Best Centre Backs in the World – Top CBs Ranked (2025 List)

An exceptional central defender is like a rare gem in a sea of stones in modern football. A role that requires the finest physical and mental attributes, added with the capacity to lead the defensive line. Over the years, very few have mastered the craft, while only a handful can pull it off consistently. Nowadays, defenders are a kind of semi-midfielders who run back and forth, supplying the ball to all ends of the field.

This is why most of the time they are not headline grabbers winning titles for their side; however, their strong presence is something unmatchable because defending is a very cruel position. There are a variety of centre backs gracing the game, which makes building the list quite challenging. But here is the list based on trophies, current form, and key stats of the top 10 centre backs in the world.

What Makes a Great Centre Back in Modern Football?

Passing Accuracy: The primary factor will compiling a list of the best centre backs in the world is to look at their passing ability. How well these players pass the ball under pressure and how well they do it.

Interceptions: The second parameter for the best centre backs is to go for their position sense or skill for reading plays and making crucial interceptions.

Physical Attributes: The last factor we consider for the best CB in the world is their physical attributes, aerial dominance, heading ability, and physicality.

Top 10 Best Centre Backs (2025)

10. Ruben Dias (Man City)

Ruben Dias has arguably been the most talked-about signing in the Premier League since he joined Manchester City. His old-school style and ball composure are the perfect blend for Pep Guardiola, although he hasn’t been quite a revelation in recent times this season. The Blues’ defense has not been quite as promising as their attack, although they always find a way to turn things around at the end.

This does not take away the contribution from the Portuguese pillar for the Blues. Ruben has been seen struggling a lot at the back this season, which has significantly impacted their chances in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.79	0.99	2.46	1.61

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

9. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig in May 2021, as they looked to secure their backline for the future, with the Frenchman aged 25 at the time of signing. He made a name for himself with his impressive performances with the German side RB Leipzig and was snapped up by the Reds.

The French defender has made 39 appearances for the club this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. With age on his side, Konate will be among the best defenders in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.21	0.64	4.73	2.58

8. Inigo Martinez (FC Barcelona)

Inigo Martinez has been performing exceptionally well in La Liga this season. His first season at FC Barcelona was good, however, the 2024-2025 campaign has been a lot different from what fans imagined. Consistently delivering for his club in La Liga and the Champions League has made him a fan favourite.

His positional awareness and clutch tackles 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.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.87	0.64	3.75	1.98

7. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Talk about a clutch player, Marquinhos has been rock solid in the defensive heart of PSG this season. The 30-year-old Brazilian defender has played 37 games this season, scoring twice in succession. He has been vital to his club in their dream of conquering the UEFA Champions League.

His tactical brilliance on the field, positional sense, and leadership make him one of the best CB in the world. His performance against Aston Villa during the UEFA Champions League quarter final was sensational.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.69	1.54	4.13	2.01

6. Pau Cubarsi (FC Barcelona)

Yet another La Masia graduate who has exceptional maturity, composure, and defensive awareness for his age. The Spaniard has the potential to become one of FC Barcelona’s greatest defenders ever. It won’t be wrong to say that nobody had this much expectation of a teenager. But look at everyone going bonkers for his consistent performances against some of the best teams in the world.

The 18-year-old Spanish defender was already solid, 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 is one of the best young centre backs in the world.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.93	0.60	2.73	2.10

5. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

The Gunners have been defensively rock solid after the Brazilian centre-back joined them in 2020. He is just getting better and better at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season, thanks to a balanced defensive performance from Gabriel.

The 27-year-old Brazilian complimented his revolutionary performances after scoring against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur this season. His long legs and defensive awareness have kept the attackers at bay. Gabriel has everything in his tank to become one of the greatest defenders in the world. Despite being sidelined due to a season-ending injury, he is still one of the best centre backs in the world right now.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.87	0.66	3.44	2.17

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Defenders in the World Right Now (2025)

4. Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)

Despite everybody knowing that Real Madrid snagged themselves a bargain when they signed Antonio Rudiger as a free agent when his deal with Chelsea expired in 2022, his on-field presence has been phenomenal. He is among the best centre backs in the world.

However, his first season for Los Blancos ended without a La Liga or Champions League winners medal, but he has been superb this season as he is a key figure in their race to retain the La Liga trophy. On their road to league number 36, the Spanish giants have lost only 20 goals so far, which shows the tight line the defense has, with the German playing a central role in everything.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.87	0.31	3.72	1.28

3. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

All eyes are on Inter Milan as they have a central defender climbing up the pecking order, and he has contributed massively to their Serie A domination this season. Simone Inzaghi’s side has a firm grip on the title. In the domestic league, their defense has been first class, conceding just 17 goals in 32 games while just having 17 clean sheets, which is the most in the division.

Bastoni has ticked all the boxes you’d want in a modern defender, and at just 24 years old, all the big European clubs seem to have him as their next target.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.78	0.80	2.18	1.35

2. William Saliba (Arsenal)

William Saliba has been a brand-new discovery in football in recent years. His inclusion into the Arsenal squad in 2022 after several loan spells in different clubs has witnessed a meteoric rise in the player’s career. The last two years of the French defender have been nothing short of a dream. Despite being only 23 years old, Saliba has become one of the top defenders in a competitive tournament like the Premier League.

Saliba has mastered the art of defense with the help of his blistering pace and stamina. Even the best striker of the English Premier League, Erling Haaland, has faced difficulties going past the Arsenal centre-back at times. With Saliba at the back, the Gunners almost won the Premier League title last year.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.85	0.74	3.61	1.76

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

You have to give it to the Liverpool fans, there’s currently no better central defender in the world than Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman dropped his form last season, but then so did his teammates as well. This season, wearing the captain’s armband, he has picked up his form and is leading from the front, aiming to secure a Premier League medal for Klopp in his last season.

Even as the season has not gone as planned, the fight for the 20^th league title is still alive. Virgil van Dijk has not only been one of the best Premier League defenders right now but also the best central defender in the world.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
0.93	1.34	4.51	2.83

Also Read: Top 10 Best Defenders In La Liga At The Moment

Best Young Centre Backs in the World

5. Rico Lewis

Rico Lewis has been superb for Manchester City this season, his versatility makes him one of the best young centre backs in the world. This season, he has played 41 games for the Blue, scoring twice while providing 5 assists in the process.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.46	0.62	1.76	0.26

4. Abdukodir Kusanov

Abdukodir Khusanov came in to replace their star veteran John Stones. At first, he looked troubled at the back, but later on, with more time, he has finally settled. He has played 25 games for Manchester City this season, scoring once and assisting once. He has all the qualities to be a great defender in the future.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.40	1.76	5.07	1.81

3. Lewis Hall

What a fantastic player he has been for Newcastle United this season. The 20-year-old defender has made 34 appearances this season for his club and has made 5 assists. He has been influential for Newcastle United, Lewis has already won the Carabao Cup this season.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
2.37	0.88	3.04	1.10

2. Dean Huijsen

Dean Huijsen has surprised everyone with his skills and defensive abilities. The 20-year-old AFC Bournemouth defender has made 32 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice while assisting once. He has been influential for his club and has provided stability in defense.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.39	2.06	7.22	2.64

1. Levi Colwill

What a find, Levi Colwill has been for Chelsea this season. His performance, consistency, and stats show just how good of a player he is. His ability to play in different positions makes him one of the best young defensive midfielders. This season, the 22-year-old has made 33 appearances, scoring and assisting once.

Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Aerial Won
1.29	1.00	3.19	2.45

Also Read: Ranking 10 Greatest Defenders of All time

Best Centre Backs by Strengths

Best Ball-Playing Centre Backs

S No	Name	Club	Passing (%)
1	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	91.8
2	Alessandro Bastoni	Inter	88.1
3	William Saliba	Arsenal	93.8
4	Marquinhos	PSG	94.4
5	Gabriel Magalhaes	Arsenal	90.4

Best Aerial Defenders

S No	Name	Club	Aerial Won
1	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	2.83
2	Min-jae Kim	Bayern Munich	2.96
3	Sebastian Coates	Nacional	2.53
4	Ibrahima Konate	Liverpool	2.58
5	Cristian Romero	Tottenham	3.07

Most Tactical Defenders

S No	Name	Club	Tackles	Clearances	Aerial Won
1	Virgil van Dijk	Liverpool	0.93	4.51	2.83
2	Antonio Rudiger	Real Madrid	0.87	3.72	1.28
3	William Saliba	Arsenal	1.85	3.61	1.76
4	Gabriel Magalhaes	Arsenal	0.87	3.44	2.17
5	Alessandro Bastoni	Inter Milan	1.78	2.18	1.35

Also Read: 10 Best Chelsea Defenders of All Time | Ranked

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