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 football 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. Noussair Mazraoui
Not the flashiest of players but Noussair Mazraoui’s versatility and defensive dependability were crucial for Manchester United during several sticky patches under Ruben Amorim.
Where the former Ajax and Bayern Munich fullback’s future may lie will likely depend upon the identity of United’s new permanent head coach.
24. Joao Cancelo
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. Nahuel Molina
You don’t become an Argentina regular without being a pretty decent footballer. 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.
22. Diogo Dalot
One thing that can’t be levelled 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 defences.
21. Ben White
Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal forked out around £50 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 centre 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 exiled 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.
20. Nordi Mukiele
Sunderland could have their own personal competition for Premier League signing of the season. Granit Xhaka has shone in the middle of the park, Robin Roefs has dominated between the posts and Brian Brobbey has thrived in the physical English top flight. Yet, there is a strong argument that Nordi Mukiele is the best of the lot.
Snapped up from Bayer Leverkusen for the paltry sum of just £9.5 million, the former Paris Saint-Germain fullback has swiftly bedded in to his new northernly surroundings, offering solidity off the ball, adventure in possession and an aerial onslaught with his long throws. And to think, he’s only 28.
19. Ola Aina
Having failed to make a name for himself at Chelsea early in his career, Ola Aina took the lesser-treaded path to Italy in search of regular first-team football. The right back thrived at Torino and eventually made his permanent return to England in 2023 when he joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.
The Nigeria international has gone on to establish himself as a Premier League regular for the Tricky Trees, providing excellent balance down the flank. While capable of supporting the forward line, Aina is equally comfortable tangling with fleet-footed wingers in his own defensive third.
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. Conor Bradley
Few could have predicted Conor Bradley’s eye-catching ascent. Having enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in 2022–23, the Northern Ireland international proceeded to gain regular first-team exposure as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy at Liverpool.
Now a key part of replacing his former teammate, Bradley must work on his battle with injuries if he is to climb further up this list.
16. Pedro Porro
On his day, few footballers can compete with Pedro Porro’s distribution. The Spaniard has an exquisite right boot capable of unlocking the the tightest and most organised defences. 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.
In terms of a Tottenham Hotspur-specific perspective, however, he stands alone—at least in the eyes of Thomas Frank, who rated Porro above and beyond every other Spurs player he worked with according to The Times.
15. Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento’s career was threatened by a devastating knee injury which arrived during a crucial period of his development at Southampton.
Despite the long-term setback, Newcastle United were convinced that Livramento’s talent hadn’t dissipated as they signed him for £32 million in the summer of 2023.
The Magpies’ assessment certainly wasn’t inaccurate. Livramento hasn’t lost his burst, and he’s continuing to evolve as a defender who can perform equally well on both sides. He’s been essential for Eddie Howe at St James’ Park.
14. Zeki Celik
The Ligue 1 winner with Lille has had to battle for his minutes at Roma. No favourite of José Mourinho, Zeki Çelik was more commonly used at centre back last season before rediscovery his attacking instincts as a wingback this term in Gian Piero Gasperini’s 3-5-2 formation.
A Türkiye international with no experience of his nation’s top flight remains a key figure for his national team and will hope to translate his fine form at club level to the global stage at the World Cup, should Türkiye fight their way through the playoffs.
13. Konrad Laimer
Konrad Laimer arrived at Bayern Munich as an impressive box-to-box midfielder who was renowned for his energy and physicality. However, with such exceptional competition for places in Die Roten’s engine room, the Austrian has often been redeployed at right back.
It was where Laimer was utilised most frequently during the 2024–25 season as Bayern claimed the Bundesliga title, with his lung-busting runs up the flank allowing him to make valuable contributions in both halves. Such has been his impressive adaptation to defence, Vincent Kompany is even comfortably fielding the former midfielder at left back when needed.
12. Daniel Munoz
Daniel Muñoz is one of world football’s most underrated talents. A late bloomer who spent much of his career in his native Colombia before a move to Genk in 2020, the speedy right back has wowed audiences worldwide since joining Crystal Palace.
Thriving as a wingback for the Eagles, Muñoz is lethal in the opposition half with his overlapping runs and stellar distribution. He was key to Palace winning the FA Cup in 2024–25 and has established himself as a modern-day hero at Selhurst Park.
11. Dani Carvajal
A stalwart at Real Madrid for over a decade with six Champions League crowns and four Spanish titles, Dani Carvajal will end his career as one of the most decorated defenders in football history.
His importance to Los Blancos’ success has been debated, but there’s a reason why the Spaniard garnered the trust of both Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid.
Carvajal enjoyed his most productive season in 2023–24, winning La Liga and scoring in the Champions League final as Madrid claimed a 15th crown. He was also instrumental as Spain won Euro 2024, helping him finish fourth in the Ballon d’Or vote later that year.
Last season was defined by an ACL tear in October which he is still being eased back from. Competition in Carvajal’s position for club and country is fierce, as evidenced by the other names on this list.
10. 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.
9. Matheus Nunes
Pep Guardiola is quite rightly regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time. He changed the face of modern football with his intricate, fast-paced tika-taka style, and cultivated one of the best teams we’ve ever seen at Barcelona. But he’s also one of the great coaches, capable of elevating players to previously unseen levels.
Not only that, he’s the master of positional versatility, creating superstars out of players in unfamiliar territory. Enter, Matheus Nunes.
The Portuguese was on course for a so-so spell at Manchester City, sitting on the bench after failing to command a regular place in midfield. There was clearly talent there, but all signs were pointing towards a failed spell at the Etihad. Then, he switched to right back during the 2024–25 season.
From there, he’s shown off his tremendous engine, coupled with supreme technical ability and positional understanding. He sits between the lines, penetrates the back four when he needs to and is a great distributor of the ball. Not only that, he reads the game exceptionally well, making timely interceptions time and time again.
His form led Guardiola to say in November 2025 that “he can become one of the best [right backs],”—high praise indeed from a manager who has worked with the absolute best.
8. 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.
7. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
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 defence.
6. Denzel Dumfries
The Netherlands are inundated with world-class right backs and Denzel Dumfries might be the best—and most complete—of the lot. The flying Dutchman has benefitted from an advanced role at Inter to become one of the most devastating attacking fullbacks in the world.
Boasting enviable speed, a powerful stride and the ability to shrug off opposition defenders and forwards at will, Dumfries is an exceptional all-rounder and has proven his value for club and country over recent seasons.
He’s helped Inter reach two Champions League finals during his spell with the Nerazzurri, as well as securing an impressive haul of domestic silverware in Italy.
5. Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde 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, Kounde has developed into a sturdy and consistent option on the right side of defence 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.
4. 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.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has utterly revolutionised the concept of the modern-day defender.
Any defensive flaws are vastly outweighed by his supreme playmaking ability, with the England international capable of playing any pass at any time. His emergence in Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side was one of several factors in the Reds’ meteoric rise under their chest-pumping German boss.
Alexander-Arnold has taken his talents to record Champions League winners Real Madrid as he seeks to further fill his trophy cabinet, with Los Blancos now blessed to own one of the most transformative and exciting defenders of the century. Injuries have stymied his start to life in Spain, but when on the pitch his abundant talent has peaked through.
After one particularly impressive outing in the second half of his debut season, the notoriously demanding Spanish football daily declared: “David Beckham Returned to the Bernabéu.”
2. 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.
1. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi’s union with Antonio Conte at Inter was nothing short of a match made in heaven. The Moroccan wingback was the missing piece to the demanding Italian’s jigsaw as the Nerazzurri claimed the 2020–21 Scudetto with Hakimi starring.
However, he was forced to take his exploits elsewhere as Inter endured a mini exodus ahead of the 2021–22 campaign. Paris Saint-Germain came calling and Hakimi returned to playing in a back four.
The Morocco international is a ridiculous athlete who is quick enough to leave scorch marks on the turf, while his decision-making with the final pass is top notch. His attacking prowess is complemented by a sound defensive repertoire, too.
The tireless fullback was crucial to PSG finally ending their Champions League curse in 2024–25 as he scored in the semi-final and final. Hakimi then led Morocco to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2026 while gearing up for this summer’s World Cup.
READ MORE ON THE BEST 25 PLAYERS FOR EVERY POSITION IN WORLD SOCCER
- The 25 Best Goalkeepers in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Centre Backs in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Left Backs in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Defensive Midfielders in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Central Midfielders in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Attacking Midfielders in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Right Wingers in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Left Wingers in World Soccer—Ranked
- The 25 Best Strikers in World Soccer—Ranked
This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 25 Best Right Backs in World Soccer—Ranked.
