Best Full-Backs in the World 2026: Full-backs used to just defend. Not anymore. The best ones today bomb forward, deliver assists, score goals, and cover every blade of grass in both directions. Left-back or right-back, these twenty players do it all. They are the best full-backs in world football right now in 2026. Their Transfermarkt values and their 2025/26 season stats both tell the same story.
How We Rank These Players
| Factor | – |
|---|---|
| 🏅 | Individual performance |
| 🏆 | Team performance |
| 💰 | Transfermarkt value |
| 🔍 | Google search popularity |
20. Michael Kayode
- Club: Brentford FC
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Italy
- Market Value: €35 million
Michael Kayode is 21 years old and one of the most exciting young right-backs in English football. He joined Brentford and became their first-choice right-back from the start. He is athletic, aggressive in duels, and covers ground quickly in both directions. He averages a 7.14 FotMob rating in the Premier League this season.
He has played 2,814 minutes in the Premier League this season. He ranks among the top right-backs in England for matches played. He is Italy’s rising defensive talent. At 21 and valued at €35 million, his market value will keep rising.
Michael Kayode Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 32 | 1 | 1 | 2,814′ |
| EFL Cup | 4 | – | – | 137′ |
| FA Cup | 3 | – | 1 | 211′ |
| TOTAL | 39 | 1 | 2 | 3,162′ |
19. Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Club: Manchester City
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Algeria / France
- Market Value: €40 million
Rayan Aït-Nouri spent two strong seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers before Manchester City signed him. He scored 4 goals and made 7 assists at Wolves in 2024-25. City brought him in and he has delivered every time he plays. He is quick, direct, and dangerous going forward.
He has been used as a rotation option at City this season. He still contributed 5 assists across all competitions in limited game time. At 24, he has plenty of time to grow into a regular starter. His €40 million value reflects a left-back with real quality.
Rayan Aït-Nouri Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 15 | – | 2 | 870′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 | – | – | 340′ |
| EFL Cup | 3 | – | 2 | 200′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | 1 | 60′ |
| TOTAL | 26 | – | 5 | 1,470′ |
18. Milos Kerkez
- Club: Liverpool FC
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Hungary / Serbia
- Market Value: €40 million
Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool from AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2025. He made 74 appearances for Bournemouth and earned his move to Anfield. He is quick, progressive with the ball, and gives Liverpool real width down the left side. He has been reliable from his first game.
He has 2 goals and 2 assists across 44 appearances this season. He is Hungary’s most important player at international level. At 22, his best years are still ahead of him. More consistent starts will push his €40 million value higher.
Milos Kerkez Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 2 | 1 | 2,043′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | – | – | 594′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | 1 | 180′ |
| EFL Cup | 2 | – | – | 99′ |
| Community Shield | 1 | – | – | 84′ |
| TOTAL | 44 | 2 | 2 | 3,000′ |
17. Tino Livramento
- Club: Newcastle United
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: England
- Market Value: €40 million
Tino Livramento has been Newcastle’s first-choice right-back all season. He is quick, works hard in both directions, and never stops running. He is one of the better young right-backs in the Premier League at just 23 years old. His defensive numbers are solid every single week.
He has 0 goals and 1 assist across 26 appearances this season. England’s national team is watching him closely. His €40 million value reflects a defender with a very high ceiling. He is only going to improve with more experience.
Tino Livramento Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 17 | – | 1 | 1,328′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | – | – | 308′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | – | 69′ |
| EFL Cup | 2 | – | – | 105′ |
| TOTAL | 26 | – | 1 | 1,810′ |
16. Pedro Porro
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Spain
- Market Value: €40 million
Pedro Porro is one of the most attack-minded right-backs in the Premier League. He delivers crosses, drives forward constantly, and contributes in both boxes every game. He has 8 goals and 16 assists in 89 career Premier League appearances for Spurs. That is remarkable for a defender.
He has 2 goals and 6 assists across 43 appearances this season. He has attempted 25 shots and earned 7 yellow cards showing his aggression going forward. At 26, he is at the right age for a right-back. His €40 million value is well deserved.
Pedro Porro Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 1 | 2 | 2,438′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | 1 | 3 | 772′ |
| EFL Cup | 2 | – | – | 180′ |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | – | 1 | 90′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | – | – | 83′ |
| TOTAL | 43 | 2 | 6 | 3,563′ |
15. Wesley
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Brazil
- Market Value: €40 million
Wesley is 22 years old and Barcelona’s backup right-back behind Jules Koundé. He came through the Barcelona academy and fits perfectly into their high-press system. He is athletic, comfortable on the ball, and delivers when called upon. He is Brazil’s most promising young right-back.
He has 4 goals and 2 assists across 36 appearances this season. At 22 at one of the biggest clubs in the world, he is developing fast. His €40 million value will rise significantly as he earns more regular starts.
Wesley Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 27 | 4 | 1 | 2,208′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 8 | – | – | 541′ |
| Italy Cup | 1 | – | 1 | 90′ |
| TOTAL | 36 | 4 | 2 | 2,839′ |
14. Alphonso Davies
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Canada / Liberia
- Market Value: €45 million
Alphonso Davies is one of the fastest players in world football. His top speed of 35.11 km/h is extraordinary for a defender. He has been one of Bayern Munich’s key players for several seasons in a row. He lost regular starting time this season due to competition but remains dangerous every time he plays.
He has 1 goal and 3 assists across 20 appearances this season. His numbers are lower because of limited starts. When fully fit, very few left-backs in the world match his pace and attacking output. He is Canada’s most important player. His €45 million value is well deserved.
Alphonso Davies Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 12 | 1 | 2 | 730′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 | – | 1 | 146′ |
| DFB-Pokal | 2 | – | – | 130′ |
| TOTAL | 20 | 1 | 3 | 1,006′ |
13. Matheus Nunes
- Club: Manchester City
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Portugal
- Market Value: €45 million
Matheus Nunes adapted very well to the right-back role at Manchester City. He joined as a midfielder but Pep Guardiola deployed him at right-back and he delivered. He averages a 7.44 FotMob rating in the Premier League this season. One of the best of any right-back in England.
He has 1 goal and 9 assists across 44 appearances this season. He ranks highly for rating, assists, and minutes among right-backs in England. At 27 and valued at €45 million, he is one of the most reliable options at the position in the league.
Matheus Nunes Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 1 | 7 | 2,267′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 6 | – | – | 620′ |
| FA Cup | 5 | – | 1 | 200′ |
| EFL Cup | 3 | – | 1 | 130′ |
| TOTAL | 44 | 1 | 9 | 3,217′ |
12. Federico Dimarco
- Club: Inter Milan
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Italy
- Market Value: €50 million
Federico Dimarco is one of the best left-backs in Serie A. He is Inter Milan’s first choice on the left and Italy’s starting left-back internationally. He delivers dangerous crosses, scores from set pieces, and defends solidly every week. He is a complete left-back at 28.
He has 7 goals and 16 assists across 42 appearances this season. That is an extraordinary return for a defender. He covered 103.98 km in just 9 Champions League appearances. His €50 million value is fully justified.
Federico Dimarco Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 31 | 6 | 16 | 2,454′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | 1 | – | 714′ |
| Italy Cup | 1 | – | – | 60′ |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 1 | – | – | 90′ |
| TOTAL | 42 | 7 | 16 | 3,318′ |
11. Marc Cucurella
- Club: Chelsea FC
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Spain
- Market Value: €50 million
Marc Cucurella had a difficult start at Chelsea after joining in 2022. He turned it around completely. He became one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. He was one of Spain’s best players at UEFA Euro 2024, which they won. Consistent, aggressive, and active going forward every game.
At 27, he is at the peak of his career. He has started almost every game for Chelsea this season. He is one of the most improved defenders in England over the last two seasons. His €50 million value reflects everything he has worked for.
Marc Cucurella Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 1 | 3 | 2,420′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | – | – | 720′ |
| FA Cup | 4 | – | – | 310′ |
| EFL Cup | 3 | – | – | 190′ |
| TOTAL | 46 | 1 | 3 | 3,640′ |
10. Riccardo Calafiori
- Club: Arsenal FC
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Italy
- Market Value: €50 million
Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2024. He is comfortable on the ball and reads the game brilliantly. He plays as left-back or centre-back with equal quality. He brings a different dimension to Arsenal’s defensive line that very few defenders can offer.
He has 1 goal and 3 assists across 31 appearances this season. At 23, he is one of the best young defenders in the Premier League. Italy’s national team trusts him completely. His €50 million value will keep rising.
Riccardo Calafiori Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1,456′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | – | 1 | 274′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | – | 106′ |
| EFL Cup | 2 | – | – | 115′ |
| TOTAL | 31 | 1 | 3 | 1,951′ |
9. Nico O’Reilly
- Club: Manchester City
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: England / Jamaica
- Market Value: €50 million
Nico O’Reilly is 21 years old and one of the biggest young talents in the Premier League this season. Manchester City gave him regular first-team football and he delivered every time. He is athletic, reads the game well, and covers ground quickly in both directions. He has 9 goals and 6 assists across all competitions.
He impressed in both the Premier League and the Champions League at just 21 years old. He is an England youth international and has been linked with a senior call-up. His €50 million value is fair for someone producing these numbers at this age.
Nico O’Reilly Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 31 | 5 | 3 | 2,379′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 8 | 1 | 2 | 671′ |
| EFL Cup | 5 | 2 | – | 364′ |
| FA Cup | 5 | 1 | 1 | 270′ |
| TOTAL | 49 | 9 | 6 | 3,684′ |
8. Alejandro Balde
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Spain
- Market Value: €55 million
Alejandro Balde is 22 years old and Barcelona’s first-choice left-back. He came through the academy and made the position his own. He is fast, technical, and excellent in one-versus-one situations. He holds a 7.20 average FotMob rating in La Liga this season.
He has 0 goals and 3 assists across 31 appearances this season. He is Spain’s backup left-back and pushes for a regular starting spot internationally. At 22, he has his entire career ahead of him at one of the biggest clubs in the world. His €55 million value is well placed.
Alejandro Balde Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 21 | – | 2 | 1,519′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | – | 1 | 490′ |
| Copa del Rey | 3 | – | – | 210′ |
| TOTAL | 31 | – | 3 | 2,219′ |
7. Álvaro Carreras
- Club: Real Madrid
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Spain
- Market Value: €60 million
Álvaro Carreras joined Real Madrid and became their first-choice left-back almost immediately. He is 23 years old, confident on the ball, and aggressive going forward. He holds a 7.52 average FotMob rating in La Liga this season. One of the highest of any left-back in Spain.
He has 2 goals and 3 assists across 40 appearances this season. He is already an important player at one of the biggest clubs in the world. At 23, he is only going to get better. His €60 million value is fully deserved.
Álvaro Carreras Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 26 | 2 | 2 | 1,971′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 | – | 1 | 750′ |
| Copa del Rey | 3 | – | – | 210′ |
| Supercopa | 1 | – | – | 90′ |
| TOTAL | 40 | 2 | 3 | 3,021′ |
6. Reece James
- Club: Chelsea FC
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: England
- Market Value: €60 million
Reece James is Chelsea’s captain and one of the best right-backs in the world when fully fit. He has suffered injuries over the last two seasons. This year he stayed available and delivered. He has 2 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League alone, equalling his combined goal involvement from the previous three seasons.
He has 32 tackles won and 32 interceptions in the Premier League this season. He added 2 assists in 8 Champions League appearances. At 26 and finally staying fit, he shows exactly why he is worth €60 million.
Reece James Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 27 | 2 | 5 | 1,896′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 8 | – | 2 | 564′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | – | – | 60′ |
| EFL Cup | – | – | – | – |
| TOTAL | 36 | 2 | 7 | 2,520′ |
5. Jules Koundé
- Club: FC Barcelona
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: France
- Market Value: €65 million
Jules Koundé is one of the best defenders in the world. He is Barcelona’s first-choice right-back and has been outstanding all season. He is fast, reads the game brilliantly, and is one of the best one-versus-one defenders in Europe. He overtook Trent Alexander-Arnold in goal involvement among right-backs in La Liga.
He has 3 goals and 4 assists across 45 appearances this season. He is a key player for France at international level. At 27, he is at the absolute peak of his career. His €65 million value is fully justified.
Jules Koundé Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 28 | 2 | 3 | 2,010′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 | 1 | 1 | 870′ |
| Copa del Rey | 5 | – | – | 420′ |
| Supercopa | 2 | – | – | 150′ |
| TOTAL | 45 | 3 | 4 | 3,450′ |
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Club: Real Madrid
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: England
- Market Value: €65 million
Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 from Liverpool. He is the most creative right-back in English football history. Real Madrid deployed him as a hybrid midfielder-right-back. He won La Liga in his first season at the club.
He has 0 goals and 5 assists across 26 appearances this season. His role as a deep-lying playmaker means assists are just one part of what he gives Madrid. He controls tempo, breaks lines, and wins games in ways the stats do not always show. His €65 million value is more than fair.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 17 | – | 4 | 907′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 9 | – | 1 | 630′ |
| Copa del Rey | – | – | – | – |
| Supercopa | – | – | – | – |
| TOTAL | 26 | – | 5 | 1,537′ |
3. Jurriën Timber
- Club: Arsenal FC
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Market Value: €70 million
Jurriën Timber is Arsenal’s first-choice right-back and one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He averages a 7.26 FotMob rating in the league this season. He scored twice and assisted once in a 5-0 win over Leeds United in August 2025. He neutralised Vinicius Junior in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid.
He has 4 goals and 7 assists across 43 appearances this season. He is Netherlands’ most trusted right-back. At 24, he is already one of the best defenders in the world. His €70 million value is fully deserved.
Jurriën Timber Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 30 | 3 | 6 | 2,457′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 7 | 1 | 1 | 513′ |
| EFL Cup | 4 | – | – | 290′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | – | 49′ |
| TOTAL | 43 | 4 | 7 | 3,309′ |
2. Nuno Mendes
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Position: Left-Back
- Nationality: Portugal
- Market Value: €75 million
Nuno Mendes is the best left-back in the world right now. He is 23 years old and valued at €75 million by Transfermarkt. He ranks 4th in all of Ligue 1 for offensive contribution among defenders with an Expected Threat rating of 663.97. He has 4 goals and 5 assists in Ligue 1 alone this season.
He won the Champions League and four French league titles with PSG. He also won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. He covers 103.98 km per match in the Champions League and reaches a top speed of 33.63 km/h. No left-back in the world combines attacking output and defensive quality like he does.
Nuno Mendes Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 1,620′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 14 | – | 2 | 1,050′ |
| Coupe de France | 2 | – | – | 150′ |
| Trophée des Champions | 1 | – | – | 72′ |
| TOTAL | 36 | 4 | 7 | 2,892′ |
1. Achraf Hakimi
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Position: Right-Back
- Nationality: Morocco
- Market Value: €80 million
Achraf Hakimi is the best full-back in the world. No debate. He is valued at €80 million by Transfermarkt, the highest of any full-back on the planet. He reaches a top speed of 34.18 km/h and covers 108.99 km in the Champions League alone this season. His passing accuracy stands at 89.1% and he averages a scoring contribution of 0.42 per game.
He has 3 goals and 8 assists across 30 appearances this season. He contributed 15 tackles and 37 balls recovered in just 11 Champions League games. He is Morocco’s most important player. At 27 and at the absolute peak of his powers, no full-back in world football combines pace, attacking output, and defensive quality like Hakimi does.
Achraf Hakimi Stats 2025/26 Season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 1,374′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 1 | 6 | 945′ |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 | – | – | 90′ |
| Coupe de France | – | – | – | – |
| Trophée des Champions | – | – | – | – |
| FIFA Intercontinental Cup | – | – | – | – |
| TOTAL | 30 | 3 | 8 | 2,409′ |
