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.
10. Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker would have been firmly in the top three of this list as recently as last season. The Englishman was a key part of one of the biggest dynasties in English football history as the starting right back for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. They were the favourites to lift silverware for nearly a decade and proved incredibly reliable when betting on the Premier League. Now 34, Walker is winding down his career, but is still playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, AC Milan.
Managers have often deployed the Sheffield-born fullback specifically to shut out the best wide men in the world. He’s faced the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr. and Neymar and come out on top. Although his pace is a tremendous asset in those battles, it is far from the discerning factor between him and the rest of the best right-backs in the world. His game-reading ability, impeccable timing in tackles and contributions going forward have made him formidable.
Walker’s best years are behind him, but he has shown at AC Milan that he still has plenty to offer. He has restored some order to their back line and brought in some much-needed leadership. Walker’s legacy in football will far exceed whatever he achieves in Milan, but his successes there so far have shown he is still one of the best right-backs in the world.
- 6x Premier League Winner
- 1x Champions League Winner
- 2x FA Cup Winner
- 4x League Cup Winner
- 4x PFA Team of the Year
9. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Another full-back still tearing it up in his 30s in Serie A is Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo. 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. 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.
- 1x Serie A Winner
- 1x Coppa Italia Winner
- 1x Serie B winner
- 1x UEFA European Championships Winner
- 2x Serie A Team of the Season
8. Denzel Dumfries
The third and final addition from the Serie A is Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. The Dutchman 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 is arguably the most consistent performer on that Inter side and is just as important for his national team. Denzel Dumfries is undoubtedly one of the best right-backs in the world.
- 1x Serie A Winner
- 2x Coppa Italia Winner
- 3x Supercoppa Italiana Winner
- 1x Eredivisie Team of the Year
7. 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.
In the 2024/25 season, Frimpong has continued to impress, contributing with goals and assists, and maintaining a high level of performance in both domestic and European competitions. His consistency and versatility make him a valuable asset, and it’s evident that he is among the elite right-backs globally.
- 1x Scottish Premier League Winner
- 1x Bundesliga Winner
- 1x DFB-Pokal Winner
- 1x DFL-Supercup Winner
- 2x Bundesliga Team of the Season
6. 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 has emerged as a key figure for the Gunners upon his return to the team 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 semi-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 23-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.
- 2x Eredivisie Winner
- 1x KNVB Cup Winner
- 1x Eredivisie Player of the Year
- 1x Eredivisie Talent of the Year
5. Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich’s transition to right-back at Bayern Munich has been one of the most seamless and effective positional shifts in European football. Since moving to the role in the latter half of the 2023–24 season under coach Thomas Tuchel, Kimmich has redefined the expectations for a modern full-back. His blend of technical mastery, tactical intelligence, and leadership has made him a standout performer in the position.
He is now the captain and first-choice right-back for the German national team. Kimmich now splits his duties between his natural defensive midfield position and his adopted right-back role at Bayern. The truth is, Kimmich is world-class in both. His versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups, making him a valuable asset for both club and country. Offensively, Kimmich’s contributions are equally significant, and he is arguably the biggest asset for one of the best teams in the world.
His commitment to Bayern Munich was reaffirmed with a contract extension until 2029, signalling his central role in the club’s future plans. In summary, Joshua Kimmich’s evolution into one of the best right-backs in the world is a testament to his adaptability and skill. His combination of defensive solidity, offensive creativity, and leadership qualities places him among the elite in his position.
- 8x Bundesliga Winner
- 1x Champions League Winner
- 3x DFB-Pokal Winner
- 6x DFB-Supercup Winner
- 2x Germany National Player of the Year
- 1x Champions League Defender of the Season
4. Dani Carvajal
Dani Carvajal is the only right-back to reach the top four of the Ballon d’Or rankings. He was among the favourites to win the award with our online betting site. That alone tells you his quality. The Spaniard has been a mainstay in one of the best Real Madrid sides in history. He has been the first-choice right-back under two spells each from Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, winning six Champions League titles with the pair. Carvajal was a key cog in the wheel for one of the most successful spells for the biggest team in club football.
The Spaniard may not always command headlines like flashier full-backs, but his blend of tactical intelligence, tenacity, and experience makes him a pillar in any defence. His positional awareness is second to none, frequently shutting down some of the world’s most dangerous wingers. Whether it’s one-on-one duels or reading plays to intercept danger early, Carvajal consistently shows why he belongs at the top. He also brings plenty of attacking threat with his overlapping runs and pinpoint delivery.
Carvajal secured his legacy at Madrid in the 2024 Champions League final when he scored to help them to a 2-0 win and a record-extending 15th title. A man-of-the-match performance came with Ballon d’Or shouts, but even a fourth-placed finish was unprecedented for a right-back. He is still the first choice at Madrid at 33. The Spaniard may be winding down his career in the coming years, but Carvajal will be comfortably remembered as one of the best right-backs of all time. Now take a deep breath as you read through his outstanding achievements.
- 6x Champions League Winner
- 4x La Liga Winner
- 2x Copa Del Rey Winner
- 4x Supercopa de España Winner
- 5x UEFA Super Cup Winner
- 1x UEFA European Championships Winner
- 3x Champions League Team of the Season
3. Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde is primed to take Carvajal’s spot as the best right-back in La Liga once the latter calls it a career. 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.
Still only 26, 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.
- 1x La Liga Winner
- 1x Europa League Winner
- 2x Supercopa de España Winner
- 2x La Liga Team of the Season
- FIFA World Cup Runner Up
2. Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has already turned out for four of the biggest teams in world football at just 26 years old. The Moroccan international captain began his career at Real Madrid, coming through their youth ranks. He made nine appearances for Los Blancos but played second fiddle to Carvajal before going on an excellent two-year loan to Borussia Dortmund. That caught the eye of another European giant. Antonio Conte signed him for €40m for his Inter Milan side, where he helped them to their first Serie A title in over a decade.
Another incredible season saw him move to PSG for €60 million after one year in Italy. He has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world since arriving in Paris in 2021. Hakimi’s athleticism already made him stand out, and his talent on both sides of the ball has improved rapidly. One of the best attacking full-backs in the world, the Moroccan complements his forward play with sound defensive prowess.
He has 20 goals and assists in 42 games for PSG this season and 13 clean sheets. Hakimi has taken the captain’s armband on nine occasions this term and is one of the most influential players for Les Parisiens. His CV boasts some of the greatest clubs in European football and has won trophies everywhere he has played. Achraf Hakimi has earned his spot as one of the best right-backs in the world.
- 1x Champions League Winner
- 1x Serie A Winner
- 4x Ligue 1 Winner
- 1x Coupe De France Winner
- 1x UEFA Super Cup Winner
- 1x Serie A Team of the Year
- 1x Bundesliga Team of the Year
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a fantastic footballer even without mentioning a move to Madrid or being a two-time Premier League winner and a Real Madrid player. His ascent to the top of European football has come with his boyhood club, Liverpool, the football betting favourites to lift the 2024-25 trophy. He quite literally redefined the role of a right-back in modern football. Since his debut for Liverpool in 2016, he has transitioned from a traditional defender to a dynamic playmaker. Trent has been so influential in modern football that, at 26, he makes his way into many fans’ and former players’ all-time Premier League XI. That is ahead of two treble-winning right-backs in Gary Neville and Kyle Walker.
The Englishman has been one of the key figures of the most successful period for Liverpool in the Premier League era. Defensively, while not the most physically imposing, Alexander-Arnold compensates with sharp positioning and anticipation. His ability to read the game allows him to intercept passes and initiate counterattacks effectively. Moreover, his versatility enables him to operate as a midfielder, providing additional creativity and control in the centre of the pitch. His record-breaking 13 assists in a single Premier League season highlight his exceptional crossing and set-piece delivery.
His revolutionary impact not just on his team but on the sport is unlike anything we have seen from a defender. It is hard to believe that he is only 26 years old, considering the famous moments he has already made (corner taken quickly). In summary, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s unique skill set, combined with his significant contributions to Liverpool’s achievements and the role of a full-back, solidifies his status as the best right-back in the world.
- 1x Premier League Winner
- 1x Champions League Winner
- 1x League Cup Winner
- 1x UEFA Super Cup Winner
- 1x Club World Cup Winner
- 3x PFA Team of the Year
- 2x Champions League Team of the Season
