In football, the post of right back like the others demands speed and accuracy and most essentially for a good right back, he has to make as many in swing crosses in every game. Around the world we know many quality right backs such as Reece James and Alexander Arnold but the question now is who is the best right back in the world, or current best right backs in the world?
Right-backs are some of the most fundamental players in a football team. The best right-backs in the world are fast, have the stamina to defend, and possess outstanding ball-control abilities. Discover the world's top 15 best right-backs below.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best right backs in the world, showcasing their exceptional abilities and impact on the game. From their defensive solidity to their attacking contributions, these players have proven themselves to be the cream of the crop.
Table of Contents
Best Right Backs in the World 2023
In the world of football, the right back position is crucial for both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. These players possess exceptional speed, defensive skills, and the ability to contribute to their team's attacking play.
1. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco):
Achraf Hakimi has quickly risen to prominence with his impressive performances for Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before joining Paris Saint-Germain. Blessed with blistering pace, Hakimi is a true attacking threat down the right flank. His ability to beat defenders, deliver accurate crosses, and contribute to goal-scoring opportunities make him a valuable asset for any team.
2. João Cancelo (Manchester City, Portugal):
João Cancelo's technical skills, agility, and versatility have made him a standout right back. His ability to dribble past opponents, create goal-scoring opportunities, and contribute to the team's attacking play make him a dynamic presence on the right flank. Cancelo's defensive capabilities and positional awareness also make him a reliable option in defense.
The Manchester City player has flair as he dribbles and offers creative assists. He is known for creating chances from very little. Joao Cancelo has been a game-changer for the team severally. He currently plays as a wing-back for the Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich, on loan.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, England):
At just 22 years old, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already established himself as one of the best right backs in the world. Known for his incredible crossing ability, vision, and pinpoint accuracy, he has been a key contributor to Liverpool's success in recent years. His attacking prowess and defensive awareness make him a formidable force on the right flank.
4. Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England):
Kyle Walker's athleticism, speed, and defensive capabilities make him one of the best right backs in the world. Known for his ability to recover quickly, make crucial tackles, and provide defensive stability, Walker has been an integral part of Manchester City's success. His overlapping runs and accurate crosses also add an attacking dimension to his game.
5. Kieran Trippier (Newcastle, England):
Kieran Trippier has impressed with his performances for both Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid. Known for his exceptional crossing ability and set-piece expertise, Trippier's deliveries into the box have caused havoc among opposing defenses. His defensive solidity and ability to provide accurate long passes make him a valuable asset for any team.
6. Reece James (Chelsea, England)
Undoubtedly, Reece is among the best right-backs in the world. He revolutionized how footballers play the right-back position. Before his injury, Reece James had an astonishing 5 goals and 6 assists. Moreover, he is lethal in front of the goal.
7. Ricardo Pereira (Leicester City, Portugal):
Ricardo Pereira has been a standout performer for Leicester City and has caught the attention of many with his impressive displays. Known for his exceptional speed, defensive awareness, and ability to join the attack, Pereira has become a fan favorite. His contributions to both ends of the pitch make him a valuable asset for any team.
8. Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea FC, Spain)
Right/centre-back Cesar has been at the forefront of Chelsea FC's wins, solid in defending and attacking. His attacking runs provide important balls to the attackers, with his fast runs back able to contain any attacks. One of his most amazing stats is he has never made a mistake that leads to a goal in his Chelsea career. As a result, Cesar Azpilicueta has won nearly every cup with Chelsea.
9. Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers, Portugal):
Nelson Semedo has showcased his skills for both Benfica and Barcelona before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers. Known for his speed, dribbling ability, and offensive mindset, Semedo is a constant threat down the right flank. His defensive capabilities and ability to make recovery runs make him a well-rounded right back.
10. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, Dutch)
Player Denzel Dumfries began his senior career at Sparta Rotterdam in 2014. He was promoted to the Eredivisie in 2016. The player is now at the Serie A club, Inter Milan. Dumfries also plays for the Netherlands national team. The right back played and essential role in helping Inter Milan reach the finals of the UEFA Champions League 2023 though they lost to Manchester City.
Who is the current best right-back in the world?
- Achraf Hakimi - PSG
- Joao Cancelo - Manchester City
- Trent Alexander Arnold - Liverpool FC
- Kyle Walker - Manchester City
- Kieran Trippier - Newcastle United
- Reece James
- Ricardo Pereira
- Cesar Azpilicueta - Chelsea FC
- Nelson Semedo
- Denzel Dumfries - Inter Milan
- Leo Dubois - Galatasaray
- Reece James - Chelsea FC
- Danilo Silva - Juventus
- Nordi Mukiele - PSG
- Malo Gusto - Chelsea FC
- Kyle Walker-Peters - Southampton FC
- Matty Cash - Aston Villa
Final Thoughts on Best Right Backs in the World
The right back position has seen an influx of exceptional talents in recent years, and these top 10 players have proven their worth on both ends of the pitch. From their defensive solidity to their attacking contributions, these right backs have earned their place among the best in the world.
Their technical skills, tactical awareness, and ability to impact the game make them vital assets for their respective teams. Whether it's their defensive prowess, accurate crosses, or overlapping runs, these players have mastered the art of being complete right backs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the No 1 right-back in football?
From our rankings which are based on several parameters, the No1 right back in football actually is Achraf Hakimi.
Who is best RB in football history?
Cafu is regarded by many fans, pundits and footballers as the greatest right-back of all time.
Who is the fastest RB in the world?
Achraf Hakimi Mouh is regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football and it's no surprise he is known for his speed after hitting 35.29 km/h in Qatar.