Defenders are key players in football. They secure their team from conceding goals and also participate in goal build-up as well as provide assists and score goals.
The footballing world has seen many great defenders, who have played and continue to play. But the sport now has new stars in the position, who shine with their defending skills and help their teams to secure victories.
Let's take a look at who are the top 10 defenders currently playing.
Top 10 defenders in the World 2024
10. Antonio Rudiger
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Antonio Rudiger joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window from Chelsea. He is also considered one of the best defenders in the world from active players. Rudiger represents Germany on an international level. The 29-year-old is a versatile defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and not only is capable of defending his net but also assisting and scoring goals.
9. Theo Hernandez
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The 25-year-old defender currently plays for AC Milan. He has been with club since 2019. The left-back is considered one of the bests and his performance for Milan caught the attention of Didier Deschamps and Hernandez got his first call up in August 2021. He represented France in the World Cup 2022 and reached the final where they lost to Argentina.
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8. David Alaba
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The 30-year-old defender is a versatile defender who currently plays for Real Madrid. Alaba is mainly a centre-back but he can play as left-back as well as central midfielder.
7. Kyle Walker
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Kyle Walker is one of the fastest players in the world and one of the most promising figures in defence at Manchester City squad.
In the previous year, he played a crucial role in the team's achievement of the long-anticipated treble, solidifying the Citizens' status as the top team globally.
6. Trent Alexander Arnold
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Trent is one of the key players for Liverpool. The defender not only keeps the net from conceding goals but is also known for his long-range passes, assists as well as goals.
The Reds became EFL Cup winner and are in a title race for Premier League. Liverpool could end the season with four trophies as they are also in Europa League quarter-finals and FA Cup quarter-finals.
5. Ronald Araujo
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Ronald Araujo has been a key player for Barca. His contract with the club expires in 2026. During the summer, Barcelona announced Araujo as the club's third captain.
4. Virgil van Dijk
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Van Dijk has been one of the bests already for so long. The defender is known for his defending as well as goalscoring abilities. The 31-year-old plays for Liverpool on club level and represents Netherlands on international level. Van Dijk was named in FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 during the Best FIFA Awards 2022.
According to Squawka, Van Dijk is curently the best centre-back in the Premier League.
The defender became the hero in Liverpool's Carabao Cup win over Chelsea as he scored the winning goal in the dying moments of the extra time. The game ended in the Reds' 1-0 win.
3. William Saliba
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William Saliba has become one of the key players at Arsenal. He has been praised as one of the best centre-backs in the world. His career has seen him play on loan for several clubs in the past few years, however, he returned to the Gunners and signed a new long-term deal with the club until 2028.
2. John Stones
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Stones played a crucial role in Manchester City's recent triumph as the team won the treble in 2022/23. The defender continues to shine for both club and country by providing not only quality defending skills but also scoring goals and assisting.
1. Ruben Dias
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The 25-year-old is also considered one of the best footballers in the world right now. Ruben Dias is currently valued at €80.00m via Transfermarkt. Dias plays for Manchester City and Portugal. He becomes Premier League 2022/23 champion for the third year in a row.
Dias ended the 2022/23 season with a treble as Man City won the FA Cup and Champions League as well.
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