Top 10 Best Defenders In La Liga At The Moment

Defenders are a crucial part of a football team since they are the backbone of the team. La Liga has had multiple legendary defenders in the past, such as Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué and many others. Attack wins you matches, defense wins you titles is a true statement, and often, a solid defensive line helps a team win matches more easily.

Football, in general, has changed a lot over the years, and modern defenders are now not just required to have defensive abilities. The best defenders in La Liga possess multiple qualities, such as a great range of passing and aerial ability, and are comfortable with building plays from the back, especially at times in central positions when they have to drive the ball forward.

Ranking Factors

Current Form: We have carefully picked the top defenders who have been carrying their last season’s form and still performing exceptionally this season.

Success: How well did they perform and how instrumental were they for their respective teams?

Consistency: To rank defenders, it’s important to look at how consistent they have been for their respective teams.

Best Defenders in La Liga 2025

10. Omar Alderete ( Getafe )

Getafe have always had formidable defenders over the years and after quite some time, their defensive abilities are starting to live up to their reputation. Omar Alderete is one of the key reasons for this and he is definitely one of the most underrated defenders in the league right now. His aggressive style of defending and aerial ability have made him a key figure in maintaining Getafe’s defensive stability.

His 67.1% pass accuracy under pressure highlights his lack of accuracy in transitioning play from defense to attack. But his no-nonsense style draws comparisons to La Liga’s old-school enforcers, and Alderete’s positional intelligence ensures he rarely steps out of line. In a league brimming with flashier names, he’s proof that grit and consistency still define the best defenders in La Liga 2025.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	31
Pass Completion Rate (%)	67.1%
Aerials Won per Game	3.12
Tackles Won per Game	0.89
Interceptions per Game	1.12

9. Nayef Aguerd ( Real Sociedad, on loan from West Ham )

Nayef Aguerd has had a great change in his career ever since moving to La Liga and joining Real Sociedad. Aguerd is not only a typical aggressive defender but also uses his intelligence, which makes him an overall standout defender. His ability to break transitional plays from the opponents, break attacking plays and then start attacks from the back has been crucial for Real Sociedad.

Once overshadowed in the Premier League, Aguerd now thrives in San Sebastián, where his tactical adaptability shines. Whether stepping into midfield or covering wide channels, he’s redefined his career arc. At 29, he’s not just a stopgap but a statement signing, proof that La Liga remains a sanctuary for the best defenders in La Liga right now, seeking redemption.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	21
Pass Completion Rate (%)	87.7%
Aerials Won per Game	3.11
Tackles Won per Game	1.23
Interceptions per Game	0.66

8. Clement Lenglet ( Atletico Madrid, on loan from FC Barcelona )

The French defender has faced a lot of struggles finding his consistency in his previous years. At first, he was doing incredibly well at FC Barcelona years ago, but then he started becoming very inconsistent, due to which he was loaned off to Tottenham Hotspur, where he had a decent short stint. After that, Lenglet is now at Atletico Madrid, still on loan from FC Barcelona, and is finally finding some rhythm. Lenglet was always good at playing out from the back and has displayed that at Atletico Madrid, alongside providing key defensive contributions for the team.

Once deemed surplus at Camp Nou, Lenglet now anchors Atleti’s backline with veteran savvy. His partnership with Jose Gimenez at the back has provided stability this season, proving he’s more than a loanee filler. At 29, he’s a testament to resilience, a player reborn as one of the best defenders in La Liga 2025, silencing doubters with every composed clearance.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	21
Pass Completion Rate (%)	87.1%
Aerials Won per Game	1.85
Tackles Won per Game	0.70
Interceptions per Game	1.00

7. Raul Asencio ( Real Madrid )

The new prodigy, a new prospect for Real Madrid, is doing incredibly well. Raul Asencio joined the youth academy of Real Madrid at the age of 13, had stints at different clubs and eventually rejoined Real Madrid’s B team in 2017. Carlo Ancelotti called up the young defender in the 2024-2025 season because of Eder Militao’s injury and Asencio has definitely filled those boots well.

Raul’s composure, defensive awareness, and passing range have made him a very talented prospect. His credible and consistent performances in the UCL against Manchester City further support his claim of being one of La Liga’s best defenders right now. His hybrid style merges classic Spanish technicality with modern defensive aggression. Whether intercepting key plays or initiating attacks with long through balls, he has become Ancelotti’s secret weapon. In a squad filled with icons, Asencio’s composure under pressure makes him one of the best defenders in La Liga 2025, a name to watch as Madrid’s new guard takes shape.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	20
Pass Completion Rate (%)	93.8%
Aerials Won per Game	1.76
Tackles Won per Game	0.82
Interceptions per Game	0.76

Also Read: Ranking The 10 Best La Liga Strikers Of All Time

6. Alejandro Balde ( FC Barcelona )

FC Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, is arguably the best academy in the world. Alejandro Balde is a La Masia graduate and has been exceptional ever since his debut as a left-back for FC Barcelona. Balde has tremendous pace and helps the team a lot in creating goals and, at times, assists as well. The Spaniard has provided three assists this season in 28 La Liga appearances, however, statistics do not display his true attacking abilities since he covers a lot of ground on the pitch.

Defensively speaking, he is very aggressive and gets the most out of his one-on-one situations as well. At the age of 21, he’s already an anchor in Hansi Flick’s rebuild, combining raw speed with refined decision-making. As Barca chases glory, Balde’s evolution cements him among the best defenders in La Liga 2025, blending tradition with innovation.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	28
Pass Completion Rate (%)	91%
Aerials Won per Game	0.60
Tackles Won per Game	0.43
Interceptions per Game	0.22

5. Jose Maria Gimenez ( Atletico Madrid )

Gimenez has been a stellar defender for Atletico Madrid for many years and has become a consistent defender in Diego Simeone’s lineup. Simeone’s style of play is well known for its defensive prowess and Gimenez is a testament to that. Gimenez’s experience over the years has made him quite an intelligent defender, which, combined with his aggressive style of play, makes him a strong defender. Despite having a few injury setbacks, Gimenez has always been a key part of Atleti’s backline.

Gimenez’s longevity in Simeone’s system is no accident. His ability to marshal younger teammates while maintaining elite individual standards speaks to his IQ. Now 30, he’s not just a defender but a symbol, a bridge between Atleti’s past grit and future ambitions, firmly among the best defender in LaLiga stalwarts.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	25
Pass Completion Rate (%)	91.3%
Aerials Won per Game	1.74
Tackles Won per Game	0.69
Interceptions per Game	1.24

4. Jules Kounde ( FC Barcelona )

Kounde had already certified his presence with Sevilla in La Liga, but his transfer to FC Barcelona changed everything for the better. The right-back has been consistent for FC Barcelona and is often seen implementing manager Hansi Flick‘s well-thought-out offside trap and guiding the backline to execute it smoothly as well. Kounde is great in one situation as well, but what makes him even better as a full-back is his hunger to carry the ball forward or play attacking passes. Kounde helps a lot in creating plays from the back and has even managed to score two goals and provide three assists in 32 La Liga appearances this season.

The combination of Kounde and Balde as right-back and left-back, respectively, has helped FC Barcelona’s attack a lot this season. Once questioned for his height, Kounde now dominates with anticipation and technical brilliance. His reading of the game, 0.69 interceptions per match, fuels Barca’s high line, while his overlapping runs destabilize opponents. In Flick’s system, he’s not just a defender but a tactical weapon, securing his spot among the best defenders in La Liga right now.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	32
Pass Completion Rate (%)	88.6%
Aerials Won per Game	1.04
Tackles Won per Game	1.49
Interceptions per Game	0.69

Also Read: Top 10 Best Spanish Soccer Players Currently – Ranked!

3. Inigo Martinez ( FC Barcelona )

Inigo Martinez, just like Jules Kounde, has already made his name in La Liga, being a key player for Athletic Bilbao. Barca fans were not angry with his signing, but at the same time, they were not delighted as well and did not expect much from him. Inigo’s first season at FC Barcelona was good, however, the 2024-2025 campaign has a different result. This stint of exceptional performances from Inigo Martinez has definitely delivered the best season of his career. Inigo ticks each part of a solid defender, that is, composure, positional awareness and playing out from the back.

Once written off as a stopgap signing, Martínez now thrives as a leader. His positional awareness and clutch tackles (watch his El Clasico interception against Vinicius Jr.) have been vital. His age-defying fitness, proving that smart and technique can make him the best defender in LaLiga this season, is a masterclass in late-career revival.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	26
Pass Completion Rate (%)	91.4%
Aerials Won per Game	2.30
Tackles Won per Game	0.51
Interceptions per Game	0.70

2. Pau Cubarsi ( FC Barcelona )

Imagine being 17 years old and being one of the best defenders in the world right now. That’s not imagination but rather the reality for Pau Cubarsi. Yet another La Masia graduate who has exceptional maturity, composure, and defensive awareness for his age. The best part is that Cubarsi did not have experience in the senior team and he just came and started performing like he did. Pau Cubarsi is truly a gem and his 2024-2025 La Liga season is just the start. He can potentially become one of FC Barcelona’s greatest defenders ever.

One of his best traits is to read the game and judge the situation perfectly, after which he intercepts key passes from opponents to stop their attacking plays. Cubarsi was already a solid defender with traits like these, but to add the cherry on top, his precise passing range makes everything even better. Cubarsi’s vision and the technique to execute it consistently help Barcelona’s attackers take advantage of the space, especially in wide situations. Pau Cubarsi’s centre-back duo with Inigo Martinez is arguably the best in the 2024-2025 La Liga season right now.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	31
Pass Completion Rate (%)	93.6%
Aerials Won per Game	2.27
Tackles Won per Game	0.69
Interceptions per Game	0.50

1. Antonio Rudiger ( Real Madrid )

Real Madrid has faced Chelsea quite a few times in the past few years, including in the UEFA Champions League. In such key matches, no matter whether Real Madrid won or Chelsea won, Rudiger has always performed well. This led to Real Madrid signing him and he has been a menace for them. Rudiger is a very physical player who plays with a lot of ferocity. Rudiger is arguably the best in the world right now in one-on-one situations, which makes him a nightmare for defenders. The 2024-2025 season has seen a lot of injuries for Real Madrid, especially in the backline, leaving very few options for them, however, Rudiger has been very reliable and is arguably the best defender in the 2024-2025 La Liga season.

His vocal leadership and knack for clutch interventions, his last-ditch block against Girona, have steadied Madrid’s defense amid chaos. At 32, he’s the league’s most complete center-back, embodying Carlo Ancelotti’s “no excuses” mantra. In a season of upheaval, Rudiger isn’t just Madrid’s rock, he’s La Liga’s defensive MVP.

Key Figures	Stats
Appearances	29
Pass Completion Rate (%)	92.2%
Aerials Won per Game	1.41
Tackles Won per Game	0.51
Interceptions per Game	0.35

List of Top 10 Best Defenders in La Liga

RANK	PLAYER	TEAM
1	Antonio Rudiger	Real Madrid
2	Pau Cubarsi	FC Barcelona
3	Inigo Martinez	FC Barcelona
4	Jules Kounde	FC Barcelona
5	Jose Maria Gimenez	Atletico Madrid
6	Alejandro Balde	FC Barcelona
7	Raul Asencio	Real Madrid
8	Clement Lenglet	Atletico Madrid (on loan from FC Barcelona)
9	Nayef Aguerd	Real Sociedad (on loan from West Ham)
10	Omar Alderete	Getafe

Also Read: 10 Best Midfielders in La Liga Right Now | Ranked

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