Ranking the 10 Best Left Backs in the world

Finding the best left backs in the world has never been more important in modern football. In today’s game, left backs in football are not just defenders; they are vital attackers, often providing width, creativity, and even goals. From marauding full-backs who tear down the flanks to defensive stalwarts who lock down their side, the race to be called the best left back in the world is fiercer than ever. A range of players, including those from the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Manchester United, make our list of the top 10 left backs in the world.

Across leagues and continents, fans and experts constantly debate who deserves a spot among the 10 best left backs in the world. Some players shine with their technical skills, others with their sheer athleticism, and a few with their unmatched defensive intelligence. The list of good left backs grows every year, with new talents emerging to challenge seasoned veterans for the title of the best left back in the world.

In this article, we break down the best left backs playing today. Whether you’re a fan looking for the next breakout star or simply curious about which players dominate the left side of the pitch, our guide to the 10 best left backs in the world covers it all. From household names to rising sensations, these are the left backs in football who are redefining the position and battling for the crown of the best left back in the world.

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Ranking Factors

Our list of the 10 best left backs in the world revolves around the following ranking factors:

Defensive Ability: A great left back must excel at tackling, intercepting passes, and shutting down the opposition’s attack from wide areas. This is the biggest responsibility of any left back.

Offensive Contribution: Modern left backs are key attackers too, providing assists, dangerous crosses, and even contributing goals when needed. As the position requires contribution in both defense and attack, this becomes an important factor.

Consistency and Reliability: The best left backs maintain a high level of performance all season long and are rarely sidelined by injuries. Availability plays a key role for any footballer these days.

Top 10 Best left backs in football

10. Luke Shaw (England)

When fit, Luke Shaw remains one of the most complete left backs in football. His combination of defensive solidity, calmness in possession, and clever passing makes him a key figure for Manchester United and England. Although injuries have disrupted his momentum, Shaw’s quality when on form easily places him among the 10 best left backs in the world.

His versatility to play as a center-back when needed underlines his tactical intelligence, showing why he is still considered one of the good left backs of his generation.

Here are Luke Shaw’s honours:

• EFL Cup winner with Manchester United (2016–17, 2022–23)
• UEFA Europa League runner-up with Manchester United (2016–17, 2020–21)
• UEFA European Championship runner-up with England (2020)

Stat	Number
Matches	15
Goals	0
Assists	1

9. Destiny Udogie (Italy)

Destiny Udogie has quickly announced himself as one of the best left backs in the world with his performances for Tottenham. Blessed with natural athleticism, fearless dribbling, and strong defensive instincts, Udogie has shone in Ange Postecoglou’s high-tempo system.

Still very young, he already ranks among the most exciting left backs in football, showing the potential to dominate the position for years to come. His breakout season in the Premier League cements his place among the 10 best left backs in the world today.

Here are Destiny Udogie’s honours:

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship winner with Italy U19 (2022)

Stat	Number
Matches	30
Goals	2
Assists	3

8. Pervis Estupiñán (Ecuador)

Pervis Estupiñán has developed into one of the good left backs in European football, thriving under Brighton’s ambitious style of play. After a solid stint with Villarreal, the Ecuadorian has raised his game in the Premier League, combining non-stop running with smart positional awareness.

Estupiñán’s pinpoint crossing and defensive work rate have made him an essential figure for Brighton, firmly establishing him as one of the best left backs in the world.

Here are Pervis Estupiñán’s honours:

• UEFA Europa League winner with Villarreal (2020–21)

Stat	Number
Matches	30
Goals	2
Assists	3

7. Alejandro Balde (Spain)

Among the new wave of talented left backs in football, Alejandro Balde stands out with his electrifying pace and confidence on the ball. The Barcelona academy graduate has already made the left flank his own, helping the Catalans reclaim domestic dominance. Balde’s energy, attacking thrust, and ability to take on defenders make him one of the 10 best left backs in the world at just 20 years old.

As he continues to polish his defensive game, his ceiling remains sky-high.

Here are Alejandro Balde’s honours:

• La Liga winner with Barcelona (2022–23)
• Supercopa de España winner with Barcelona (2022–23)
• UEFA Nations League winner with Spain (2022–23)

Stat	Number
Matches	28
Goals	1
Assists	3

Also Read: Ranking The 10 Best Left Backs In The Premier League

6. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukraine)

Oleksandr Zinchenko brings a completely different profile to the role of left backs in football. Under Mikel Arteta, he has redefined what it means to be a full-back, often stepping into midfield to dictate the tempo. His technical skills, passing range, and tactical intelligence have been crucial in Arsenal’s rise as title contenders.

While not the most physical player, Zinchenko’s ability to control matches from deep places him among the best left backs in the world, proving there are many styles to being a truly great left back.

Here are Oleksandr Zinchenko’s honours:

• Premier League winner with Manchester City (2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22)
• FA Cup winner with Manchester City (2018–19)
• EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21)
• FA Community Shield winner with Manchester City (2018, 2019

Stat	Number
Matches	34
Goals	1
Assists	2

5. Federico Dimarco (Italy)

Federico Dimarco has swiftly emerged as a standout left-back for Inter, prompting the club to favour him over their previous acquisition, Robin Gosens. His remarkable speed and adeptness with his left foot make him an indispensable asset, particularly in offensive plays. Dimarco’s contributions were pivotal in Inter’s journey to the 2023 Champions League final, solidifying his status as one of Serie A’s top talents in his position.

Here are Federico Dimarco’s honours:

• Coppa Italia winner with Inter Milan in 2021–22 and 2022–23.
• Supercoppa Italiana winner with Inter Milan in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• UEFA Champions League runner-up with Inter Milan in 2022–23.
• UEFA European Under-17 Championship runner-up with Italy U17 in 2013.
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up with Italy U19 in 2016.
• FIFA U-20 World Cup bronze medal with Italy U20 in 2017.
• UEFA Nations League third place with Italy in 2020–21 and 2022–23.

Stat	Number
Matches	43
Goals	5
Assists	8

4. Andy Robertson (Scotland)

The best left back soccer player Andy Robertson, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success, has demonstrated remarkable consistency amidst the fluctuations of his peers. Since his acquisition from Hull in 2017 for a nominal fee, Robertson has risen to prominence as a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s triumphs, including both Premier League and Champions League victories in recent years.

His role is integral to Liverpool’s ability to assert dominance over opponents, with his return from injury eagerly anticipated as Jurgen Klopp aims to steer the team towards another title charge in the 2023/24 season.

Here are Andy Robertson’s honours:

• Football League Championship play-offs winner with Hull City in 2016.
• Premier League winner with Liverpool in 2019–20.
• FA Cup winner with Liverpool in 2021–22.
• EFL Cup winner with Liverpool in 2021–22 and 2023–24.
• FA Community Shield winner with Liverpool in 2022.
• UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2018–19; runner-up in 2017–18 and 2021–22.
• UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool in 2019.
• FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool in 2019.

Stat	Number
Matches	30
Goals	1
Assists	5

Also Read: Who Is the Best Defender in the Premier League? Ranking the Top 10 in 2025

3. Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Alphonso Davies, a standout during Bayern Munich’s 2020 European triumph, was widely hailed as the premier best left back in the world at that time. His versatility is evident across various statistical metrics, consistently making impactful contributions in the attacking third while bolstering Bayern’s left flank defensively.

Davies is not only physically imposing but also boasts exceptional speed, making his recovery runs a spectacle to watch. Despite a stellar start to the 2023/24 season, his form has dipped in recent months, sparking rumours of a potential move to Real Madrid.

Here are Alphonso Davies’ honours:

• Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich in 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23.
• DFB-Pokal winner with Bayern Munich in 2018–19 and 2019–20.
• DFL-Supercup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
• UEFA Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2019–20.
• UEFA Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020.
• FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich in 2020.

Stat	Number
Matches	42
Goals	3
Assists	6

2. Alex Grimaldo (Spain)

In Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit to overthrow Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, the wing-backs, under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, have emerged as pivotal figures in their success story. Among them, Alex Grimaldo shines brightly, orchestrating play with finesse along the left flank. Despite his modest stature, the Spaniard manoeuvres skillfully down the touchline, showcasing exceptional synergy with his teammates in close quarters.

This season has seen Grimaldo unexpectedly rise to prominence, becoming one of Bayer Leverkusen’s primary contributors in the final third. Such a remarkable individual campaign solidifies his position among the elite left-backs in the global arena.

Here are Alex Grimaldo’s honours:

• Primeira Liga champion with Benfica in 2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19, and 2022–23.
• Taça de Portugal winner with Benfica in 2016–17.
• Taça da Liga winner with Benfica in 2015–16.
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira winner with Benfica in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
• Bundesliga champion with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023–24.
• UEFA European Under-19 Championship winner with Spain in 2012.

Stat	Number
Matches	49
Goals	12
Assists	16

1. Theo Hernandez (France)

Theo Hernandez, standing tall at 6 feet and built like a powerhouse, has evolved into a near-superstar figure at AC Milan. Known for his penchant to surge forward from the defensive line, Hernandez undeniably ranks as the most adept ball-carrier among his peers worldwide.

His partnership with Rafael Leao down AC Milan’s left flank has proven to be a lethal combination, pivotal to the club’s title triumph in the 2021/22 season. Hernandez’s attacking prowess extends both inside and outside, utilizing his sheer strength to overpower opponents with remarkable effectiveness.

Here are Theo Hernandez’s honours:

• Copa del Rey runner-up with Alavés in 2016–17.
• Supercopa de España, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup winner with Real Madrid in 2017.
• Serie A winner with AC Milan in 2021–22.
• UEFA Nations League winner with France in 2020–21.
• FIFA World Cup runner-up with France in 2022.
• Individual accolades include multiple appearances in the Serie A Team of the Year, Serie A Goal of the Month and Season, as well as inclusion in the ESM Team of the Season.

Stat	Number
Matches	42
Goals	5
Assists	5

List of 10 best left backs in the world

S. No.	Player	Club	Matches (2023/24)	Goals	Assists
1	Theo Hernandez	AC Milan	42	5	5
2	Alex Grimaldo	Bayer Leverkusen	49	12	16
3	Alphonso Davies	Bayern Munich	42	3	6
4	Andy Robertson	Liverpool	30	1	5
5	Federico Dimarco	Inter Milan	43	5	8
6	Oleksandr Zinchenko	Arsenal	34	1	2
7	Alejandro Balde	Barcelona	28	1	3
8	Pervis Estupiñán	Brighton	30	2	3
9	Destiny Udogie	Tottenham Hotspur	30	2	3
10	Luke Shaw	Manchester United	15	0	1

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