Are you searching for the Top 5 Best defenders in the world in 2025? Then you are here at the right place. We have selected our pick of the Top 5 best defenders in football right now, and it wasn't the easiest choice to make. All these players are immensely integral to their respective sides, and are undoubtedly gonna play a huge role in determining if these clubs end up winning major domestic or European accolades in the future. Let's not waste much more time then, scroll down below to find our pick of the Best defenders football at the moment.
Top 5 best defenders in football right now
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
It is an extremely rare occurrence in football history that Real Madrid end up selling a player and ultimately regret it for a lifetime. Such has been the rise of Achraf Hakimi since he left Los Blancos. He left Madrid for Inter Milan, where he helped them win the Serie A title. This was followed by his blockbuster moves to PSG, where he has now established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Whether its attack or defence, Hakimi excels in both aspects and PSG are immensely lucky to have him.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
There was a time when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wasn't too keen on having William Saliba in the Arsenal side, which led to him being loaned by the club several times. What has happened since then is nothing less than inspirational, as Saliba came back stronger than ever and is now the leader of the Arsenal defense alongside partner Gabriel. The Frenchman is now one of the most important players of Arteta's Arsenal side, and his significance to the side was evident in the 2022-23 Premier League. If not for his major injury back then, Arsenal might have been Premier League Champions.
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Arsenal have undoubtedly been the best defensive side in the Premier League for the past few years, and Saliba isn't the only one to credit for it. His partner in crime at the heart of Arsenal's defense, Gabriel, deserves equal price as well. The Brazilian has been nothing short of sensation since joining the Gunners, and his partnership with Saliba is nothing less than phenomenal. In addition to his outstanding defending skills, Gabriel also excels in the air and is known for scoring crucial headed goals.
Virgil Van Dijk ( Liverpool)
Before his unfortunate ACL that occurred during the Merseyside Derby on October 17th, 2020, Virgil Van Dijk was arguably the best defender in world football by a mile. After suffering such a devastating injury, the general consensus was that Van Dijk would never be the same player again. However, he managed to shock all the haters and doubters after his return, as Liverpool's captain slowly got back to his best and led them to another historic Premier League title. His leadership abilities are simply exquisite as well, and this Dutch defender is nothing less than a special player.
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
We have yet another PSG defender in the list, and this one we feel is a player who is still criminally underrated. Nuno Mendes has established himself as one of the most frightening defenders in world football at PSG, especially with his devastating pace being a nightmare for defenders. He was defensively excellent as well for both club and country in the previous campaign, which we are sure Lamine Yamal would absolutely agree with us. A phenomenal player indeed.
