In modern football, right-backs are no longer just defenders — they are creators, sprinters, and tactical weapons. The best right-backs in football today contribute at both ends of the pitch, offering blistering pace, precise crossing, and crucial tackles. From attacking threats to disciplined markers, these players dominate their flank with world-class consistency. Below is a detailed list of the top 10 right-backs who have redefined the role in 2025.
10. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Appearances: 42 | Assists: 6 | Tackles per game: 2.3
Takehiro Tomiyasu has quietly become one of the most dependable right-backs in Football . His defensive intelligence, composure under pressure, and ability to slot in centrally when needed make him a tactical asset. Tomiyasu excels at closing down wingers and reading attacking plays, often breaking up counter-attacks. His positional awareness and aerial strength are vital to Arsenal’s backline. With improved crossing and attacking runs, he’s becoming more rounded every season.
9. Benjamin Pavard
Appearances: 38 | Assists: 4 | Tackles per game: 2.5
Benjamin Pavard’s move to Inter Milan has revitalized his career. Known for his World Cup stunner in 2018, Pavard is now a leader in Simone Inzaghi’s system. His blend of physicality and technique allows him to dominate one-on-one situations. He’s tactically disciplined and often initiates play from deep with sharp passes. Pavard’s versatility also allows him to operate at center-back when required, making him invaluable.
8. Noussair Mazraoui
Appearances: 39 | Assists: 5 | Tackles per game: 2.7
Noussair Mazraoui has grown into a complete right-backs in football under the Bayern Munich system. The Moroccan international boasts outstanding attacking instincts, always ready to push forward and support wide play. His ability to dribble out of tight situations and connect seamlessly with midfielders makes him a versatile threat. Defensively, Mazraoui maintains excellent positioning and often makes crucial interceptions when tracking back. His work rate and intelligence on the pitch have been vital in both Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League matches. As a modern right back in football, Mazraoui continues to raise his game at the highest level.
7. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Appearances: 43 | Assists: 5 | Tackles per game: 2.2
Napoli’s captain and Scudetto-winning leader, Di Lorenzo, is one of the most consistent right-backs in football. He rarely puts a foot wrong and delivers consistently in both league and European competitions. A hard-working, disciplined defender, Di Lorenzo also contributes to attacks with smart overlapping runs and crosses. His leadership qualities and stamina make him a cornerstone in Napoli’s defense.
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6. Denzel Dumfries
Appearances: 40 | Assists: 7 | Tackles per game: 2.6
Dumfries is a powerhouse at right-backs in football, known for his strength, speed, and aerial dominance. His ability to make late runs into the box and score crucial goals sets him apart from traditional full-backs. While aggressive in duels, he’s also improving his ball distribution. Dumfries has been a key figure for both Inter and the Netherlands in big matches, offering relentless energy on the right.
5. Jeremie Frimpong
Appearances: 41 | Assists: 9 | Tackles per game: 2.1
Frimpong is arguably one of the most exciting attacking right-backs in football world. His blistering pace and creative dribbling have unlocked many Bundesliga defenses. He’s a constant threat going forward, often delivering decisive passes and scoring goals himself. While his defensive work is still developing, his offensive output more than compensates. Frimpong is a key component in Leverkusen’s attacking setup.
4. Reece James
Appearances: 33 | Assists: 6 | Tackles per game: 3.0
When fit, Reece James is among the most complete right-backs in football. His physical presence, excellent delivery, and leadership have made him a standout performer. James is aggressive in tackles and often wins duels with his strength and timing. His overlapping runs and whipped crosses are a nightmare for defenders. Despite injury setbacks, his impact when available is unquestionable.
3. Kyle Walker
Appearances: 44 | Assists: 4 | Tackles per game: 2.4
Walker remains one of the fastest and most defensively sound right-backs in football. Even at 35, he continues to dominate attackers with his pace and recovery runs. He plays a crucial role in Manchester City’s high line and is often used to nullify opposition wingers. Walker’s calmness in possession and leadership add depth to City’s backline. His consistency is truly elite.
2. Dani Carvajal
Appearances: 38 | Assists: 5 | Tackles per game: 2.8
Carvajal is a seasoned warrior and remains vital to Real Madrid’s success. His intensity, experience, and clutch performances in big matches keep him among the best right-backs in football. He’s dependable in defense and often makes overlapping runs that stretch defenses. Carvajal has a knack for delivering when it matters most, including key assists and goals in finals.
1. Achraf Hakimi
Appearances: 45 | Assists: 10 | Tackles per game: 3.1
Achraf Hakimi is currently the best right-backs in football, blending blistering pace with technical brilliance. At PSG, he’s a constant attacking outlet, contributing goals and assists with ease. Defensively, he tracks back quickly and often makes game-saving tackles. His versatility to play as a wing-back or in a back four adds extra value. Hakimi’s balance of flair and discipline puts him at the top of this list.
| Rank | Player | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Achraf Hakimi | PSG | Morocco |
| 2 | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 3 | Kyle Walker | Manchester City | England |
| 4 | Reece James | Chelsea | England |
| 5 | Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen | Netherlands |
| 6 | Denzel Dumfries | Inter Milan | Netherlands |
| 7 | Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Napoli | Italy |
| 8 | Noussair Mazraoui | Bayern Munich | Morocco |
| 9 | Benjamin Pavard | Inter Milan | France |
| 10 | Takehiro Tomiyasu | Arsenal | Japan |
FAQs:
1. Who is considered the top right-backs in football right now?
Achraf Hakimi stands out as the global benchmark for Right Backs in Football due to his unmatched attacking stats and total game influence.
2. What defines a modern right-back in football today?
Modern Right Backs in Football need to defend well, deliver quality forwards via crosses or inverted passes, make overlapping runs, and maintain tactical awareness for handling transitions.
3. Do these players play at full-back exclusively?
Some, like Timber and Kounde, play multiple positional roles. Rankings focus on their principal position, reflecting their primary influence as Right Backs in Football.
4. Are there other notable full-backs who didn’t make the top 10?
Yes—honorable mentions include Reece James, Kyle Walker, Sergiño Dest, and Alphonso Davies (who sometimes plays as a right-back). They narrowly missed out but remain elite in the position