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Top 10 Best Right Backs in the World in 2026

The position of right back has shifted from being purely defensive to a dynamic role that demands contributions both in attack and defense. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Jurrien Timber, and Jules Koundé stand out in 2026 because of their balanced performances. Their rankings are influenced by tackles, interceptions, goals, and assists, showing how full-backs have become pivotal in modern football.

Once overshadowed by forwards, right backs have gained prominence over the years with stars like Gary Neville, Dani Alves, Lahm paving the way for current talents such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries. As the 2025-26 season closed and the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the debate about the best right back intensifies. This list is built on objective data rather than popularity.

Top 10 Best Right Backs in 2026

  • Rank: 10 Player: Denzel Dumfries Club: Real Madrid Country: Netherlands
  • Rank: 9 Player: Trent Alexander-Arnold Club: Real Madrid Country: England
  • Rank: 8 Player: Pedro Porro Club: Tottenham Hotspur Country: Spain
  • Rank: 7 Player: Reece James Club: Chelsea FC Country: England
  • Rank: 6 Player: Julian Ryerson Club: Borussia Dortmund Country: Norway
  • Rank: 5 Player: Matheus Nunes Club: Manchester City Country: England
  • Rank: 4 Player: Jules Koundé Club: FC Barcelona Country: France
  • Rank: 3 Player: Marcos Llorente Club: Atlético Madrid Country: Spain
  • Rank: 2 Player: Jurrien Timber Club: Arsenal FC Country: Netherlands
  • Rank: 1 Player: Achraf Hakimi Club: Paris Saint-Germain Country: Morocco

Ranking Criteria

  • Defensive Metrics: Tackles, interceptions, and blocks to measure defensive impact.
  • Goals and Assists: Reflect attacking contribution and playmaking ability.

Player Profiles and 2025-26 Season Stats

10. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Dumfries rose through Serie A ranks after moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2018, becoming a key figure at Inter Milan with his strong defensive work and attacking runs. His performance against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final highlighted his potential. An ankle injury limited his 2025-26 season, but he recently joined Real Madrid ahead of the World Cup.

  • Appearances: 25
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 1
  • Recoveries/90: 3.02
  • Interceptions/90: 0.50
  • Tackles/90: 1.60

9. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

Known for his pace and quick passing, Trent epitomizes the modern attacking right back. Despite injuries hampering him in Spain, his moments on the pitch remind fans of his Liverpool peak. Defending remains an area to improve, but his creativity is unquestioned.

  • Appearances: 23
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 5
  • Recoveries/90: 4.04
  • Interceptions/90: 0.97
  • Tackles/90: 1.68

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Porro is among the most attacking right backs thanks to his ball skills and goal-scoring instincts. After overcoming early inconsistencies, he helped Spurs avoid relegation trouble this season and was vital in their 2024-25 Europa League win.

  • Appearances: 43
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 4
  • Recoveries/90: 4.59
  • Interceptions/90: 1.26
  • Tackles/90: 1.74

7. Reece James (Chelsea)

Since breaking into Chelsea's first team, James has shown versatility by playing midfield and right back roles. Known for his speed and agility, he captained Chelsea to the 2025 Club World Cup but has battled injuries and form dips this season.

  • Appearances: 37
  • Goals: 3
  • Assists: 6
  • Recoveries/90: 4.89
  • Interceptions/90: 1.55
  • Tackles/90: 1.74

6. Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)

Norwegian Ryerson impressed after progressing from local youth clubs to the Bundesliga. At Dortmund, he has become a vital part of the attack with numerous assists, combining aggression and precision on the flank.

  • Appearances: 36
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 17
  • Recoveries/90: 5.37
  • Interceptions/90: 0.94
  • Tackles/90: 1.86

5. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Originally a midfielder, Pep Guardiola converted Nunes into a right back, where he faced initial struggles but showed strong improvement last season. He played a key role in City's domestic cup wins and brings pace and power to both defense and offense.

  • Appearances: 49
  • Goals: 4
  • Assists: 8
  • Recoveries/90: 5.35
  • Interceptions/90: 0.78
  • Tackles/90: 1.51

4. Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)

Koundé transitioned from centre-back to right back at Barcelona, blending defensive discipline with attacking flair. He connects defense and offense seamlessly and remains a threat on set pieces. His contributions helped Barca win La Liga and Copa del Rey this season.

  • Appearances: 45
  • Goals: 3
  • Assists: 4
  • Recoveries/90: 3.67
  • Interceptions/90: 1.21
  • Tackles/90: 1.97

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

Llorente evolved from central midfield to full-back at Atletico Madrid, excelling in work rate and versatility. His experience helps him shut down some of La Liga’s fastest attackers. Spain’s coach trusts him as starting right-back for the World Cup.

  • Appearances: 43
  • Goals: 4
  • Assists: 5
  • Recoveries/90: 4.66
  • Interceptions/90: 0.79
  • Tackles/90: 2.58

2. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)

Timber has been outstanding for Arsenal, offering perfect crosses and winning key duels. Known for his aggressive style and adaptability, he can also slot into central defense or left back. Unfortunately, injury kept him out of the World Cup squad after a strong club season.

  • Appearances: 44
  • Goals: 4
  • Assists: 6
  • Recoveries/90: 3.92
  • Interceptions/90: 0.83
  • Tackles/90: 2.32

1. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Hakimi is widely regarded as the top right back in 2026. After successful spells at clubs like Real Madrid and Dortmund, he has settled as PSG’s cornerstone on the right flank. Known for lightning speed and sharp passing, Hakimi recently extended his contract until 2029. He won five trophies in 2024-25 and was named CAF African Player of the Year. Despite a tough injury in 2025-26, he bounced back to help PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League again.

  • Appearances: 43
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 11
  • Recoveries/90: 4.75
  • Interceptions/90: 0.67
  • Tackles/90: 1.45

FAQs

  • Is Achraf Hakimi the best right back in 2026? Yes, he is considered the world's best right back.
  • Are there La Liga players among the top 10 right backs? Four players from La Liga make the list.
  • What are Jules Koundé’s stats for 2025-26? He scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists.
  • Is there a Bundesliga player in the top 10? Yes, Julian Ryerson represents the Bundesliga.

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