Top 10 best football defenders in the world

Discover the elite list of the top 10 best football defenders in the world in our comprehensive article. Explore the profiles and achievements of these defensive stalwarts who dominate the global football stage. Uncover the remarkable defensive statistics, tactical prowess, and impact these players have on their teams. 

A strong defense is often the foundation of a successful team, and top-quality defenders can make a significant impact on a match. Their ability to read the game, anticipate the movements of opposing players, and execute well-timed tackles or interceptions can turn the tide in favor of their team.

Choosing the top 10 best defenders in the world is a subjective task, as different individuals may prioritize different attributes and playing styles. However, certain factors can be considered when evaluating defenders.

Firstly, consistency is key. The best defenders maintain a high level of performance over an extended period, showcasing their defensive prowess consistently.

Additionally, their defensive skills and technical abilities, such as positioning, marking, tackling, and aerial dominance, should be exceptional. 

Leadership qualities are also vital for top defenders. They should be able to organize the defense, communicate effectively with teammates, and provide a calming influence during high-pressure situations.

Furthermore, their contribution to the team's success, both defensively and offensively, should be taken into account. This includes their ability to initiate attacks, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute goals or assists from set-pieces.

Current Top 10 Best Football Defenders In The World

Sergio Ramos ( Paris Saint-Germain)

Sergio Ramos, named the best defender of our his generation and one of the best in history. Over the course of 33 matches, PSG with Ramos conceded a total of 30 goals conceded while managing to keep 11 clean sheets. On average, Ramos's team conceded a goal approximately every 90 minutes when he was on the pitch.

 With an average of 1.10 tackles and 1.00 interceptions per 90 minutes played, he has demonstrated his defensive instincts and the capability to disrupt opposing attacks.

These statistics provide insight into Ramos's defensive performance during the Ligue 1 2022/2023 season and they are enough to secure him a place in the list of Top10 best defenders in the world. It is important to note that individual statistics cannot solely determine a player's overall contribution or the effectiveness of a defense.

Sergio Ramos Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	30	1	78
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	90 min'		78
Clean Sheets	11	33%	82
Tackles	33	1.10	29
Interceptions	30	1.00	57
Ground Duels	214	7.11	23
Ground Duels Won	118	3.92	32
Aerial Duels Won	56	1.86	80
Dribbled Past	16	0.53	65
Clearances	94	3.12	86
Shots Blocked	13	0.43	78

Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Ruben Dias, a formidable defender, has made a significant impact in the Premier League during the 2022/2023 season. Over the course of 26 matches, Dias has been part of a defense that conceded a total of 16 goals while achieving an impressive 10 clean sheets.

These statistics reveal that, on average, Dias's team conceded a goal approximately every 125 minutes when he was on the pitch, highlighting his ability to limit opposition goalscoring opportunities.

 On average, he has made 0.95 tackles and 0.81 interceptions per 90 minutes played.Dias's contribution to the team's defensive efforts is evident in his high number of clearances with an average of approximately 2.52 clearances per game.

Rubin Dias Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	16	0.72	92
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	125 min'		92
Clean Sheets	10	38%	82
Tackles	21	0.95	27
Interceptions	18	0.81	51
Ground Duels	133	5.99	13
Ground Duels Won	77	3.47	21
Aerial Duels Won	43	1.94	75
Dribbled Past	5	0.23	83
Clearances	56	2.52	80
Shots Blocked	13	0.59	85

Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

In a season where Chelsea faced challenges and fluctuating form, Thiago Silva emerged as a beacon of consistency and defensive excellence. Silva's contributions were instrumental in the team's performance during the Premier League 2022/2023 season.

Over the course of 27 matches, Silva was part of a defense that conceded a total of 29 goals, managing to keep six clean sheets along the way. This statistical analysis reveals that, on average, Silva's team conceded a goal approximately every 81 minutes when he was on the pitch.

Silva has demonstrated his tackling and interception abilities with an average of 1.49 tackles and 1.34 interceptions per 90 minutes played. 

Furthermore, Silva's commitment to defensive duties is evident in his high number of clearances, with an average of approximately 4.09 clearances per game. 

Thiago Silva Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	29	1.11	62
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	81 min'		62
Clean Sheets	6	22%	37
Tackles	39	1.49	52
Interceptions	35	1.34	81
Ground Duels	157	6.01	13
Ground Duels Won	116	4.44	45
Aerial Duels Won	62	2.37	83
Dribbled Past	8	0.31	76
Clearances	107	4.09	93
Shots Blocked	29	1.11	98

William Saliba (Arsenal)

In 27 matches, Saliba conceded a total of 25 goals while securing 12 clean sheets. On average, when Saliba was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 97 minutes.

Saliba demonstrated his defensive qualities through his tackling and interception statistics. On average, he made 1.27 tackles and 0.71 interceptions per 90 minutes played.

Additionally, Saliba showcased his capability to clear the ball effectively, recording approximately 3.05 clearances per game.

William Saliba Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	25	0.93	78
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	97 min'		78
Clean Sheets	12	44%	91
Tackles	34	1.27	41
Interceptions	19	0.71	45
Ground Duels	175	6.52	17
Ground Duels Won	105	3.91	31
Aerial Duels Won	50	1.86	73
Dribbled Past	3	0.11	90
Clearances	82	3.05	85
Shots Blocked	10	0.37	71
Penalties Given Away	2	0.07	8

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig, Croatia)

 In 30 matches, Gvardiol's team conceded a total of 32 goals, while managing to secure 9 clean sheets. This statistical analysis reveals that, on average, when Gvardiol was on the pitch, RB Leipzig conceded a goal approximately every 68 minutes, indicating his presence and influence in the team's defensive performance.

 On average, he made 0.98 tackles and 1.42 interceptions per 90 minutes played. Gvardiol approximately made 2.84 clearances per game, further emphasizing his contribution to defensive stability.

In addition to his club performances, Gvardiol represented Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals. 

Josko Gvardiol Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	32	1.33	35
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	68 min'		37
Clean Sheets	9	30%	61
Tackles	22	0.98	27
Interceptions	32	1.42	82
Ground Duels	154	6.83	18
Ground Duels Won	88	3.90	29
Aerial Duels Won	40	1.77	70
Dribbled Past	11	0.49	61
Clearances	64	2.84	82
Shots Blocked	14	0.62	86
Penalties Given Away	1	0.04	17

Matthijs De Ligt ( Bayern Munich)

 Over the course of 31 matches, De Light conceded a total of 25 goals and managed to keep an impressive 10 clean sheets.

On average, when de Ligt was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 96 minutes. He made 1.11 tackles and 0.84 interceptions per 90 minutes played. Additionally, de Ligt exhibited his aerial prowess and defensive presence through approximately 2.83 clearances per game, further solidifying his role as a reliable defender.

Teaming up with Dayot Upamecano, de Ligt played a crucial role in Bayern's journey to the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals. Their performances helped secure clean sheets against formidable opponents such as PSG, Inter Milan, and FC Barcelona.

Matthijs De Ligt Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	25	0.94	77
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	96 min'		77
Clean Sheets	10	32%	67
Tackles	29	1.11	33
Interceptions	22	0.84	51
Ground Duels	225	8.60	40
Ground Duels Won	133	5.08	60
Aerial Duels Won	86	3.29	91
Dribbled Past	9	0.34	75
Clearances	74	2.83	82
Shots Blocked	20	0.76	91
Penalties Given Away	2	0.08	6

John Stones ( Manchester City)

John Stones, a key figure in the treble-winning campaign, showcased his defensive prowess as a defender during the Premier League 2022/2023 season. In 23 matches, Stones was part of a defense that conceded a total of 16 goals while achieving 9 clean sheets.

On average, Stones's team conceded a goal approximately every 116 minutes when he was on the pitch. He made 1.12 tackles and 0.39 interceptions per 90 minutes played, showcasing his effectiveness in breaking up opposition attacks and regaining possession for his team. Additionally, Stones consistently provided approximately 1.80 clearances per game.

John Stones Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	16	0.78	88
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	116 min'		89
Clean Sheets	9	39%	84
Tackles	23	1.12	34
Interceptions	8	0.39	28
Ground Duels	101	4.92	9
Ground Duels Won	68	3.31	18
Aerial Duels Won	32	1.56	65
Dribbled Past	1	0.05	93
Clearances	37	1.80	69
Shots Blocked	11	0.54	82

Min Jae Kim ( Napoli)

Min Jae Kim, the talented defender of Napoli, had an outstanding season in the Serie A 2022/2023. In 35 matches, Kim was part of a resolute defense that conceded only 24 goals and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets.

On average, when Kim was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 127 minutes, highlighting his ability to maintain defensive solidity.

Kim showcased his defensive abilities through his tackling and interception statistics. On average, he made 1.62 tackles and 1.24 interceptions per 90 minutes played. Additionally, Kim displayed his ability to relieve pressure on the defensive end by recording approximately 3.59 clearances per game.

Min Jae Kim Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	24	0.71	88
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	127 min'		88
Clean Sheets	16	46%	89
Tackles	55	1.62	57
Interceptions	42	1.24	82
Ground Duels	254	7.48	27
Ground Duels Won	156	4.60	51
Aerial Duels Won	92	2.71	90
Dribbled Past	4	0.12	91
Clearances	122	3.59	90
Shots Blocked	26	0.77	92

Cristian Romero ( Tottenham Hotspur, Argentina)

Cristian Romero, a FIFA World Cup champion and a formidable defender, showcased his skills during the Premier League 2022/2023 season. In 27 matches, Tottenham conceded a total of 36 goals, managing to keep 8 clean sheets.

On average, when Romero was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 66 minutes, reflecting his influence in minimizing opposition scoring opportunities.

Romero demonstrated his defensive capabilities through his impressive tackling and interception numbers. On average, he made 2.57 tackles and 1.38 interceptions per 90 minutes played.

Cristian Romero Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	36	1.37	36
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	66 min'		37
Clean Sheets	8	30%	63
Tackles	65	2.57	90
Interceptions	35	1.38	83
Ground Duels	240	9.49	53
Ground Duels Won	145	5.74	76
Aerial Duels Won	56	2.22	81
Dribbled Past	14	0.55	54
Clearances	93	3.68	90
Shots Blocked	18	0.71	90

Ronald Araujo ( FC Barcelona)

Ronald Araujo, a key contributor to Barcelona's La Liga championship, had an exceptional season as a defender in the La Liga 2022/2023. In 22 matches, FC Barcelona conceded a mere 5 goals and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets. This statistical analysis reveals that, on average, when Araujo da Silva was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 361 minutes, highlighting his role in maintaining a solid defensive line.

Araujo's defensive capabilities were evident through his tackling and interception statistics. On average, he made 1.30 tackles and 0.55 interceptions per 90 minutes played, showcasing his effectiveness in breaking up opposition attacks and regaining possession for his team. Additionally, Araujo displayed his ability to clear the ball from danger with approximately 1.90 clearances per game, contributing to his team's defensive stability.

Ronald Araujo Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	5	0.25	99
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	361 min'		99
Clean Sheets	16	73%	99
Tackles	26	1.30	40
Interceptions	11	0.55	37
Ground Duels	150	7.48	27
Ground Duels Won	96	4.79	56
Aerial Duels Won	44	2.20	84
Dribbled Past	3	0.15	89
Clearances	38	1.90	73
Shots Blocked	8	0.40	73

William Saliba (Arsenal)

In 27 matches, Arsenal conceded a total of 25 goals while securing 12 clean sheets. This statistical analysis reveals that, on average, when Saliba was on the pitch, his team conceded a goal approximately every 97 minutes, indicating his contribution to maintaining a solid defensive line.

Saliba demonstrated his defensive qualities through his tackling and interception statistics. On average, he made 1.27 tackles and 0.71 interceptions per 90 minutes played, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing attacks and regain possession for his team.

William Saliba Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	25	0.93	78
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	97 min'		78
Clean Sheets	12	44%	91
Tackles	34	1.27	41
Interceptions	19	0.71	45
Ground Duels	175	6.52	17
Ground Duels Won	105	3.91	31
Aerial Duels Won	50	1.86	73
Dribbled Past	3	0.11	90
Clearances	82	3.05	85
Shots Blocked	10	0.37	71
Penalties Given Away	2	0.07	8

Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig, Croatia)

Josko Gvardiol, a talented defender, had an eventful season in the Bundesliga 2022/2023 with RB Leipzig. In 30 matches, Gvardiol's team conceded a total of 32 goals, while managing to secure 9 clean sheets. This statistical analysis reveals that, on average, when Gvardiol was on the pitch, RB Leipzig conceded a goal approximately every 68 minutes, indicating his presence and influence in the team's defensive performance.

Gvardiol showcased his defensive abilities through his tackling and interception numbers. On average, he made 0.98 tackles and 1.42 interceptions per 90 minutes played, highlighting his capability to disrupt opponent attacks and win back possession for his team. Additionally, Gvardiol exhibited his prowess in clearing the ball from dangerous areas, amassing approximately 2.84 clearances per game, further emphasizing his contribution to defensive stability.

In addition to his club performances, Gvardiol represented Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals. This experience on the international stage demonstrates Gvardiol's ability to perform at the highest level and contribute to his team's success.

Josko Gvardiol Defending Stats, according to Footystats:

Defending	Total	Per 90 or %	Percentile
Goals Conceded	32	1.33	35
Minutes Per Goal Conceded	68 min'		37
Clean Sheets	9	30%	61
Tackles	22	0.98	27
Interceptions	32	1.42	82
Ground Duels	154	6.83	18
Ground Duels Won	88	3.90	29
Aerial Duels Won	40	1.77	70
Dribbled Past	11	0.49	61
Clearances	64	2.84	82
Shots Blocked	14	0.62	86
Penalties Given Away	1	0.04	17

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago