Top 10 most valuable defenders in world football in 2025; Gvardiol, Trent & more

Who is the most valuable defender in the world right now?

We have seen some top defenders in football over the years. The game has undergone significant changes over the last 20 years, but the art of defending remains largely unchanged. Now there appear to be fewer world-class defenders than ever.

The days of defenders being one-dimensional brutes are a thing of the past. They are now expected to dictate play from the back and help create overloads in midfield.

While strikers and midfielders feed off statistics and impact, a defender’s career is defined by the influence he has over his team. The best defenders in history have been excellent leaders both on and off the pitch and tend to lead by example.

Here we will take a look at the top 10 most valuable defenders in world football in 2025:

10. Jules Kounde – €51.92 Million

He has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world currently. The French defender has already stolen the limelight with his performance for Blaugrana. Despite going through a period of adoption and transition, Kounde’s career graph has only been upward.

He has been superb in both halves of the field, especially going forward. His impact was so big that whenever he was not on the pitch, Barcelona suffered a lot.

9. Willian Pacho – €51.92 Million

Pacho is a key part of PSG’s defence as he played an important role in PSG’s Champions League triumph. Under Luis Enrique, the Ecuadorian international developed a lot and became a much better defender. Pacho performed at big games this season and showed his quality.

He has pace, strength and work ethic, which are very much required for a defender.

8. Nuno Mendes – €55.92 Million

Not only for PSG but for Portugal as well, he played a key role. With PSG, he won the Champions League, and his UEFA Nations League medal came with Portugal. Without any doubt, he is currently the best left-back in the world.

He faced some top players last season and stopped almost everyone on that side. Due to his pace, stamina and strength, he is able to contribute to the attack as well.

7. Trent Alexander-Arnold – €60 Million

The Englishman left Liverpool recently to join Real Madrid for free. His move to Los Blancos made the Reds fans very frustrated and disappointed, as Trent graduated from the Liverpool academy and became a key part of their squad.

Despite all these issues, there is no doubt that he is one of the best right-backs in the world and will become a much better player after his move to Madrid.

6. Gabriel Magalhaes – €60 Million

Gabriel has been brilliant for Arsenal in recent years, bouncing back from a shaky start to life in England. Alongside William Saliba, he has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League. The Brazilian is known for his strength and no-nonsense defending ability.

He is a key player for the Gunners as well as for his national team. He has proven to be a very solid and consistent performer who gets better with every passing season.

5. Josko Gvardiol – €60 Million

The Croatian international has developed quite well under Pep Guardiola and is a regular starter for Manchester City and the Croatian football team. He is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back as well as a left-back. Earlier, he played for Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig.

With the ball, he is an elite player who is capable of achieving a lot in his career.

4. Alessandro Bastoni – €63.90 Million

The Italian international has become one of the best defenders in the world. He improved drastically under Simone Inzaghi. Bastoni was a key player for Inter Milan’s success in the last few years as he showed his quality on the pitch.

Having played a part in multiple different systems and positions at the back with Italy and Inter Milan, he is an extremely clever and versatile defender who can defend out wide or in the centre.

3. Achraf Hakimi – €63.90 Million

Many players’ performances start dipping once they have hit their peak form, but that’s not the case for the Moroccan international. Hakimi has been one of the best right-backs in the world for many years now. His ability to go forward and create chances for his team through his quick speed, agility, vision and passing ability is remarkable.

He played a key role in PSG winning their first-ever Champions League (2024-25).

2. William Saliba – €63.90 Million

It is debatable, but Saliba, without a doubt, is one of the finest defenders in world football right now. Not only is he tall, strong and quick, he can play too, carry the ball and has proven to be one of the best in Europe. Currently, he is a key starter for France,

He may well have the best two partnerships in defence in European football, with Ibrahima Konaté at the international level and Gabriel at the club level.

1. Pau Cubarsi – €63.90 Million

He is the youngest player in this list and has already become a regular starter for FC Barcelona. He graduated from the famous La Masia academy. Despite being so young, he plays like an experienced defender.

Former Barcelona manager and player Xavi Hernandez gave him the opportunity to play for the Catalan giants. He described him as ‘insane’ and ‘world class.’

The player has a release clause of €500 million. Cubarsi is also a key part of the Spanish national team.

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