Kenya Sport

Top 10 Right Backs in Football for 2026: The Best Defenders on the Flank

Right backs have shifted from purely defensive roles to being key players who contribute both defensively and offensively. In 2026, players like Achraf Hakimi, Jurrien Timber, and Jules Koundé dominate this position due to their defensive solidity combined with goal involvement. Stats such as tackles, interceptions, goals, and assists are essential to measure their impact.

Gone are the days when only forwards captured the spotlight. The modern game demands full-backs to be dynamic, supporting attacks while maintaining defensive duties. Legends like Gary Neville, Dani Alves, and Philipp Lahm paved the way for today's stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, who now enjoy widespread recognition.

Top 10 Right Backs in the World for 2026

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

Criteria Behind the Rankings

We ranked these players not just by popularity but by combining several factors:

  • Defensive stats: Tackles, interceptions, and blocks remain fundamental since stopping opposition is a fullback’s main job.
  • Goal contributions: Goals and assists highlight how much these right backs support their teams in attack, through crosses, passes, and creating chances.

These stats were gathered from reliable sources like Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia.

Detailed Player Profiles and 2025-26 Season Stats

10. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Dumfries found his stride after moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2018. His blend of defense and attacking energy made him a pillar at Inter Milan before transferring to Real Madrid. Despite an ankle injury limiting his 2025-26 season, he remains a key player for the Netherlands heading into 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 pinpoint passing, Trent has been crucial for Real Madrid's attack despite some injury struggles. His defensive work still needs improvement but his ability to create chances remains top tier.

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

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Porro’s attacking flair and crossing ability have been vital for Spurs, helping them steer clear of relegation fears. After early inconsistency, he has become a reliable starter.

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

7. Reece James (Chelsea)

From a promising start in 2019, James has grown into Chelsea's captain and a multi-role defender, often playing midfield. Injuries have hampered consistency, but his speed and versatility keep him among the best.

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

6. Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)

Ryerson’s rise from Norwegian youth football to Bundesliga standout has been remarkable. His crosses, aggression, and marking have been invaluable to Dortmund and Norway.

  • 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, Guardiola converted Nunes to right back, where he has improved defensively and remains an attacking threat. He played a role in City's cup wins this season.

  • 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 center-back to right back effectively at Barcelona, blending defensive discipline with attacking runs and set-piece threat. He was key in Barca’s league and Copa del Rey success.

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

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

Llorente, once a midfielder, now anchors Atletico’s right side with energy and grit. His all-around game helps neutralize fast attackers and has earned him a starting spot for Spain at 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 impressed at Ajax before joining Arsenal, where his aggressive style, crossing, and adaptability shine. He played a big part in ending Arsenal’s 24-year league title drought but missed the World Cup due to injury.

  • 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 leads the pack as arguably the world’s best right back. With his lightning speed and sharp passing, he helped PSG win five trophies in 2024-25 and earned African Player of the Year. After recovering from injury, he powered PSG to consecutive Champions League titles and Ligue 1 glory.

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

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