Top 10 Best Left Backs in the World - 2025 (Ranked)

For years, the positions of left-back & full-back in general were overlooked and dismissed as an afterthought, as there was an opinion that they were just one of the four positions in which a player had to perform their defensive duties. In short, it was more of a necessary duty, rather than a chance to shine and bask in the glory. But football evolves, and just like that, even this aspect of the beautiful game was completely flipped.

Thanks to the brainstorming by tactical innovators like the legendary Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp & others, the left-back has become one of the most influential positions, along with that of the right-back, from where ball progression and build-up play are expected to start. As a result, over the years, across different leagues around the world, we have seen some of the best left backs in the world putting in effort offensively and defensively to solidify their status among the best footballers in the world.

Like any modern-day full-backs, the role of left back now demands all-round performance; that being create chances offensively & keep opponents in check defensively. With the 2025-26 season already underway, a question has arisen……."Who is the best left back in the world?". Is it still Nuno Mendes, or this time is it one of Riccardo Calafiori, or Federico Dimarco? To answer this question, we have listed down the top 10 best left-backs in soccer based on ranking factors of goals, assists & certain key defensive metrics.

List of Best Left Backs in the World (Based on 2025-26 Season Stats)

After hours of research, our Sportsdunia football desk has compiled a list 10 best left-backs in the world. In order to avoid bias, we have presented our rankings based on several ranking factors related to attacking and defensive contributions. Now let's look at the table below to find out who is the best left back in the world.

How We Ranked the Best Left Backs in the World Right Now?

Here, we have explained our ranking factors, which were mentioned at the beginning, of the article, for listing down the best left-backs in the world. Let’s check out how these factors helped us out in ranking the top 10 best left-backs in football.

• Goals: Nowadays, goal scoring has become a key trait for left-backs. This has been the case because it reflects their attacking contributions in terms of creating chances for themselves to score.
• Assists: Assists measure playmaking ability, which is crucial for a left-back to be even considered among the world's best. The more the left back aids in goal-scoring chances with their crossing and passing traits, the higher he will be ranked.

• Defensive Metrics: At last, we have the core responsibility of restricting opponents, essential for the best left-backs in the world. Defensive metrics such as ball recoveries, interceptions + tackles and more have been taken into consideration. This is so because if a player balances defensive and attacking duties extremely well, then it's obvious he will be higher in the list.

  Note: Stats are taken from reliable sources like Sportsdunia, FBref and Transfermrkt.

Who is the Best Left Back in the World in 2025?

10. Javi Galán (Atletico Madrid | Spain)

After joining from Celta Vigo in the summer of 2023, left-back Javi Galan had a topsy-turvy couple of seasons. In his debut season, he made 35 appearances for the Los Colchoneros, and in the next season, he was loaned to Real Sociedad. But talking of the ongoing 2025-26 season, he has established himself as an important player in Diego Simeone's side. His progressive carries, tireless runs across the left flank have earned him a spot in our list of the best left backs in the world.

Although his underlying defensive numbers are not so good, he has still managed to record 2.40 tackles per game. But what's so unique about his game is the fact that he is consistently involved in attacking positions, as he ranks in the 81st percentile in terms of progressive carries. He makes frequent forward runs and delivers crosses from the flanks to create chances for his teammates. Compared to last season, as seen in the ratings graph given by Sportsdunia, his form has dipped a bit as he is rated 6.52. But that was more due to Atletico's inconsistent start to this season, rather than just his own fault. Nevertheless, now that the club is climbing up the table, chances are that Galan will also improve his numbers as the season progresses, provided he stays fit and start more and more games.

9. Theo Hernández (Al Hilal | France)

Theo Hernandez, standing tall at 6 feet and built like a powerhouse, has attained a near-superstar figure at AC Milan. But after 6 seasons at San Siro, he joined Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal & instantly made an impact. Known for his exceptional pace, directness while carrying the ball after performing overlapping runs, he makes constant runs forward to join the attack. He either cuts inside the attacking third to create space for the attackers or delivers dangerous crosses to create goal-scoring chances

The fact that he has already scored 4 goals and ranks in the 91st percentile in terms of shot-creating actions highlights his willingness to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. But what makes him one of the best left backs in the world right now is his versatility. He has often been deployed as a left-sided midfielder or as an inverted full-back, during which he makes darting runs through the middle. This draws the opposition midfielders & defenders towards him, while freeing his teammates to make promising runs in the attacking third.

8. David Raum (RB Leipzig | Germany)

After a humiliating 6-1 opening-day defeat at the hands of perennial champions Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig seemed to have found their footing as it currently sits 2nd in the Bundesliga table after 8 matchdays. One of the key players behind the club's unbeaten run is the German left-back David Raum.

He is known as a prolific crosser of the ball, as according to FBref, he ranks in the 93rd percentile with 7.5 crosses per game. Though not all crosses are converted into goals, delivering high-volume crosses often maintains the chaotic atmosphere among the defenders as they scramble here & there to clear the ball.

With 1.4 interceptions & 1.9 tackles per game, he contributes fairly well defensively. He has scored 1 goal & delivered 3 assists so far, and is also a mainstay in the German national football team. He is also versatile enough to play both as a left-back & left wing-back. He also tends to lead from the front when it comes to taking free-kicks or corners. Although he is currently ranked 7th on our list of the best left back in the world 2025, he is undoubtedly among Germany's finest. Also, with the World Cup looming next year, he will be motivated to perform consistently to keep his spot intact. If he manages to do that, then in the next few months, you might see him ranked higher on this list.

7. Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur | Italy)

The one word that many use to describe the 22-year-old fullback Destiny Udogie is “Raw”. The reason behind it?? It's because he exhibits raw pace, raw power & raw aggression. This rawness is the reason that he is so exciting to watch while making both offensive & defensive runs as left-back or left wing-back. His fast-paced overlapping runs while carrying the ball forward often invite unpredictability as he catches his opponents off-guard while dribbling past them & doesn't hesitate to get into tackles fearlessly.

Although he hasn't delivered any attacking returns yet, he has been a mainstay in Thomas Frank's Spurs XI this season due to his powerful ball-carrying ability and willingness to make overlapping runs into advanced attacking areas. To further prove how dangerous he is in the attacking 3rd, according to FBref, he makes 3.15 progressive carries per game & ranks in the 88th percentile. He uses his pace to track back efficiently as well, as his 2.10 tackles show. The fact that he is ranked among the best left backs in the world despite still being raw highlights his immense potential. Provided his team keeps on playing well and he showcases willingness to be better, he is going to be one of the best in the next few years.

6. Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City | Croatia)

Whether Manchester City are going through a purple patch or a rough patch of form, one thing always remains constant: that is, Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol playing consistently well & setting himself as an example for others. He is a modern-day defender who exhibits versatility to play as a centre-back & and left-back as well as provide a serious ball-progression centric threat when in possession.

He ranks in the 90th percentile in terms of aerial duels won and has recorded 1.40 interceptions per game, showcasing his ability to shut off the attackers from creating or scoring goals. But over the years, his ability to influence games in the advanced attacking areas has been the most eye-catching. Since being deployed predominantly as a left-back by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, he has displayed tactical intelligence with impressive ball-carrying abilities. The fact that he ranks in the 93rd percentile in terms of progressive passes is proof of it. Such consistency has already made him one of the best Premier League defenders. If the Cityzens are back to their swashbuckling best, then he might be in the conversation related to the best left backs in the world.

5. Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan | Italy)

It's no surprise that one of the candidates to be called as the best left back in the world is none other than Inter Milan & Italian defender Federico Dimarco. Nicknamed ‘Dimash’ by his previous coach, Simone Inzaghi, Dimarco is a left-footed defender who can also deputise as a right-back. His strength lies in tirelessly running, pace & having a knack for scoring powerful but accurate shots from outside the penalty area. He is one of the key players who has been instrumental in keeping Inter Milan challenging for top honours for the last 3-4 seasons.

He has already been involved in 5 goal contributions in 11 games across all competitions so far. His underlying numbers, as per FBref, are also very impressive. With Inter deploying 3 at the back, he has been the curator of most of the attacking threats from the left in the final third or the 18-yard box. With 5.59 shot-creating actions & 9.27 progressive passes received per game, his involvement in creating goal-scoring opportunities has only grown in his peak years. He can be the key to help Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup after missing out on the last 2 times, and also, if Inter gets its hand on the Scudetto next year or makes deep progress in the UCL, then for sure he will be ranked even higher among the best left backs in the world.

4. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea | Spain)

Since he arrived from Brighton in 2022, Marc Cucurella has been a regular in the starting XI for both the club and country. He is known for exhibiting technical skills while in attack, and when he tracks back, he shows a strong defensive work rate, as he has made 2.4 tackles per game this season. He influences the game like a man possessed while making overlapping runs and, at times, by playing like an inverted full-back.

He has carried the momentum gained from Spain's 2024 Euro triumph back to Chelsea and won over the fans with his relentless pressing, well-timed tackles and the never-say-die attitude. He ranks in the 96th percentile in terms of shots blocked, highlighting his tendency to put his body on the line while performing defensive duties. His involvement in the final third always invites chaos. His tireless effort across both ends of the pitch is the reason that he is one of the best left back in the world 2025.

3. Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen| Spain)

Spanish international Alejandro Grimaldo turned out to be a major coup by Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen when he joined them as a free agent from Benfica in the summer of 2023. He made an instant impact and was one of the key players under Xabi Alonso alongside players like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah & more, as Leverkusen finally shed their “Neverkusen" tag by not only winning the Bundesliga, but also doing so without losing a single league game. Now 2 seasons later, most of those players, as well as Alonso himself, have left for pastures anew, but Grimaldo has stayed, and despite going through a major rebuild, he is showing why he is in the conversation as one of the best left backs in the world.

This season, despite going through a managerial change already and going through a transition period, Grimaldo is one of the players delivering impressive attacking numbers for the club. In just 12 appearances across all competitions, he has already scored 6 and created 4 goals. Apart from that, he ranks between 85-98 percentile in underlying metrics such as progressive carries, shot-creating actions & successful take-ons. This highlights his ability to influence the game in the 18-yard box consistently. He is also their chief set-piece taker currently, especially when it comes to delivering dipping free kicks. You can get highlight reels of his swashbuckling free kicks on social platforms since his Benfica days. He balances his attacking & defensive duties pretty well & as a result, is leading his team through this transitional period & also solidifying his status as one of the best defenders in the world right now.

2. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal | Italy)

After spending his debut season adapting to the intensity of the Premier League, it seems like Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has finally established himself as a 1st team regular in Arsenal. His unique trait is his versatility to play both as a CB and as a left-back. The fact that he has hit the ground running in the ongoing season & in his just 2nd season is one of the reasons behind placing him at 2nd in the list of the best left back in the world 2025.

He starts attacking play from the back and provides long-range passes to create chances for his teammates. Not only is he a physically imposing and aggressive player, but he is also technically inept with the ball and can shoot from distance. His height makes him effective while engaging in aerial duels & his quickness means that he can contribute defensively pretty well when it comes to ball recoveries. With 3.50 touches per game in the opposition's penalty box, he ranks in the 93rd percentile in this metric. This highlights his contribution in promising positions when Arsenal have the ball. If the Gunners manage to do one better by winning the English Premier League and also go into the latter stages of the UCL, then the conversation of him being called as the best left back in the world could gather even more traction.

1. Nuno Mendes (PSG | Portugal)

Now, as we are almost at the end of the article, it's time to see why PSG star Nuno Mendes is the answer to the question “Who is the best left back in the world?”. After delivering 16 goals + assists in all competitions last season, he has maintained almost the same level of standards this season. In 11 matches, he has already produced a return of 3 goals & 3 assists. His ability to contribute defensively is also incredible, which was evident from how he was able to neutralise Liverpool forward Mo Salah last season & Lamine Yamal in this season's UCL.

He uses his physical prowess to win the ball in 1-vs-1 situations & over the years, his defensive awareness has improved as well. He ranks in the 95th percentile when it comes to making passes in the attacking 3rd, showcasing his link-up play with attackers to create goal-scoring chances. Apart from his impressive dribbling skills, he also boasts an impeccable crossing ability, irrespective of whether or not he is marked by the opposition defenders. With Les Parisiens showing no signs of slowing down, Mendes' numbers are only going to be even more impressive. Hence, going into 2026, it won't be wrong to say that for a while at least, he will be top in the list of best left backs in the world.