In 2025, the world of football has seen incredible performances from defenders. Ranking the Best Defenders in 2025 is challenging because of a mix of experienced stars and young talents making an impact in Europe’s top leagues. This article highlights the top 10 defenders, their achievements, stats, and why they stand out in the current football season.
The Best Defenders in 2025 are judged based on defensive stats like tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances, aerial duels, and trophies won. Players like Marquinhos, Virgil Van Dijk, and Achraf Hakimi dominate the list, while emerging talents like Pau Cubarsi show promise for the future.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Best Defenders in 2025
10. Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool | France
Ibrahima Konate ranks 10th among the Best Defenders in 2025 after a strong season with Liverpool. Despite injury struggles in earlier years, he became a key figure in Liverpool’s defense under manager Arne Slot. Konate played most matches as a center-back and contributed significantly to Liverpool’s Premier League title.
Konate excelled in aerial duels and clearances, showcasing his defensive intelligence. His partnership with Virgil Van Dijk strengthened Liverpool’s backline, making him one of the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 42 | 4.10 | 2024/25 Premier League |
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9. Pau Cubarsi – FC Barcelona | Spain
Pau Cubarsi, at just 18, is one of the standout young talents and ranks 9th among the Best Defenders in 2025. After a breakout season, he became crucial for Barcelona, helping the team win a domestic treble. Cubarsi’s composure and maturity in defense are exceptional for his age.
He won 92 aerial duels and averaged 2.7 clearances per match. His performances, including scoring a crucial goal in the Copa del Rey, highlight why he is considered one of the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 56 | 2.70 | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
8. William Saliba – Arsenal | France
William Saliba has become a key player for Arsenal and ranks 8th in the list of Best Defenders in 2025. Returning from loan spells, Saliba helped Arsenal maintain the Premier League’s best defense, registering 13 clean sheets alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
He made 130 combined tackles and interceptions and averaged 3.4 clearances per game. His ability to handle top strikers reinforces his status among the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 51 | 3.40 | None |
7. Jules Kounde – FC Barcelona | France
Jules Kounde ranks 7th among the Best Defenders in 2025. His versatility allows him to play as a center-back and right-back. Kounde contributed 4 goals and 7 assists, playing a major role in Barcelona’s domestic success.
Despite missing part of the season due to injury, his defensive and attacking impact makes him one of the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 53 | 2.20 | La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España |
6. Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal | Brazil
Gabriel Magalhaes is a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense and ranks 6th among the Best Defenders in 2025. In 2024/25, he played 42 matches, registering 1.34 blocks per game and 3.3 clearances per match. His near 90% passing accuracy shows his growth as a ball-playing defender.
Gabriel’s defensive consistency has cemented his position among the Best Defenders in 2025, helping Arsenal compete for top honors.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 42 | 3.30 | None |
5. Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan | Italy
Alessandro Bastoni ranks 5th among the Best Defenders in 2025. Known for his consistency, he won 153 tackles and interceptions and 84 aerial duels in the 2024/25 season. Bastoni also added 1 goal and 6 assists, showing his attacking contributions.
Although Inter Milan narrowly missed Serie A and UCL titles, Bastoni’s performances place him among the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 57 | 2.10 | UCL runner-up, Serie A Runner-up |
4. Nuno Mendes – PSG | Portugal
Nuno Mendes ranks 4th among the Best Defenders in 2025 after recovering from injuries and playing 53 matches in the season. He helped PSG win a historic quadruple, contributing 6 goals and 10 assists alongside 177 tackles + interceptions.
Mendes combines defensive reliability with attacking flair, making him one of the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 53 | 1.80 | Ligue 1, Coupe De France, UCL, Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup |
3. Achraf Hakimi – PSG | Morocco
Achraf Hakimi is ranked 3rd among the Best Defenders in 2025. In 2024/25, he scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists, helping PSG win the quadruple. His defensive stats of 1.0 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per match highlight his all-round ability.
Hakimi also earned a place among the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees, a rare honor for defenders, confirming his spot among the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 55 | 1.0 | Ligue 1, Coupe De France, UCL, Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup |
2. Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool | Netherlands
Virgil Van Dijk ranks 2nd among the Best Defenders in 2025. Despite a serious injury in 2020/21, he returned stronger and helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2024/25. Van Dijk won 162 aerial duels and averaged 4.6 clearances per match, showing unmatched defensive dominance.
His calmness and tactical intelligence make him one of the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 49 | 4.60 | 2024/25 Premier League |
1. Marquinhos – PSG | Brazil
PSG captain Marquinhos is the number one defender among the Best Defenders in 2025. The 31-year-old Brazilian played 48 matches, leading PSG to Champions League glory. His tactical awareness, positioning, and timely interventions make him unmatched.
Marquinhos’ performances in the UCL semi-finals and the Club World Cup show why he is the best, confirming his place as the top among the Best Defenders in 2025.
| Overall Appearances | Clearances (per 90) | Trophies/Achievements |
| 48 | 3.85 | Ligue 1, Coupe De France, UCL, Trophée des Champions, UEFA Super Cup |
This ranking showcases a mix of leadership, experience, and youthful talent. From Marquinhos’ dominance to the rise of Pau Cubarsi, these players represent the elite of world football. The Best Defenders in 2025 combine defensive solidity, technical skill, and consistency, making them invaluable for their teams in both domestic and international competitions.
FAQs
Q1. Who is currently ranked as the top defender in 2025?
Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain is ranked as the top defender in 2025 for his leadership, consistency, and success in helping PSG win multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.
Q2. Which young defender has made the biggest impact in 2025?
Pau Cubarsi from FC Barcelona has been one of the most impressive young defenders. At just 18 years old, he played a vital role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season and displayed great maturity and composure.
3. Which Premier League players are part of the Best Defenders in 2025 list?
Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhaes are the Premier League players featured among the Best Defenders in 2025. Each of them played a major role in their teams’ defensive success during the 2024/25 season.
4. How are the Best Defenders in 2025 ranked?
The Best Defenders in 2025 are ranked based on multiple factors such as tackles, interceptions, blocks, aerial duels, clearances, and trophies won. Stats from trusted platforms like Sportsdunia, FBref, and Transfermarkt were analyzed to ensure fair and accurate rankings.