Best Centre Backs In The World - 2025 (Ranked)

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 it, while only a handful can pull it off consistently at the top level.

Football has seen some of the best centre backs in the world, like Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and young stars like Pau Cubarsi. Across all top leagues, centre-backs are contributing to their team's success. On a related note, let's find out more names who controlled the game from behind in the backline and understand the list of the 10 best CB in the world.

List of Best Centre Backs in Football

The table below contains the names of the top 10 best centre backs in football, at present. These players have not only helped keep clean sheets but also played a pivotal role in dictating the gameplay from defensive lines.

How We Ranked the Best Centre Backs in the World

To keep things transparent, we have decided to unveil the ranking factors we have used to rank the best CB in the world. These ranking factors cover offensive, defensive and honours received by an individual to rank the best centre backs in the world.

Note: Data for above mentioned ranking factors are taken from reputable football statistics sites like Sportsdunia, Fbref and Transfermarkt.

Who is the Best CB in the World (2025)?

The detailed list of the best centre backs in the world gives a brief recap of the CBs that have made our list of the best centre backs that have played exceptionally well in the 2024-25 season and in the ongoing campaign.

10. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Argentina international Cristian Romero has arguably been the most talked-about signing in the Premier League since he joined London-based club Tottenham Hotspur. His progressive passes and ball-playing ability, ball composure, have proven to be the perfect blend for the Spurs. Although he hasn’t been quite a revelation last season, he was even out for some time due to injuries.

The Lilywhites' defence has not been quite as promising as last year, although they have turned it around with a UEFA Europa League glory. But overall, Tottenham had a terrible season. This does not take away the contribution from the Argentinian pillar for the Lilywhites in the 2025-26 season, making him one of the best centre backs in the world.

9. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Liverpool's French central defender Ibrahima Konate was a formidable figure in defence in their backline, helping his side lift the English Premier League 2024-25 season. He arrived at Anfield Stadium from a promising stint in Germany in May 2021. As they looked to secure their backline for the future, with the Frenchman was 25 at the time of signing. He has garnered the attention of Real Madrid thanks to his impressive campaign with the Reds; however, a dip in form has lowered his rankings.

He made a name for himself with his impressive performances with the Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and was snapped up by the Reds. The French international Konate has made 42 appearances for the club this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. With age on his side and immense talent, Konate will be among the best defenders in the Premier League for the foreseeable future. He is undoubtedly one of the best centre backs right now.

8. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

The Italian star Alessandro Bastoni, has been climbing up the pecking order, and he has contributed massively to their Serie A domination with his skills. Bastoni has been a pillar in Inter Milan's backline and lifted several trophies, including two Serie A titles, and a handful of domestic silverware. The Italian was a key part of Simeone Inzaghi’s side who had a firm grip on the title until and UEFA Champions League, last season.

The 26-year-old centre back scored two goals and assisted six times in 53 games in all competitions, which is the most in the division. Alessandro has ticked all the boxes you’d want in a modern defender, and is hailed as one of best centre backs in the world. He has garnered significant limelight thanks to his consistency in the backline for Inter and Italy.

7. Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid's promising centre back Dean Huijsen is regarded as one of the best young centre backs in the world. He is now shining on the big stage. Huijsen, after he departed from AS Roma, joined Bournemouth, earning worldwide recognition. During his breakout season with the Cherries in the 2024-25 season, the Spaniard averaged 7 clearances, 5 progressive passes, with a passing accuracy of 85% being one of the best ball-playing centre backs. In addition, he had five goal contributions, displaying his ability to contribute at both ends when required.

His performance at Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth attracted clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and others who were ready to pay a hefty price for his services, but the player chose Real Madrid as his next destination. So far, his decision to join Real Madrid has proven to be successful as the player has already found himself in Xabi Alonso's plans and is now a regular starter at this young age, which speaks volumes for someone of his age.

6. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)

The La Masia graduate Pau Cubarsi 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, and is already being labelled as best centre backs in the world. It won’t be wrong to say that nobody had this much expectation of a teenager; his consistent performances against some of the best teams in the world are remarkable.

Last season, the 18-year-old CB amassed 56 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions; his solidity, precision in passing, and defending have been phenomenal. Additionally, Cubarsi’s vision and the technique to execute it consistently help Barcelona’s attackers take advantage of the space, especially in wide situations, making Pau Cubarsi one of the best young centre backs in the world.

5. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk has been one of the top players for the past few years, and presently no better central defender in the Premier League than the Dutchman. The Dutch international dropped his form in the 2023-24 season, but bounced back, picking up his form, leading his team to clinch their 20th Premier League title. He has been a reliable figure for Arne Slot in the Liverpool squad.

Virgil van Dijk has not only been one of the best Premier League defenders right now. However, the start of the new 2025-26 season has raised questions about him as Liverpool's defender for leaking goals against them. Thus, Van Dijk lost his place from the No.1 position in our list of the best centre backs in the world, due to a poor current campaign. Regardless of his shaky form, the 34-year-old stands tall as one of the best centre backs.

4. Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)

Undoubtedly, one of the best centre backs in football, PSG's defensive pillar Willian Pacho was simply exceptional as a central defender. Credit goes to PSG scouts who find a gem of a defender blessed with talent, technicality, Physicality and pace. The Ecuadorian international enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign in the French capital, clinching the treble and subsequently, Pacho was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

The 24-year-old centre back has been consistently delivering for both his club and country, at the international level. His positional awareness and clutch tackles have proved vital for the Paris-based club. The South American played a key role in securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. He continues to shine at the club level with the Parisians. This season, Willian has made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring 2 goals for the French champions PSG.

3. William Saliba (Arsenal)

The French centre back William Saliba has been a brand-new discovery in football in recent years. His arrival in the North London to join Arsenal in 2022 after several loan spells in different clubs has witnessed a meteoric rise in the player’s career and for the Gunners. The last two years of the French defender have been nothing short of a dream, playing a formidable role in Mikel Arteta's backline. Saliba has become one of the top defenders in a competitive tournament like the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup.

One of the best centre backs in the world, the 24-year-old defender has mastered the art of defence with the help of his blistering pace, stamina and commanding presence. Saliba has been an inspiration in the backline, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. Even the best strikers in the English Premier League have struggled facing difficulties go past the Arsenal centre-back at times. The French international will have to step up as a leader for the Gunners to claim the EPL title.

2. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Talk about a clutch player, and your mind will flash with the name of Brazilian defender Marquinhos. The PSG centre back has been rock solid in the defensive heart of PSG this season. The 31-year-old Brazilian defender Marquinhos played 48 games last season, scoring thrice in succession. He has played a vital role in his club's dream of conquering the UEFA Champions League for the first time in history.

His tactical brilliance on the field, positional sense, and leadership make him one of the best CB in the world. Courtesy of standout performances during the Champions League campaign, last season. Apart from his defensive contributions, the Brazil international has been a sensational captain who has led his side from the front. Despite an underwhelming start to the 2025-26 season, his last year's heroics have earned him the 2nd spot in our list.

1. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

The Gunners have been defensively rock solid ever since the Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes landed in the English capital. He is just getting better and better each passing season at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, thanks to a balanced defensive performance from Gabriel in the backline. His partner in crime, William Saliba, and he form one of the strongest defensive pairs in the world football.

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. He has everything in his tank to be hailed as one of the best centre backs in the world. Despite suffering a season-ending injury, the defender bounced back astonishingly, acting as a vital cog in Gunner's title chase in the 2025-26 campaign.