keep things fresh. We asked them to balance what defenders can offer both in and out of possession, taking into account on-the-ball prowess and passing, as well a player's tackling, interception and reading of the game.
Our experts returned with their individual top 10 lists, judging central defenders by their current form and ability, but taking into account historic achievements over the last few years. The team nominated 20 players altogether, whose scores were then compiled before we halved that list to bring you the top 10.
Along with centre-backs, we've ranked the best goalkeepers on Earth at current, while across the rest of defence, we've got the best right-backs in the world and the best left-backs in the world. We've also ranked the best defensive midfielders in the world, while these are the best central midfielders in the world and these are the best attacking midfielders in the world.
We also have lists of forwards: the best right-wingers in the world, the best left-wingers in the world and the best strikers in the world can be found here. We even have a list of the best players in the world right now in any position – let's crack into the centre-backs, though…
10. Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)
Ronald Araujo is a stalwart of this list and has been for years. The Uruguayan is equally comfortable centrally or at right-back and is the perfect player to field next to a calm, passing type, given that he offers that typical South American aggression to rush out, meet attackers and close down the spaces.
But that's not to say he's not adept on the ball himself: well, you have to be in Catalonia. The Barcelona is somewhat of a veteran in this young side now and a reliable presence at the back for Hansi Flick.
9. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the prime proponents of progressive passing out from the back, Marquinhos has had his injury troubles this season – and Paris Saint-Germain have notably looked like a much less effective team when he’s been absent.
Brazil, admittedly, have struggled whether Marquinhos has been in the side or not, but their issues have been much more at the other end of the field.
8. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Ibrahima Konate has been one of the biggest success stories of the season for Liverpool. By no means a slouch under Jurgen Klopp, the Frenchman has become a pillar for Arne Slot and found himself coming in for almost as much praise his centre-back partner: no bad, considering that man's Virgil van Dijk.
Ibou, as he's known, is the perfect foil for VVD: he offers the bite where Liverpool's captain is perhaps a bit more reserved, and this season, he's stepped up with the kind of heroic performances that might well lead the Reds onto titles.
7. John Stones (Manchester City)
The Barnsley-born defender has found it tough to hold down a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI at Manchester City in the last year or so – due to injury, competition and Pep’s love of tweaking even a winning system – but the fact that he played every minute of England’s Euro 2024 run to the final is a reminder of the 30-year-old’s talent.
What happens next at City will be interesting. Rodri’s season-ending injury opens the door for Stones to potentially turn his midfield cameos into a more permanent role, so all eyes will be on what Pep is cooking up, as Stones is more than capable of doing a job there.
6. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Having at times been vulnerable defensively even as they cut teams open, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were in need of a strong defender when they signed Ruben Dias from Benfica in 2020. The Portuguese quickly became indispensable, a rugged and commanding centre-back with the required ball-playing skills.
He has only got better in the years since, winning four successive Premier League titles and helping City to a first ever Champions League title. Alongside Rodri, Dias has arguably been City’s most important addition of recent years.
5. Gabriel (Arsenal)
Arsenal will be the envy of many top clubs having managed to secure two of the world’s best centre-backs. Gabriel Magelhaes, next to William Saliba, is as good as Premier League defenders come: physically dominant and good with the ball at his feet.
At the other end of the pitch, Gabriel has become a real goal threat and the focal point for Arsenal’s well-worked set-piece routines. His ability to leap higher than almost anyone else makes him a huge asset in both boxes. If the Gunners are to end their long wait for another Premier League title, Gabriel will almost certainly play a big part.
4. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Bastoni's role at Inter Milan is unique: he's not just a wide centre-back for Simone Inzaghi, he has to roam into midfield during build-up, defend zonally and man-mark – and he's a proficient chance creator from inswinging balls from his position.
Italian defenders have never looked so multifaceted. The 25-year-old is the first name on the team-sheet for his country, too, such is his importance during a time of flux for the Azzurri. The heir to Chiellini is something completely different for a new generation.
3. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
Uncompromising and bullish, Antonio Rudiger doesn’t take any prisoners. The Real Madrid centre-back’s approach is often not subtle, but it is undoubtedly effective, and he often bullies forwards into submission.
While occasionally guilty of an error or lapse in judgement, Rudiger is the kind of defender attackers dread playing against. And he has proved his worth over several years for both Chelsea and Real Madrid, winning the Champions League with the former and helping the latter to another European title in 2023/24.
2. William Saliba (Arsenal)
Arsenal have hit a new level since William Saliba established himself as a mainstay alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in Mikel Arteta’s back four. The Frenchman is everything a modern world-class centre-back needs to be: strong, quick, athletic and technically accomplished.
Few strikers get any change out of Saliba, who at 23 is a regular for France and plays with the manner of a seasoned veteran. Expect to see him excel at the top level for many more years to come.
1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk needs no introduction for Premier League viewers. The Dutchman has been an imperious presence at the heart of Liverpool’s defence since his arrival in 2018, helping the Reds to a first ever Premier League title and a sixth Champions League.
Composed, cultured and powerful, there are no evident weaknesses to Van Dijk’s game. He is, without question, one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history, and arguably one of the best to ever play the game.
