Right-backs have been the unsung heroes of many football sides. However, the role has become one of the most important on the pitch in recent years. No longer just defenders, the best right-backs in the world are playmakers, leaders, and in some cases, the heartbeat of their team’s attacking play.
From seasoned veterans still performing at the top level to dynamic young stars redefining the role entirely, the list of the best right-backs has never been deeper. Whether it’s overlapping runs, inch-perfect crosses, or perfectly timed tackles in key moments, they can often be the difference makers in 90 minutes. In this list, we examine the top 10 right-backs in the world right now.
15. Michael Kayode
Michael Kayode has emerged as one of the most exciting young right-backs in European football. The Italian defender has developed rapidly since joining Brentford, where he has continued to showcase his athleticism, defensive ability, and willingness to contribute in the final third. His performances have also attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, highlighting his growing reputation as one of the continent’s brightest young full-backs.
Kayode’s biggest strength is his physical profile. He combines impressive pace with excellent stamina, allowing him to recover quickly when possession is lost and make overlapping runs throughout matches. He is also comfortable defending one-on-one and has the aggression needed to compete against dangerous wingers. Going forward, his direct running and ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box make him a useful attacking outlet for Brentford.
At just 22, Kayode is still raw and has room to develop. However, his combination of speed, defensive instincts, and attacking potential makes him one of the most promising young right-backs in Europe. If he continues to develop at his current rate, Kayode has all the tools to become an elite full-back.
14. Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento has developed into one of the most exciting young right-backs in European football. The Newcastle United defender has established himself as a regular at St James’ Park and has also forced his way into England’s international picture. His combination of pace, athleticism, technical quality, and defensive intelligence makes him an excellent modern full-back.
Livramento’s greatest strength is his ability to carry the ball forward. He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and driving into space, while his close control allows him to beat opponents in tight areas. His acceleration also makes him dangerous when overlapping, giving Newcastle an additional attacking outlet down the right.
Defensively, Livramento has continued to mature. He is increasingly reliable in one-on-one situations and possesses the recovery pace needed to deal with quick attackers. His versatility is another major asset, being able to operate on either flank when required. His technical ability, athleticism, and growing experience have already established him as one of the best young right-backs in world football, and there is still room for improvement at just 23.
13. Julian Ryerson
Julian Ryerson has quietly developed into one of the most reliable right-backs. The Norwegian international has become an important player for Borussia Dortmund, combining relentless energy with defensive discipline and an aggressive approach that makes him particularly effective in high-intensity matches. He is comfortable defending one-on-one and rarely shies away from physical battles.
Ryerson is not the most naturally gifted attacking full-back on this list, but his consistency and versatility make him incredibly valuable. His ability to play on either side of the defence gives his managers tactical flexibility, while his stamina allows him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. He is also capable of pushing higher when Dortmund need additional attacking support.
At 28, Ryerson is now entering the prime years of his career. His defensive reliability, work rate, and tactical intelligence make him one of the most dependable full-backs in the Bundesliga. He may not attract the same headlines as more attack-minded players, but his importance to Dortmund should not be underestimated.
12. Konrad Laimer
Konrad Laimer is another midfielder who has successfully adapted to playing at right-back. The Austrian arrived at Bayern Munich primarily as a dynamic central midfielder. His versatility has allowed him to become an increasingly important option on the right side of the defence. His greatest strength is his incredible work rate and ability to cover enormous amounts of ground.
Laimer’s defensive intensity makes him particularly effective when pressing opponents, while his ability to recover quickly helps him deal with dangerous counter-attacks. Although he does not offer the same attacking flair as some other right-backs, his technical quality and understanding of midfield make him excellent when inverting into central areas. He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and helping his team maintain control.
Laimer brings valuable experience to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. He can play multiple positions, but his performances at right-back have shown he deserves recognition as one of the world’s best players in the position.
11. Daniel Munoz
Daniel Muñoz has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking right-backs. The Colombian has become a key player for Crystal Palace, combining relentless energy with an aggressive attacking style and an impressive ability to contribute goals from wide areas. His intelligent movement allows him to arrive in dangerous positions and attack the penalty area.
Muñoz is at his best when given the freedom to push forward. His willingness to attack makes him difficult for defenders to track, while his understanding with his teammates frequently provides Palace with an additional attacking option beyond the winger. His work rate is equally impressive, as he presses aggressively and tracks back after losing possession. His physicality and stamina make him particularly suited to Premier League football.
Muñoz has taken a longer route to the top than many players on this list. However, his performances in England and during the 2026 World Cup have demonstrated his quality. His combination of attacking instincts, physical strength, and relentless energy makes him one of the most effective right-backs in world football.
10. Marcos Llorente
Midfielders playing in a backline is usually a sign of managers trying to fit square pegs in round holes. For Diego Simeone and Marcos Llorente, it was a stroke of genius. The Spaniard arrived at Atletico Madrid as a midfielder, usually playing in front of the defence or as a playmaking centre-mid. His move to right-back came as a surprise, but he immediately settled in and has since made that role his own at Atleti.
He already possessed some of the traits needed by modern full-backs to make that switch, specifically blistering pace and an excellent gas tank. Along the way, he has picked up excellent defensive awareness and tactical traits that are essential both as a right-back and as a player in a Simeone system.
Llorente is locked in a battle for a starting place with Pedro Porro for his national team, but that is a great selection headache for coach Luis De La Fuente. His improvement since his move to right-back has only improved year-on-year, and he now has to be considered among the best right-backs in the world.
9. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been a lynchpin of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. Italian football has been rough for the last couple of years. The national side failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and crashed and burned in their defence of the title at Euro 2024. However, Di Lorenzo has remained a consistent performer for Napoli and continues to age like fine wine under new head coach Antonio Conte.
Di Lorenzo was a late bloomer in every sense, not making his Serie A debut until 25. He spent most of his career in Italy’s Serie B and C. A move from Empoli and over 200 appearances have seen him become a hero in Naples. The Italian international captained Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years during the 2022/23 season and a second in 2024/25. Di Lorenzo is Mr. Reliable for Napoli and his national team, having helped Gli Azzurri to the European Championship trophy in 2021.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo may not have the flair that some modern full-backs boast, but his reliability when one-on-one with top forwards is priceless for Napoli. They are back battling for the Scudetto this season and could be a good pick to bet on winning Serie A next season. Di Lorenzo has led the charge with the captain’s armband wrapped proudly around his arm.
8. Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has firmly established himself as one of the premier right-backs in world football. Since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Celtic in January 2021, the Dutch international has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence. He was important during their historic Bundesliga title win in the 2023/24 season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with top European clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich, reportedly vying for his signature.
Frimpong is a diminutive figure as right-backs go, but combines agility with explosive pace to make him a formidable presence both defensively and offensively. His dribbling skills allow him to navigate tight spaces, while his crossing ability frequently creates goal-scoring opportunities. Defensively, he is adept at tracking back and making crucial tackles, ensuring his team’s stability in defence.
An impressive 24/25 season earned him a dream move to Liverpool. Injuries have kept him out of the team and he has not quite been able to kick on as expected. However, Frimpong’s talent is still undeniable and he remains one of the best right-backs in the world.
7. Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro has developed into one of the most dangerous attacking right-backs in the Premier League and proved to be among the elite of his position after winning the World Cup with Spain in 2026. The Spanish international has become a crucial part of Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking system, combining excellent technical ability with outstanding crossing and an aggressive desire to get forward. His delivery from wide areas is consistently dangerous, whether he is crossing from deep or reaching the byline.
His attacking instincts are particularly well suited to Tottenham’s style. Porro frequently moves into advanced positions and can operate almost like a winger, creating overloads and stretching opposition defences. His technical quality also allows him to move inside and contribute to build-up play, while his passing range and composure help Tottenham progress the ball. He is also a threat from set pieces and can shoot effectively from distance.
Defensively, Porro has improved considerably since arriving in England. He remains more naturally attack-minded than some players on this list, but his positioning and decision-making have matured. Porro is now one of the Premier League’s most accomplished modern right-backs. His combination of crossing, creativity, technical quality, and attacking ambition makes him a constant threat for both Tottenham and Spain.
6. Reece James
Many would have been forgiven for assuming Reece James’ top flight career was over after a nightmare couple of years. The Chelsea captain was handed injury blow after injury blow, to the point it was hard to imagine him ever being back to his best. He has proved all of his doubters wrong this season. Chelsea may not be in the best of form in 2025/26, but James’ performances have given Chelsea fans plenty to look forward to regardless.
When fit, Reece James has always been one of the most complete right-backs in world football. What sets him apart is his rare combination of physical dominance and technical quality. Few defenders can match his strength in one-on-one situations, and even fewer can deliver the same level of threat in the final third. His crossing remains elite, his ball-striking from distance is a constant danger, and his ability to step into midfield or drive beyond the winger gives Chelsea an extra dimension.
Recently, James has looked sharper, stronger, and more confident in his movement. His defensive timing has improved, and he appears more measured in his decision-making, picking moments to surge forward rather than forcing the issue. While Chelsea’s inconsistency has limited his platform, James has still stood out as a leader and tone-setter whenever he has been available.
5. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a phenomenal footballer even without mentioning his move to Madrid, his Premier League titles, or his status as one of England’s most gifted technicians. The boy from West Derby is still one of the best right-backs in the world. His rise to the top of European football came with his boyhood club, Liverpool, where he quite literally redefined what a right-back could be. Since making his debut in 2016, Trent evolved from a traditional defender into a genuine playmaker, altering how the role is viewed across the sport.
Trent’s influence has been so profound that, at just 26, he already features in many fans’ and former players’ all-time Premier League XIs, often ahead of legendary, treble-winning right-backs like Gary Neville and Kyle Walker. His passing range, vision, and delivery are unprecedented for a defender. His record-breaking 13 assists in a single Premier League season remains one of the clearest examples of how central he became to Liverpool’s attacking identity.
Defensively, Alexander-Arnold has never relied on physical dominance. Instead, he reads the game superbly, positions himself intelligently, and uses anticipation to intercept and recycle possession. His versatility, particularly his ability to step into midfield and control tempo, is something very few full-backs in football history have ever offered.
That said, his move to Real Madrid has not been seamless. His early performances have been uneven, and adapting to the demands, structure, and scrutiny of Madrid has proved challenging so far. Even so, his talent remains unquestionable, and his revolutionary impact on the role of a full-back is already secure.
4. Denzel Dumfries
Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries has experienced a somewhat slow ascendancy to recognition, but has finally received his flowers in the last couple of years. His performances as an attacking full-back for Inter and the Netherlands have shown fans how vast his skillset is.
Dumfries began to find his feet at PSV Eindhoven after moving there from Heerenveen in 2018 by way of Sparta Rotterdam. After three years, he earned a €15m move to the Italian giants. Dumfries has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Milan. He is now considered one of the best fullbacks in the world. His ability to move powerfully with the ball and track back at pace is incredible, and his gas tank is one of his best abilities. He can run the length of a football match at full throttle.
Denzel Dumfries has been integral to Inter’s success in recent years. He helped them to the Champions League final in 2023 and has several trophies under his belt with Nerazzurri. The Dutchman was arguably the most consistent performer on that Inter side and is just as important for his national team. For those efforts, he earned a huge move to Real Madrid in Summer 2026 and will don the Los Blancos strip in the coming season. Dumfries is undoubtedly one of the best right-backs in the world.
3. Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber had a nightmare start at his current club, Arsenal. The Dutchman signed from Ajax for £34m in 2023, but tore his ACL in his first Premier League start and virtually missed the rest of the season. However, he emerged as a key figure for the Gunners upon his return to the team and has tekn his game to new heights this season. Timber is versatile and adept at playing anywhere along the backline and in midfield, but has found a home at right back.
That versatility has given Timber all the tools to become a complete full-back. He is a powerful dribbler when roaming forward, highly skilled at inverting and overlapping and cool, calm and collected in one-on-ones. If there was any doubt about Timber’s place in this list, he wrapped up Vinicius Jr. across two legs in the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals to prove it.
The Dutchman may not have the silverware that most on this list boast, but there is plenty of time for the 24-year-old to get medals draped around his neck. He is part of an Arsenal team that seems on the precipice of something great. They are among the Champions League betting favourites this season. Whatever success they achieve, Timber will play a tremendous part as one of the best right-backs in the world.
2. Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde is the best right-back in La Liga. The Frenchman began his career as a centre back at Bordeaux. He earned a €25m move to Sevilla in 2019 before joining Barcelona for €55m three years later. It was at Barca where he began to settle into his new role as a full-back. What began as a makeshift switch has blossomed into a burgeoning career as a right-back for club and country.
Hansi Flick has masterminded that switch, forming Kounde into an integral recovery defender in his aggressive back line. His defensive intelligence and positional versatility have been a revelation at right-back, and few in the world possess his timing in challenges and anticipation of danger. Kounde can read the game with a clarity that many natural full-backs simply can’t match. Even more impressive is his tidy footwork, a rarity for a player who was a centre back for the majority of their career.
Koundé is already a seasoned international and a key figure for one of the biggest clubs in the world. He’s redefining what it means to be a modern right back. Many rely on attacking flair and ball delivery, playing like wide midfielders. Kounde is arguably the best in the world at balancing attacking support with elite-level defensive discipline.
1. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has already represented four of the biggest clubs in world football at just 27 years old. His trajectory shows no signs of slowing. The Moroccan international captain began his career at Real Madrid, coming through their youth ranks, but after making just nine senior appearances behind Dani Carvajal, he truly announced himself during an outstanding two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. That form earned him a €40m move to Inter Milan under Antonio Conte. There he played a pivotal role in ending the club’s decade-long wait for a Serie A title.
A further elite-level campaign in Italy led to a €60m move to PSG, and it is in Paris where Hakimi has reached his peak. The 2024/25 season cemented his status as the best right-back in the world. Hakimi was a constant force throughout PSG’s Champions League-winning run, delivering in the biggest moments on the biggest stage. His performances combined relentless athleticism with improved defensive maturity, while his attacking output remained devastating. He consistently stretched elite defences, contributed crucial goals and assists, and dominated entire flanks against Europe’s best opposition.
Hakimi’s numbers, particularly in big games, underline his influence. Last season, he scored in the Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Beyond statistics, his leadership has grown,. Hakimi has worn the captain’s armband on multiple occasions and sets the tone for PSG in high-pressure matches. His blend of pace, stamina, intelligence, and end product makes him a complete modern full-back. Right now, there is no one more reliable, more explosive, or more decisive in his position. Achraf Hakimi comfortably tops the list of the best right-backs in the world.
