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Top 10 Right Backs in the World for 2026

Right backs have shifted from purely defensive roles to becoming key contributors in attack and defense alike. Players such as Achraf Hakimi, Jurrien Timber, and Jules Koundé lead the way in 2026, impressing with tackles, interceptions, goals, and assists. These full-backs show how vital the position has become in modern football across the top leagues.

Once overlooked compared to forwards, right backs now command attention for their dual-threat ability. Legends like Gary Neville, Dani Alves, and Philipp Lahm paved the path to today’s stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Hakimi, and Denzel Dumfries. As the 2025-26 season wrapped and the FIFA World Cup approaches, the question arises: who is the best right back in the world? We ranked the top 10 based on goal involvement, defensive output, and overall impact.

Top 10 Right Backs in the World (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

How We Ranked Them

Our ranking combined key defensive stats—tackles, interceptions, blocks—with attacking contributions like goals and assists. This reflects how modern right backs shape both ends of the pitch. The data was sourced from trusted platforms including Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia.

Profiles of the Top Right Backs

The Dutch defender turned his career around after moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2018. At Inter Milan, he became a defensive rock while adding attacking threat. Despite an ankle injury disrupting his 2025-26 season, he remains a powerful force. Recently joining Real Madrid, he aims to return strong for the World Cup.

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

Known for his pace and pinpoint passing, Trent rose to fame at Liverpool before moving to Real Madrid. Injuries limited his season but he showed flashes of his playmaking brilliance. Defensively, he still has room to improve but remains one of the most creative right backs globally.

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

The Spanish full-back combines attacking flair with solid defense. Since joining Spurs, Porro has been key in their campaign to avoid relegation. His consistent performances and assists highlight his growing influence.

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

Since debuting in 2019, James has established himself as a versatile and reliable defender, often playing as a midfielder. Despite injuries, he captained Chelsea to Club World Cup success and continues to showcase speed and agility.

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

The Norwegian has risen steadily since leaving Union Berlin for Dortmund. Known for his crossing and aggressive runs, Ryerson has been instrumental with 17 assists this season. He blends physicality with sharp marking skills.

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

Originally a midfielder, Nunes was converted to right back by Pep Guardiola. After early struggles adapting, he cemented his spot in 2025-26 with strong defensive work and useful attacking contributions, helping City win domestic cups.

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

Starting as a center-back, Koundé transitioned to right back where his pace and discipline shine. He provides defensive stability and offensive support with set-piece threats. Koundé played a major role in Barcelona’s league and cup success.

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

Formerly a midfielder, Llorente now excels as Atlético’s right back. His work rate, versatility, and defensive awareness are key to handling La Liga’s top attackers. Spain’s coach relies on him heavily for the World Cup squad.

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

Timber’s quick feet, adaptability, and aggression have made him indispensable for Arsenal’s title-winning campaign. Capable of playing centrally or on either flank, he contributed goals and assists despite missing games due to injury before the World Cup.

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

Hakimi stands out as the world’s best right back. With stints at Real Madrid, Dortmund, and Inter Milan behind him, he dominates PSG’s right flank with blistering pace and precise passing. Despite a serious injury, he returned to help secure PSG’s second consecutive UCL and Ligue 1 titles. His accolades include the CAF African Player of the Year award.

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

Common Questions

  • Is Achraf Hakimi the best right back in 2026? Yes, he tops the list.
  • How many La Liga players are in the top 10? Four players represent La Liga clubs.
  • What are Jules Koundé’s goal and assist stats for 2025-26? He scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists.
  • Is there a Bundesliga player among the best right backs? Yes, Julian Ryerson plays for Borussia Dortmund.

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