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 is nearing conclusion, 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. Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

The Liverpool right back Jeremie Frimpong is what a right back in modern-day football must be. Excellent at carrying the ball forward down the wing, and can also sit back to defend. And this is what the managers want from their full-backs nowadays. At Bayer Leverkusen under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, Frimpong rose to become one of the best right back in the world, who operates as an extra man in the attack.

Frimpong is one of the best Dutch footballers currently, known for his burst of pace and quick passing. Liverpool's fluid football has given him the licence to venture unchallenged without the worries of defending, making him ferocious on the pitch. It's been a challenging season for the Dutchman in England, where Jeremie's endurance, skill and IQ have been tested. He is doing a commendable job with English champions Liverpool, maintaining his statues of best.

9. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan)

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; however, he is now steadily picking up his form after his return.

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenha, 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.

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.

7. Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)

The Italian full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo is the epitome of the perfect mixture of attacking and defending mentality, as his performances demonstrate across all competitions in recent few seasons. However, it has not been a fairytale journey for the Italian right back as his career saw a straight downfall between 2019 and 2020. However, he bounced back, cementing himself as one of the best Italian players currently.

Di Lorenzo showed great intent as the captain of Italian champions SSC Napoli and led the Italian club to their dream Scudetto in the 2022-23 season, matching Diego Maradona’s record. Under Antonio Conte’s coaching, the 32-year-old full-back has managed to claim an important status in the Serie A outfit. He has demonstrated leadership, attacking, and defensive prowess on the turf. While also making key goal contributions.

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 15 assists for his club while making 36 appearances across all competitions.

5. 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.

4. Malo Gusto (Chelsea)

In 2023, French international Malo Gusto arrived at Stamford Bridge from Olympique Lyonnais with enormous potential as a promising full-back. Chelsea's 22-year-old made a name for himself, replacing an injury-prone England star Reece James, and later earning a regular spot in the playing XI. Alongside Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, he is probably the best signing Chelsea has made in recent years, given the English club’s poor track record in the transfer market.

In England, Gusto has proven himself by breaking into the list of best Chelsea players currently with his dominant and reliable outings. 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. If he continues to stay in this shape, then he must be in the fray of the best for years to come.

3. 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.

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.

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.