The 25 Best Right Backs in World Soccer

Legendary Italian striker Gianluca Vialli once theorised that the right back was the worst player on any team. If they had more defensive nous they would be moved infield while a superior attacking outlet would line up as a winger. Even a left back has the added whiff of mystique by being left footed.

But as modern day soccer has evolved since Vialli’s retirement, incorporating flexible formations that change whether or not your team is in possession, it’s become increasingly important for fullbacks to be able to not only charge up and down the flank, but also tuck inside as an extra ball-playing midfielder.

Luckily, we’re blessed with an era of players who have taken that challenge in their stride, transforming the position into one of the most unique and important roles going.

It makes nailing down the top 25 right backs in the business all the more difficult, yet Sports Illustrated are here to do exactly that.

25. Dani Carvajal

A Real Madrid stalwart for over a decade, Dani Carvajal will retire as one of soccer’s most decorated defenders, with six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns to his name.

There’s a reason Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti trusted him so heavily. His finest season came in 2023–24, when he won La Liga, scored in the Champions League final and helped Spain win Euro 2024, finishing fourth in that year’s Ballon d’Or voting.

An ACL tear in October 2025 ultimately derailed his final season in Madrid. Now a free agent, Carvajal may be aging, but his trophy-laden résumé speaks for itself.

24. Joao Cancelo

João Cancelo smiling. — João Cancelo returned to Barcelona 18 months after he left. | DAMIR SENCAR/AFP/Getty Images

Some of the things João Cancelo has done with the ball at his feet defy belief. It’s what makes his sharp decline so puzzling.

There was and still is a rawness to Cancelo’s game that facilitates unpredictability every time he steps onto the field. The Portugal international is far from the best defensive right back in the world, but his work in possession is just obscene.

Having hit lofty heights at Manchester City, a public fall-out led to several loan spells at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, he slinked away to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal before making an entirely unexpected return to Barcelona in January.

23. Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot shouting. — Diogo Dalot was called “far from the best” by Ruben Amorim. | Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images

One thing that can’t be leveled at Diogo Dalot is a lack of effort.

Manchester United have proven an inconsistent force since the Portugal international’s arrival at Old Trafford back in 2018 and difficulties both on and off the pitch around him have affected Dalot’s levels.

But when he hits his stride, he’s a mightily impressive presence down the right-hand side, with his incredible work ethic and tireless running making him a nuisance for opposition attacks and defenses.

22. Ben White

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal forked out around $69 million for the services of Ben White in 2021, but the defender has more than repaid that fee through his performances at the Emirates Stadium.

Be it as a right back or center back, White has always been solid, but his ability to learn and add new facets to his game make the former Brighton & Hove Albion star one of the most flexible right backs around.

The returning England international also makes those around him better, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard much improved when their flexible triangle on the right-hand side is completed by White.

21. Nahuel Molina

You don’t become an Argentina regular without being a pretty decent player. Nahuel Molina may not be the most glamorous right back in the business, but he’s an incredibly steady option for his country and Atlético Madrid.

Molina has won the World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina, consistently impressing with his attacking contributions. Silverware has been less forthcoming at club level but he’s still proven a valuable asset for Atléti.

20. Nordi Mukiele

Sunderland’s stunning 2025–26 season—from relegation favorites to European qualifiers—was built on some shrewd summer recruitment, and Nordi Mukiele was one of the smartest additions.

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a bargain $12.8 million, the former Paris Saint-Germain fullback quickly settled in on Wearside, bringing defensive solidity, attacking intent and a seriously dangerous long throw.

And the best part? He’s still only in his twenties.

19. Jeremie Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong spent much of his youth in England and played with Jadon Sancho during the pair’s time together in Manchester City’s academy.

The Netherlands international was a former fan favourite at Celtic and took his good form over to Bayer Leverkusen, where he managed a combined 18 goals and assists en route to the Bundesliga title in 2023–24.

An injury-riddled start to life with Liverpool in 2025–26 took its toll, but there are few doubts about Frimpong’s long-term quality when he is playing at his best.

18. Julian Ryerson

Borussia Dortmund’s set-piece specialist is not a character that can easily get carried away.

“It’s not all that difficult,” the Norway international said of setting up his teammates. “I just have to place the ball in the right spot. The others finish it off.”

Dortmund’s forward line have gobbled up a glut of Ryerson’s nonchalant chance creation during the most creatively prolific campaign of his entire career—by quite some distance. Across the first 20 games of the 2025–26 Bundesliga campaign, Ryerson racked up more assists (11) than he could muster across his previous 202 senior league appearances (eight).

17. Pedro Porro

On his day, few players can compete with Pedro Porro’s distribution. The Spaniard has an exquisite right boot capable of unlocking the the tightest and most organised defenses.

The indefatigable right back has also flexed his ability to pop up with a stunning long-range goal or two for Tottenham Hotspur.

From a defensive standpoint, Porro is less assured and certainly an inconsistent presence with the capacity to switch off. Improving that aspect of his game will be instrumental in him rising above his positional peers in the future.

16. Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento’s development was threatened by a devastating knee injury at a crucial stage of his Southampton career.

Despite the setback, Newcastle United remained convinced of his potential, paying a hefty fee to sign him in the summer of 2023.

They were proven right. Livramento has retained his explosive burst and continues to develop into a versatile, increasingly polished defender capable of operating on either side of the back line.

15. Zeki Çelik

Zeki Celik Juventus — Celik joined Juventus in 2026. | Marco Canoniero/LightRocket/Getty Images

Zeki Çelik arrived at Roma as a Ligue 1 champion with Lille, but struggled to establish himself as a regular. José Mourinho often deployed him at center back, seemingly muting the attacking instincts that had made him such an effective fullback.

That changed this season under Gian Piero Gasperini, who used Çelik as a wingback in his 3-5-2. The Turkey international thrived in the role, impressing enough to earn a summer 2026 move to Juventus.

He may not produce eye-catching numbers, but Çelik offers something just as valuable: reliability, versatility and an almost allergic reaction to mistakes—qualities Juventus will gladly welcome after a difficult couple of seasons.

14. Konrad Laimer

Konrad Laimer arrived at Bayern Munich as a high-energy box-to-box midfielder, renowned for his work rate and physicality. But with fierce competition in Bayern’s midfield, the Austrian has increasingly found himself at right back.

That’s where he spent most of the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons, helping Bayern win back-to-back Bundesliga titles while constantly bombing up and down the flank and contributing at both ends.

His adaptation has been so impressive that Vincent Kompany has even trusted him at left back when needed—a remarkable evolution for a player who made his name in midfield.

13. Djed Spence

The 2026 World Cup was where Djed Spence finally showed the world what he’s all about.

After initially being publicly berated by England manager Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines, Spence responded in spectacular fashion, emerging as one of England’s standout players—perhaps even their star of the tournament. Relentless in the press, powerful carrying the ball and devastating in the tackle, he also showcased the versatility that has defined his career.

Spence has spent much of his career proving people wrong, from mixed loan spells in France and Italy to an inconsistent stint at Tottenham Hotspur. Now at Inter Milan—a club with a proud tradition of developing attacking fullbacks—he may finally have the platform to earn the recognition he deserves.

12. Daniel Muñoz

Daniel Muñoz celebrating. — After three goals in his first 46 Colombia caps, Daniel Muñoz scored his second in as many World Cup games against DR Congo. | Juancho Torres/Anadolu/Getty Images

Daniel Muñoz is one of world soccer’s most underrated talents. A late bloomer who spent much of his career in Colombia before moving to Genk in 2020, the speedy right back has since become a star at Crystal Palace.

Thriving as a wingback, Muñoz is a menace going forward, combining relentless overlapping runs with excellent distribution. He played a key role in Palace’s FA Cup triumph in 2024–25 and Europa Conference League win in 2025–26, quickly becoming a fan favorite at Selhurst Park.

That was until he joined Nottingham Forest ...

11. Malo Gusto

Chelsea are absolutely blessed at right back, with Malo Gusto the first of three stars from the position on this list.

Technically, there’s an argument that he’s the most gifted of the trio. A sublime first touch, silky skills, excellent crossing and the intelligence to invert into midfield, Gusto has all the tools of a modern elite fullback.

The problem? Consistency—particularly in the final third. One minute he’s putting the ball on a striker’s plate; the next, he’s sending it into Row Z.

When he’s on it, though, Gusto is genuinely world-class.

10. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revolutionized the concept of the modern defender.

Any defensive shortcomings are often outweighed by his extraordinary playmaking ability, with the England international capable of producing almost any pass from almost anywhere. His emergence under Jürgen Klopp was a key part of Liverpool’s transformation into one of Europe’s elite sides.

Now at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold is chasing even more silverware with the Champions League holders. Injuries have disrupted his start in Spain, but when fit, his talent remains obvious. After one standout performance, Spanish daily Marca declared: “David Beckham Returned to the Bernabéu.”

Few players are more divisive, though, with even England boss Thomas Tuchel yet to be fully convinced.

9. Giovanni Di Lorenzo

Giovanni Di Lorenzo in his Napoli kit. — Giovanni Di Lorenzo captained Napoli to the 2024–25 title. | Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Giovanni Di Lorenzo is one of the most under-appreciated right backs in the world. He has been a mainstay in the Napoli team for years and will go down in folklore as their Scudetto-winning captain of 2022–23 and 2024–25.

Di Lorenzo is a regular for Italy and certainly one of the best fullbacks Serie A has to offer. He’s an aggressive and robust defender and performs a conservative but imperative function when Napoli have the ball.

Napoli and Italy are fortunate to have such a stable presence in their defense.

8. Matheus Nunes

Pep Guardiola is rightly regarded as one of the greatest managers ever, not only for revolutionizing modern soccer but for his remarkable ability to elevate players. His mastery of positional versatility has turned plenty of unlikely candidates into stars.

Enter Matheus Nunes.

The Portuguese midfielder appeared destined for a so-so spell at Manchester City, struggling to nail down a regular role. Then came a switch to right back in 2024–25—and suddenly, everything clicked.

Nunes’ endless engine, technical quality and positional intelligence have made him a dynamic presence, capable of sitting between the lines, driving forward, distributing the ball and making timely interceptions.

7. Marco Palestra

Marco Palestra Chelsea — Palestra is already impressing in Chelsea blue. | Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Heading into the 2025–26 season, Marco Palestra was a baby-faced 20-year-old who couldn’t even crack Italy’s under-21 squad, let alone Atalanta’s senior team. By season’s end, he was a full-fledged international and had earned himself a big-money move to Chelsea.

“It has been a wonderful year that changed my life,” he succinctly summed up.

The tireless fullback-turned-wingback is a human pendulum, constantly shuttling up and down the right flank with seemingly endless energy.

6. Marcos Llorente

One of many modern midfielders shunted to right back, Marcos Llorente is another who has flourished in a new-look role. Utilising his explosive speed and tenacity in the tackle to torment opposition wingers and fullbacks, he’s a perfect fit at Atlético.

The Spain international still has a midfielder’s head on a right back’s shoulders, making him acutely aware of his surroundings in both halves of the pitch.

He’s not shy in conjuring up a goal or assist, either.

5. Denzel Dumfries

The Netherlands are practically overflowing with elite right backs, and Denzel Dumfries might just be the best and most complete of the bunch. His advanced role at Inter has helped turn him into one of the most dangerous attacking fullbacks in world soccer.

The flying Dutchman combines blistering speed, a powerful stride and immense physicality, allowing him to bulldoze through defenders while still contributing at both ends of the pitch. His value has been just as clear for the Netherlands, where he has become a key figure.

At Inter, Dumfries helped reach two Champions League finals while collecting plenty of domestic silverware. Now at Real Madrid, he’ll be looking to add even more trophies to an already impressive collection.

4. Jules Koundé

Jules Koundé had been the victim of both Barcelona and France’s issues at right back. Once primarily considered a central defender, the former Sevilla star was forced to fill in out wide due to the absence of other options at both club and national team level.

However, Koundé has developed into a sturdy and consistent option on the right side of defense despite initially detesting the idea of being taken away from a central position.

The Frenchman has been particularly effective for Barcelona and produced countless exquisite performances while combining to devastating effect with Lamine Yamal.

3. Reece James

Reece James was once regarded as the most complete right back in the game.

The Chelsea defender possesses a fierce crossing delivery and his ball-striking is that of a prolific No. 9. James is a powerful figure down the right and came into his own from an attacking perspective as a wing back when he registered 14 Premier League goal contributions in 2021–22. James can defend as stoutly as the very best in the world, too.

Consistent injuries restricted his development in years gone by but a new regime adopted by Chelsea and the fullback has inspired a remarkable uptick in availability, giving James an opportunity to shine on a consistent basis.

2. Jurrien Timber

Having missed his debut season with Arsenal after tearing his ACL on the opening day of the campaign, Jurriën Timber has refused to miss a beat since recovering.

The adaptable Dutchman can play anywhere across the backline but is best suited to a fullback role down the right, something that is abundantly clear to Gooners across the world.

He’s ever so reliable and is starting to evolve into a final third threat, operating with an impressive swagger in north London.

1. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi PSG — Hakimi is the world's best. | Franco Arland/Getty Images

Achraf Hakimi’s partnership with Antonio Conte at Inter was a match made in heaven. The Moroccan wingback was seemingly the final piece of Conte’s puzzle, starring as the Nerazzurri won the 2020–21 Scudetto.

Inter’s financial upheaval forced him out that summer, with Paris Saint-Germain swooping in and returning him to a traditional back-four role.

It didn’t slow him down. Hakimi is an absurd athlete, combining blistering speed, intelligent movement and elite final-ball quality with a surprisingly strong defensive game. He became one of PSG’s most important players during their long-awaited Champions League triumph in 2024–25, scoring in both the semifinal and final.

He then helped Morocco reach the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final before playing a key role as PSG successfully defended their Champions League crown.

From Conte’s wingback weapon to the world’s premier fullback, Hakimi just keeps getting better.

The 25 Best Right Backs in World Soccer—Ranked