Top 10 Right Backs in Football: Who Leads in 2026?

The Evolution of the Right Back Role

Once overlooked, right backs have shifted from simple defenders to vital contributors in attack and defense. Stars like Achraf Hakimi, Jurrien Timber, and Jules Koundé stand out in 2026, blending defensive solidity with goal involvement. Tackles, interceptions, goals, and assists weigh heavily in assessing their impact across major leagues.

Gone are the days when football focused mainly on forwards; now full-backs command attention for their dynamic roles. From legends like Gary Neville and Dani Alves to modern talents like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzil Dumfries, right backs have become crucial on both ends of the pitch. With the 2025-26 season wrapped up and the FIFA World Cup 2026 underway, the question remains: who ranks as the best right back?

Top 10 Right Backs of 2026

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

How We Ranked Them

Key factors included defensive stats like tackles, interceptions, and blocks since stopping opponents remains central. At the same time, goals and assists highlight their attacking contributions—crossing, passing, and chance creation matter greatly for modern right backs. Data came from trusted football analysis sources such as Fbref, Transfermarkt, and Sportsdunia.

Player Profiles and 2025-26 Season Highlights

10. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Dumfries’ career took a leap after moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2018. His blend of stamina and aggression has been vital for Inter Milan and now Real Madrid. Though an ankle injury limited his season, he remains a potent presence and is part of the Netherlands squad for 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 quick passing and pace, Trent brought his attacking flair to Real Madrid after Liverpool. Injuries held him back, but his moments on the pitch remind fans why he's among the elite right backs. Defensively, there's room for growth, but his creativity stands out.

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

8. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Porro blends strong attacking instincts with precise crosses and link-up play. A key starter for Tottenham in the 2025-26 campaign, he played a major role in steering Spurs clear of relegation worries. Consistency had been questioned in the past, but he’s shown steady improvement.

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

7. Reece James (Chelsea)

Arriving at Chelsea with promise, James has matured into a reliable leader and captain. Known for speed and agility, he helped Chelsea win the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Injury troubles persist, and he often shifts into midfield roles, showing flexibility but also some defensive challenges remain.

• 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 has risen steadily in Germany’s Bundesliga, shining for Dortmund with strong crossing and tenacity. He provided 17 assists in the season, proving vital in attack while holding firm defensively.

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

5. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Initially a midfielder, Nunes was converted into a right back by Pep Guardiola. His offensive output improved drastically in 2025-26, contributing goals and assists, while bolstering his defense to help City win multiple trophies.

• 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, combining defensive discipline with forward runs. A cornerstone for Barcelona and France, he offers pace, set-piece threat, and consistent attacking support.

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

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

A versatile player who moved permanently to right back, Llorente provides grit and high energy. His ability to handle fast attackers is key for Atlético, and Spain’s coach trusts him as first-choice right back 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’s aggressive style, adaptability, and sharp crossing make him invaluable for Arsenal’s Premier League success. Despite missing parts of the season and withdrawing from the World Cup due to injury, he remains a top talent globally.

• 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 tops the list after years of stellar performances across Europe and dominant displays with PSG. His speed, vision, and ability to switch defense into attack quickly helped PSG secure multiple titles and earned him African Player of the Year. Despite injury setbacks, he bounced back to guide PSG to another Champions League victory.

• 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 holds the top spot this year.
• Are there La Liga players among the top 10? Four players from La Liga feature in the list.
• What are Jules Koundé's goal and assist totals for 2025-26? He scored 3 goals and made 4 assists.
• Is there a Bundesliga player on the list? Yes, Julian Ryerson represents the Bundesliga.