List of world best center backs in football​ today​

In the world of football, the role of the centre-back is one of the most important parts of the backbone of any team. As the backbone of any team, they are the ones who hold the line, stop the opposition’s attacks and build their own defence. Sir Alex Ferguson himself said that ‘Attack wins games, defence wins titles’, and there are a number of defenders who embody that saying. With that in mind, here is a list of the top 10 world best center backs in football​ today, ranked by Premiumsoccertips.net in order. From Champions League winners to World Cup winners, this is a tough list to decide on.

Ranking the world’s best centre backs in football​

10. Mats Hummels – The Roman

Mats Hummels enjoyed a resurgence in 2024, with the German full-back playing a key role in Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final. The soon-to-be 36-year-old did his best to deny the likes of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham as they met Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium, although his heroics in Europe’s premier competition did not end in glory.

The German commanding officer was named Man of the Match in both legs of Dortmund’s semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite his age, Hummels has proven to be a Rolls-Royce at the back for Edin Terzic’s men, with his intelligence and positioning shining through in continental competition, in particular. After becoming a free agent last summer before moving to Roma, he will surely do the same again this season.

9. Eder Militao – Real Madrid

Eder Militao was unfortunately forced to miss the majority of the 2023/24 season due to an ACL injury in August 2023, but he returned in time to help his side cross the finish line in the title race. The Brazilian also teamed up with another man on this list in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund to cement his place as one of the best centre-backs in the game.

Carlo Ancelotti showed how much he valued Militao by bringing him back into the starting line-up as soon as he returned to full fitness. He has played six consecutive games at the time of writing as the 2024/25 season begins, and his excellent anticipation and ability to win the ball back is no surprise.

8. Ronald Araujo – Barcelona

Barcelona may no longer be at their peak, when they dominated world football with their legendary tiki-taka style of play and a squad that was considered invincible. The glory days of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol anchoring the defence are long gone, leaving an indelible mark on the club and global football. However, despite a period of transition and change, the Catalans have been blessed with exceptional talent. They now boast a star in their back four who is expected to continue writing new pages for Barcelona.

Over the past four years, Ronald Araujo has been able to settle into Catalonia and the Uruguayan has become a key part of Xavi’s team. The only thing that seems to be stopping him from moving up the ranks and improving as a player is injury. The 25-year-old has suffered 12 knocks that have kept him out of action during his time in Spain. His clean sheet from September 2023 has allowed the versatile defender to prove just how good he is and how important he will be to Barca in the future.

7. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan

The transition away from long-standing mainstays like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci was always going to be a challenge. Both have played a key role in building a solid defence that has helped Italy to success, particularly their recent European Championship triumph. However, change is inevitable as players move past their peak. Fortunately, Alessandro Bastoni has proven himself to be a worthy successor, ready to take on the mantle of leader and continue to provide stability in Italy’s defence.

The 25-year-old was integral to Inter Milan’s run to the 2022/23 Champions League final and will continue to play a similar role as they reclaim the Serie A title. Not yet in his prime, Bastoni still has plenty of time to improve. He could be the talisman for a period of domestic dominance for the Nerazzurri that they have not had for years.

6. Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias is one of the few players who has had the rare privilege of being immediately trusted by Pep Guardiola and put into the Manchester City starting line-up from the moment he arrived at the club. This is no coincidence, as the Portuguese centre-back’s ability and qualities were clearly demonstrated during his time at Benfica. Here, Dias was not only one of the top prospects in the centre-back position, but also impressed with his leadership, excellent tactical thinking and composure in important situations. His career at Benfica has caught the attention of experts and big clubs around the world, and Pep Guardiola saw in him not only a promising player, but also a factor that could shape Manchester City’s defence for years to come.

It was only a matter of time before one of Europe’s elite players won him over. Since arriving at the Etihad in 2020, the likes of Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte have come and gone, but the Portuguese has been a revelation. There is an argument that he should be higher up the list as he nears a fourth successive Premier League title at the heart of the Citizens’ defence.

5. Gabriel – Arsenal

Jurrien Timber was signed by Mikel Arteta in 2023 with the aim of providing flexibility in the squad, allowing Gabriel to take on a rotating role. Arsenal started the season with Timber at right-back, while Ben White was moved into the centre to partner William Saliba, forming a tactically sound and stable defence. Unfortunately for Timber, however, a long-term injury forced Arteta to change his plans. Arsenal returned to the familiar combination of Gabriel and Saliba from last season in the centre of defence, and surprisingly, this return not only helped the team maintain stability but also brought about a performance that exceeded initial expectations.

In 2024, Arsenal conceded just nine goals in the Premier League. Their centre-back pairing played a key role in that effort. While many have given Saliba the lion’s share of the praise, Gabriel deserves his place in this top 10. The Brazilian is the attacking player in the pair, and he complements the Frenchman well, leading by example over the last few seasons and scoring eight goals to prove his influence in Arsenal’s ongoing title race.

4. John Stones – Manchester City

John Stones has had a rollercoaster ride at Manchester City, where he has gradually established himself in a competitive squad. However, the club’s historic treble in the 2022/23 season is the proudest milestone in the English centre-back’s career. It is not only the achievement of the team, but also a testament to Stones’ perseverance and relentless efforts after difficult times. There was a period when he was not trusted by Pep Guardiola and was often left out of the first team, facing pressure from both the media and internal competition. However, Stones overcame it all to reaffirm his important role, becoming one of the indispensable links in the defence that helped Man City reach the pinnacle of glory.

However, he continues to strive to improve. In a new role, where the centre-back steps into the midfield with the ball, Stones has become a master. Alongside another defensive monster in Dias, Stones has transformed himself into one of the best players in his position and proved crucial to England’s chances of winning a first major trophy since 1966 in the summer when the Three Lions lost to Spain at the final hurdle.

3. Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool

If we had to pick one signing who has completely transformed Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, Virgil Van Dijk would be the most deserving name. The Dutch centre-back has not only brought solidity to the defence, but has also elevated the entire squad, helping Liverpool become a real force in football. On the journey to winning the historic Premier League title in 2020, Van Dijk was almost unbeatable, showing top form both in defence and in launching attacks. An astonishing statistic proves his class: 50 consecutive matches without a single opponent being able to dribble past him. This not only reflects his excellent defending but also affirms Van Dijk’s position as one of the greatest centre-backs of the modern era.

Injuries during the 2020/21 campaign seem to have shaken the 32-year-old. The Dutchman seemed to have lost his dominant presence as the Red Devils began to falter. However, Van Dijk returned to his best form in the 2023/24 season, notably leading a youthful Liverpool side to a Carabao Cup win over Chelsea with a late stoppage-time winner. The appointment of the captaincy seems to have given the former Celtic and Southampton star a new lease of life at the heart of the Merseysiders’ defence.

2. William Saliba – Arsenal

Arsenal have established an impressive defensive record since the turn of the year, which has been a huge factor in their success this season. While neither of the two centre-backs in the current squad was initially Mikel Arteta’s first choice, the partnership has proven invaluable. William Saliba has been a standout performer, highly rated by the north London club. Saliba’s composure, ability to read situations and influence have established him as not only a mainstay in the defence, but also one of the Premier League’s most promising talents.

Despite being integral to his side’s title chances, Saliba admits that he is yet to reach his full potential – which is a scary thought to think about. He said: “I’ve been on the right track in the last two seasons, especially last season. I’m working hard to be the best defender in the world. I think I’m one of the best right now, but to say I’m the best, I have to win some trophies. I think that’s what I’m missing at the moment”. Highlighting his popularity, Saliba was named Man of the Match at Old Trafford, the Etihad and Anfield in the most recent campaign.

1. Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Germany star Antonio Rudiger tops the list thanks to his contributions to Real Madrid’s 2023/24 campaign, helping the Spanish giants win their 36th La Liga title and 16th European Cup. The centre-back has played over 40 games in all competitions for his club, with injury problems keeping both Eder Militao and David Alaba sidelined for much of the campaign.

A former Champions League winner with Chelsea, the 31-year-old has now won his first league title as Los Blancos reclaim the crown from rivals Barcelona. Rudiger was integral to that success, featuring in all but five of the 35 games, and leading the way in blocks and clearances per game. Notably, he is also among the fastest players in the world in 2024.

Conclusion

The world’s best centre-backs are the foundation of any successful footballing endeavour, not only protecting the goal but also providing a solid base for the team’s tactics. This list from Premiumsoccertips.net highlights the 10 best centre-backs in the game today, from Mats Hummels to Antonio Rudiger. Each brings something unique to the table, from Hummels’ vast experience at Dortmund to Rudiger’s quickness and decisiveness at Real Madrid. These centre-backs not only represent resilience and leadership, but also prove that defensive football is still the key to major trophies, as Sir Alex Ferguson famously said: “Attack wins games, defence wins titles”.

See more: Ranking the 10 worst defenders in the premier league​