Top 10 best center back in the world (2024)

In the ever-evolving world of football, the role of a center-back remains pivotal to a team's success. These defenders are tasked with shielding the goal, organizing the back line, and often initiating attacks from deep.

As we progress through 2024 and moved onto to new season several center-backs have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances, consistency, and leadership on the pitch and most importantly in the euro and Copa America .

This article contain the lis of top 10 center-backs of the year, highlighting their contributions and impact at both club and international levels. From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, these defenders have set the standard for excellence in the heart of defense.

10. Alessandro Bastoni

Alessandro Bastoni is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie A club Inter Milan and the Italy national team . He is known for his well-timed tackles and ball playing ability

Won the UEFA European Championship with Italy in 2020
Won the Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2021 and 2024
Won the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan in 2022 and 2023
Won the Supercoppa Italiana with Inter Milan in 2021, 2022, and 2023

Bastoni continues to be a dominant and influential presence in Inter Milan's defense during the 2024 Serie A season, providing solidity and leadership to the team's backline with his exceptional defensive skills and reading of the game

9. Rúben Diaz (Manchester city )

Rúben Diáz, a Portuguese defender, is a vital component of Manchester City's defensive setup. Diáez is known for his exceptional defensive skills, leadership, and aerial ability.

Career Highlights:

Joined Manchester City from Benfica in 2022
Won the Primeira Liga title with Benfica in 2020
Won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Portugal in 2019
Won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2023

Season Performance (2024):

Continues to be a dominant and influential presence in Manchester City's defense during the 2024 Premier League season, providing solidity and leadership to the team's backline with his exceptional defensive skills and reading of the game.

8. John Stones (Manchester City)

John Stones, an English defender, is a key component of Manchester City's defensive setup. Stones is known for his exceptional ball-playing ability, vision, and leadership.

Career Highlights:

Joined Manchester City from Everton in 2016
Won the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022
Won the FA Cup with Manchester City in 2019
Won the UEFA Champions League runner-up with Manchester City in 2021

Season Performance (2024):

Continues to be a solid and composed presence in Manchester City's defense during the 2024 Premier League season, providing stability and creativity to the team's backline with his exceptional passing range and vision.

7. Eder Militão (Real Madrid )

Eder Militão, a Brazilian defender, is a key component of Real Madrid's defensive setup. Militão is known for his athleticism, ball-playing ability, and exceptional reading of the game.

Career Highlights:

Joined Real Madrid from São Paulo in 2019
Won the La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2020 and 2022
Won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2022
Won the FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid in 2022

Season Performance (2024):

Continues to be a vital part of Real Madrid's defense during the 2024 La Liga season, providing stability and attacking threat from the backline with his exceptional passing range and vision.

6. Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)

Lisandro Martínez, an Argentine defender, is a vital part of Manchester United's defensive setup. Martínez is known for his tenacious tackling, exceptional positioning, and ability to read the game.

Career Highlights:

Joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022
Won the Eredivisie title with Ajax in 2021 and 2022
Won the Johan Cruyff Shield with Ajax in 2021
Won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021

Season Performance (2024):

Continues to be a standout performer in Manchester United's defense during the 2024 Premier League season, providing solidity and consistency to the team's backline.

5. Cristian Romero (Tottenham)

Cristian Romero is an Argentine center-back who joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021. Known for his aggressive style of defending and ability to play out from the back, Romero has quickly become a fan favorite at Tottenham.

Career Highlights:

Won the Copa America with Argentina in 2021.
Won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
Named Serie A Defender of the Season in 2020/21.

Season Performance (2024):

Adapted well to the Premier League with Tottenham, contributing to their defensive setup.

4. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

Gabriel Magalhães, a Brazilian center-back, is a solid presence in Arsenal's defense. Known for his physicality and ability to read the game, Gabriel has become a dependable figure at the back.

Career Highlights:

Signed for Arsenal from Lille in 2020.
Established himself as a regular starter for Arsenal.

Season Performance (2024):

Continuing to impress in the 2024 Premier League, showcasing his defensive abilities and improving with each game with his partnership with William Saliba they are clearly becoming an iconic duo.

3. William Saliba (Arsenal)

William Saliba is a talented French center-back playing for Arsenal. Known for his composure on the ball and tactical awareness, Saliba is considered a promising young defender with immense potential.

Career Highlights:

Joined Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Étienne.
Impressed during loan spells at Nice and Marseille.

Season Performance (2024):

Emerging as a key player for Arsenal's defense in the 2024 Premier League.
Demonstrating maturity beyond his years with consistent performances.

2. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk, a Dutch professional footballer, is a commanding center-back and the captain of both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Widely acclaimed as one of the finest defenders of his era, Van Dijk is renowned for his physical strength, leadership qualities, speed, and exceptional aerial ability.

Career Highlights:

Played a pivotal role in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in the 2019/20 season.
Named PFA Player of the Year for the 2018/19 season.
Won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2018/19.

Season Performance (2024):

Maintaining a stellar performance in the 2024 Premier League with an average rating of 7.5.
Continues to be a defensive stalwart for Liverpool, contributing to their defensive solidity and overall team success.

1. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)

Antonio Rüdiger, a German defender, is a key part of Real Madrid's defensive setup. Rüdiger is known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to score crucial goals.

Career Highlights:

Joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022
Won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021
Won the UEFA Europa League with Chelsea in 2019
Won the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in 2021

Season Performance (2024):

Continues to be a dominant presence in Real Madrid's defense during the 2024 La Liga season, providing leadership and stability to the team's backline.