Discussing the world's best right-backs was not something most would have considered doing even 15 years ago. Famously, no one “grew up wanting to be Gary Neville”.
Well, the times, they are a-changing. Ahead of Euro 2024, our team of football experts have assessed and aggregated the best full-backs on Earth, from the ball-playing types of Trent Alexander-Arnold, speed merchants like Jeremie Frimpong and defensive beasts like Kyle Walker. We've taken not just their current ability into account, but their form over the last year and historic stature.
Did we get it right? Tell us @FourFourTwo – we also have lists across positions for you to pour over, too.
We've ranked the best goalkeepers on Earth at current, while in defence, along with the best right-backs in the world, we've compiled the best left-backs in the world and the best centre-backs in the world.
There are all kinds of midfielders – and we've sifted through the best defensive midfielders in the world, 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, including the best right-wingers in the world, the best left-wingers in the world and the best strikers in the world.
The best right-backs in the world: 10. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United and England)
The 33-year-old Newcastle United man’s versatility and set-piece ability mean that Kieran Trippier could have a vital role in this summer’s Euro 2024 amid England’s left-back issues.
His influence on and off the pitch has seen him play a key part in the Toon's recent transformation following their takeover and is the kind of player that you can depend on in the big occasion.
9. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur and Spain)
A surprising omission from Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, Pedro Porro has enjoyed a stellar season at Tottenham, where his solid displays at the back have been complemented by strong attacking play as he uses his speed and cross ability to do damage in the opposing half.
The 24-year-old can play as an inverted full-back and his recent improvements point to more to come from the Spurs man.
8. Joao Cancelo (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester City, and Portugal)
He may not be Pep Guardiola’s cup of tea, but the 30-year-old Portuguese remains one of the world’s best attacking right-backs. Still contracted to Manchester City, Cancelo has spent time on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona over the past 18 months.
His speed will sometimes compensate for a perceived lack of tactical positioning, but he will be a crucial part of the Portugal side that will be looking to win a second European Championship title this summer.
7. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan and the Netherlands)
The 28-year-old emerged as a leading talent relatively late in his career, as a 2018 move to PSV Eindhoven saw him find his groove. His defensive solidarity, speed and attacking instincts saw him force his way into the Netherlands side, where Ronald De Boer’s 5-3-2 formation played to his strengths and he would emerge as one of the best attacking full-backs in the tournament.
Heads to Euro 2024 on the back a dominant Serie A winning campaign with Inter Milan, with Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman having a dilemma on his hands when it comes to choosing between Dumfries and Frimpong.
6. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich and Germany)
Another versatile right-back who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, Bayern Munich star Kimmich has a competitive streak that is almost unmatched, as he brings energy and drive to any team he plays for. This attitude and his versatility makes him a manager’s dream and could be set for a big summer move, amid reported interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and a number of Premier League teams.
The 29-year-old has won every major domestic honour on offer with Bayern and will be hoping for a first international medal with Germany this summer.
5. Benjamin White (Arsenal and England)
The Arsenal defender has effectively made the shift from the centre of defence to right-back over the past two seasons, where he can call on his ability to bring the ball out of defence more regularly.
A calm and collected presence on the ball, White was a key part of the Arsenal defence that conceded a Premier League-low 29 goals this season, with his attacking contributions also crucial in taking the title race to the final day of the season. Would be a shoo-in for England’s Euro 2024 squad were it not for his self-declared Three Lions exile.
4. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco)
Already with four of Europe’s biggest teams on his CV at the age of 25, Hakimi has emerged as one of the world’s best right-backs during his current spell with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Morocco international began life as a winger and uses his attacking traits and passing range to supplement his defensive acumen and physical presence. Hakimi has already earned 75 caps for his country and was last year nominated for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool and England)
Although Alexander-Arnold has recently shown he can excel in a central midfield role, he remains one of the best right-backs on the planet for Liverpool.
The creativity and passing range he has shown from his time in a back four has been instrumental in his adaptation to a new role in the centre of the park, but this chance in position can come at the expense of his ability to bomb down the right in overlapping runs and either switch play or put balls in the middle with unerring accuracy.
Will be a very useful option for Gareth Southgate to have in his squad this summer.
2. Kyle Walker (Manchester City and England)
The Manchester City defender shows no signs of slowing down, despite recently celebrating his 34th birthday. Will head to the Euros for his fifth consecutive tournament with England, fresh off the back of winning a sixth Premier League title with City.
His pace and stamina will be crucial for England’s hopes of ending their trophy drought, with Walker one of a handful of players able to deal with France talisman Kylian Mbappe, should the two favourites meet in Germany.
1. Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen and the Netherlands)
The former Manchester City and Celtic prospect was a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title winners this term as the 23-year-old announced his arrival as one of the best right-backs in the game.
His form for Xabi Alonso’s all-conquering side will inevitably make him a target for European football’s big hitter this summer, as there are few sides that wouldn’t be improved by adding Frimpong’s bursts from the back. A return of 14 goals and 12 assists shows what he offers going forward.
