Best Right Backs in the World: Top 10 Best Right Backs (2026)

There was a time when football revolved around the supremacy of the elite forwards. No one would think to discuss the best right backs in the world, as the full-back position was not something that attracted spectators' attention. Though with time, the definition of football has changed a lot, and with that, the process of playing the game has evolved around every position, especially in some of the best football leagues in the world.

The role of the right backs has transformed rapidly, reflecting growing expectations in the attacking department while keeping their normal responsibility in defence. And legendary names like Gary Neville, Dani Alves, and Lahm, to the modern-day sensations: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Achraf Hakimi and Denzil Dumfries have gained substantial popularity as the best right back in the world. As the 2025-26 football season has concluded and some of these players are featuring in the FIFA World Cup 2026, a question is surfacing: Who is best RB in the world? To answer the question, we tried to list down top 10 best right-back in the world, based on several ranking factors.

Best Right Back in the World: Top 10 List

After carefully analysing many right-backs across the most-watched football leagues in the world to curate the list of the best right back in the world. This list is unlike any other ranking list, which is based on popularity; instead, we have given weights to these factors. such as goals, assists, and overall output. Discover who is best rb in football?

Best RB in the World: Ranking Factors

In this segment, we have explained our ranking factors for listing down the best right backs in the world 2026. Let's help ourselves understand these factors before we delve into the full list of best rb in football.

• Key Defensive Metrics: The primary factor is defensive metrics, since restricting opponents is the core responsibility of the fullback. Tackles, interceptions and blocks are crucial metrics to form the list.
• Goals + Assists: Goal contributions have become a key trait for right backs; it reflects the attacking contribution of modern right backs in goal creation. It measures playmaking ability, crucial for right backs, aiding goal-scoring chances with their crossing and passing traits.

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

Who are the Best Right Backs in the World?

After reviewing our rankings of the best right backs in the world, featuring some of the best defenders in the world. We have aimed to highlight each player’s current season performance to justify their rankings on this list.

10. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Coming from the rich defensive unit of Serie A, the Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries, who could not find his rhythm until he took a bold decision to move to PSV Eindhoven in 2018, and his career has taken a positive U-turn ever since. He swiftly established himself in Nerazzurri's defensive set-up, providing attacking force and defensive ability. He has been a monumental figure in Serie A giants Inter Milan recent domestic and European exploits.

He has gradually been on the right track to become one of the best in modern-day football with the help of his attacking tenacity and stamina. His powerful performance against FC Barcelona in the Semi-Final of the UEFA Champions League was enough to show the world the potential he holds in him as RB. Sadly, a serious ankle injury had kept Dumfries out of action in the 2025-26 season, and he did very little on his return. However, he's in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup and will be hoping to be back to his best for his nation. Recently, he signed with Real Madrid ahead of the World Cup, making a valuable switch in his career.

9. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

The Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold is what a right back in modern-day football must be. Excellent at carrying the ball forward down the wing, and can also defend at times. And this is what the managers want from their full-backs nowadays. At Liverpool under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, Frimpong rose to become one of the best right back in the world, who operates as an extra man in the attack.

Trent is known for his burst of pace and quick passing. Real Madrid were in the lookout for someone who could deliver those Hollywood passes, and the Englishman was the perfect answer to it. However, injuries prevented him from performing at the top of his abilities, but the little time he got, he reminded everyone why he was so highly ranked in his Liverpool days. His defensive shift remains an issue though, which needs improvement. It's been a challenging season for the Englishman in Spain, where Trent's endurance, skill, and IQ have been tested. He is doing a commendable job with 15-time UCL winners Real Madrid, maintaining his status as one of the best.

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

The former Sporting CP full-back Pedro Porro is one of the most attacking right-backs in the world, given his skills with the ball and goal-scoring ability. Aided by a wide array of passing, link-up plays, attacking prowess, and a keen eye to find teammates with crosses and overlapping runs. The Spaniard has been a key player for Lilywhites in the 2025-26 campaign, as a guaranteed starter at the right back position. He was one of the players for Tottenham this season who was instrumental in keeping them safe from the relegation zone.

Spurs fans have high expectations of the Spanish international. The 26-year-old full-back first arrived at North London club Tottenham on a brief six-month loan spell from Sporting CP. Porro was previously criticised for his lack of consistency, but has turned the tables recently, showing consistency. He played an important part in Spurs' UEFA Europa League triumph in the 2024-25 season. He still awaits his debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Spain.

7. Reece James (Chelsea)

In 2019, English international Reece James arrived at Stamford Bridge with enormous potential as a promising full-back. Following a loan spell with Wigan Athletic in the 2018/19 season, James was back at the club where he grew up. He made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town in a 7-1 victory, where he bagged a goal and two assists, showing signs of a promising future ahead. In England, Reece James has proven himself by breaking into the list of best Chelsea players currently with his dominant and reliable outings, and is the current captain of the squad. He led them to the FIFA Club World Cup triumph in 2025, but has struggled since which is evident in Chelsea's dip in quality this season.

Speed and agility have always been two traits that have pushed the Frecnhmen to the forefront of success in recent years at Chelsea, resulting in him being on the list of the best right backs in the world. He has had his fair share of injury problems, though. James often plays as a central defensive midfielder nowadays, which proves the versatile nature of the player. If he continues to stay in this shape, then he must be in the fray of the best for years to come. It is yet to be seen how Thomas Tuchel uses him in his setup in this World Cup.

6. Julian Ryerson (Dortmund)

Incredibly talented Norwegian full-back Julian Ryerson has been making waves with Borussia Dortmund this season. He is gradually showing his excellence with each passing day. Coming from the youth academy of local Norwegian clubs, the 28-year-old right back earned praise when he moved to the Bundesliga, joining Union Berlin. He then moved to Signal Iduna Park in 2023 to don the Yellow and Black shirt, becoming one of the best right backs in the world.

The Norway international Ryerson has been a trusted figure in Niko Kovač's Dortmund side in the 2025-26 campaign. He has been phenomenal on the right side of the flank, spamming crosses and through balls. Moreover, Julian's aggression in attacking, sprinting power, and player marking strength have made him a great asset for his club and the Norway national football team. Amassing over 17 assists for his club while making 36 appearances across all competitions.

5. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Initially starting as a central midfielder in his career, the career graph of Matheus Nunes has skyrocketed crazily. He started his professional career in Estoril, a club in Portugal, in 2018. His performance against Sporting CP impressed the Portuguese giants a lot, and he was swooped up a year later by them. As he progressed, five years down the line, he got a bumper offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers and made the switch immediately to one of the best leagues in the world currently. A year later, one of the most successful English clubs in recent times Manchester City bought him to secure their midfield.

Although Nunes was signed as a midfielder, Pep Guardiola transformed him into a right back from the start of the 2024-25 season. Nunes struggled a lot that season, getting accustomed to the new role, which saw him falter a lot defensively. Offensively, he was quite decent as he produced a G/A of 7 in the Premier League. In the 2025-26 season, the Portuguese had got hold of the right-back position firmly and produced some of the best displays of the season. He used his pace and physicality to make ground quickly, improving the defensive side of his game and played an important role in City's FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumph this season. With a G/A of 6 in the recently concluded season, Nunes is sure to compete for the starting right-back spot against the likes of Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, and Nelson Semedo for Portugal national football team in the World Cup.

4. Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona)

Another French star defender who is featured on the list of the best rb in the world currently is the Barcelona full-back Jules Kounde. He was primarily a centre-back, began his career in the middle of the backline before going through a transition to become a right back for a perfect for the Catalan giants Barcelona. Kounde is known for attacking nature, and defensive discipline has become a key man for the France national football team in recent years.

Regarded as one of the best French footballers in the world offers a platform for his teammates to go with the ball higher up on the pitch, positioning himself in an area that connects the defence with the attack subtly. The ex-Sevilla man Kounde is a perfect right back who can live up to the expectations of a modern-day manager: running with pace to win the ball in defensive areas and setting the forwards out in the open with through balls. He also offers a threat from set-pieces, which makes him a complete package. Kounde was instrumental behind Barcelona's success in the league and Copa del Rey this season, although he was quite sloppy in the latter part of the season. He was quite decent in France's first game against Senegal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Les Blues won 3-1.

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

The Real Madrid product Marcos Llorente has gradually reached his career high after joining Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. He began as a central midfielder, the Spaniard now operates as a full-time full-back in the Spanish capital for Los Colchoneros due to versatility, work rate, and attacking defence awareness. Llorente has always been an important figure for the La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, guarding their left flank with experience and energy.

He is now shifted to the right side of the defence permanently. His all-around ability helps him win over the fast-paced forwards like Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe week in and week out in La Liga. The ex-Los Blancos Llorente is a gritty and hard-working player who always delivers an impactful performance. Defensive strength of Atletico Madrid, and one of their key components, Marcos Llorente, is the best RB in the world. Spain coach Luis de La Fuente has opted to go for Llorente as the starting right-back in this World Cup, considering the form he is in, and the Spaniard will look to perform at the top of his game to help his nation lift their second World Cup trophy.

2. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

One of the best right backs in the world, Jurrien Timber, is another young machine who has been in the form of his life recently for the North London giants Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has been relying on him for the right back responsibilities, implying his importance as one of the best Arsenal players at the moment. The Dutchman is producing perfect crosses, winning important duels on the flanks, and creating chances with his quick feet. The former Ajax full-back Timber, is a complete package as a defender; he can operate on the left if necessary and play as a central defender.

Not only that, Timber's most important trait lies in his aggressive excellence and adaptability, along with his strong mentality to win the ball by tracking back, which has made him one of the best rb in the world. Additionally, the 2025-26 season saw the player contribute more offensively, scoring goals and providing assists, proving to be an important asset for the London-based club. His contribution was key in Arsenal lifting the Premier League after 24 years. In an unfortunate turn of events, he missed several games in the second half of the season before featuring as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to PSG. Timber failed to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup, leading to withdrawal from the Dutch squad.

1. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

The 2024-25 season quintuple winner Achraf Hakimi has been a bona fide figure in the full-back position for quite a few years now, and he is the best RB in the world. After lengthy spells with some of the best clubs across Europe, such as Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan, the Moroccan superstar has found his footing in the Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. Over the seasons, PSG’s right line has been securely operated by Hakimi, who has been rock solid in both defence and attack. Hakimi uses his amazing speed and deadly passes to turn defence into attack in seconds, and just signed a new contract with PSG that keeps him in Ligue 1 until 2029.

The best right back in the world, Hakimi, won five trophies with PSG in the 2024-25 season and now has also earned the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award. The full back was on the verge of lifting the 2025 AFCON, but unfortunately suffered a heartbreak against Al Nassr star Sadio Mane captained Senegal in the final. However, the result was later overturned as Senegal left the field of play, resulting in a punishment where Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory to match abandonment by the Teranga Lions. Hakimi suffered a horrific injury in the UCL against Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 season, after a horrendous tackle from Luis Diaz. Nevertheless, he returned to his best soon and helped the French club lift their second UCL title in a row, along with the Ligue 1 trophy.