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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best defenders in the world in 2023.

In the ever-evolving world of soccer, defenders play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of matches and, ultimately, a team’s success.

As we step into the year 2023, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the top 10 best defenders who have consistently showcased their exceptional skills, tenacity, and tactical awareness on the global stage.

From the resolute center-backs who thwart attacking threats to the marauding full-backs who contribute to both defense and offense, these players have earned their places on this prestigious list through their outstanding performances in domestic leagues and on the international stage.

Join us on this journey as we explore the remarkable abilities of these defenders who continue to redefine the art of defending in modern football.

Top 10 Best Defenders in The World 2023

10 Theo Hernandez

Théo Hernandez has undoubtedly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in 2023. Hailing from France, this talented left-back dons the prestigious jersey of Serie A giants AC Milan and proudly represents his nation on the international stage.

What sets Hernandez apart is not only his defensive prowess but also his electrifying speed, marauding runs down the left flank, and a knack for finding the back of the net, a rarity among defenders.

It’s worth noting that football runs deep in his blood, with his brother Lucas Hernandez also a professional footballer, and their father, Jean-François Hernandez, a former player himself.

Théo’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport began in 2007 when he joined Atlético Madrid’s youth academy, and since then, he’s ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming a linchpin for AC Milan.

In the ever-evolving landscape of football, Théo Hernandez has firmly established himself as one of the elite defenders, rightfully claiming his place among the top 10 best defenders in the world for the year 2023.

9 Trent Alexander-Arnold

At just 24 years old, Trent Alexander-Arnold has firmly etched his name among the elite defenders in the world of football in 2023. Operating as Liverpool’s dynamic right-back and a linchpin for the England national team, his rise to stardom can be attributed to a unique blend of technical finesse, unparalleled passing range, and pinpoint crossing abilities.

While critics occasionally question his defensive aptitude, Alexander-Arnold’s unwavering commitment to excellence has solidified his role as a pivotal figure in Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

The list of accolades under his belt speaks volumes, with honors including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Beyond the pitch, this young sensation maintains a down-to-earth demeanor, choosing to reside with his parents and contribute to household chores.

In sum, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s extraordinary combination of attacking flair and defensive acumen undoubtedly positions him as one of the most exciting and gifted defenders in the global football panorama.

8 Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger is a German professional footballer who plays as a center-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and the German national team.

With his commanding presence, exceptional defensive skills, and consistent performances, he has earned his place among the elite. Rudiger’s physical attributes, including his strength, speed, and agility, make him a formidable force to reckon with on the field.

One of Rudiger’s greatest strengths is his ability to read the game and anticipate opponents’ moves. His tactical awareness and positioning allow him to intercept passes, make crucial tackles, and snuff out potential threats to his team’s defense.

Moreover, Rudiger possesses exceptional ball-playing abilities that elevate his game to another level. His confident and precise passing, combined with his composure under pressure, enables him to initiate attacks from the back.

He is not afraid to carry the ball forward, contributing to his team’s buildup play and providing an additional dimension to their attacking options.

As the game continues to evolve, Antonio Rudiger remains at the forefront of modern defense. His adaptability and versatility enable him to excel in different tactical systems and formations, making him an invaluable asset for any team.

He was signed by Chelsea in 2017 for an evaluated fee of £27 million, where he won the FA Cup in his first season, followed by the UEFA Europa League in his second season, and the UEFA Champions League in 2021.

In 2022, Rüdiger signed for La Liga giants Real Madrid. He kept his place in the squad for the 2018 World Cup and has also been part of the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

7 Eder Militao

Eder Militao, the Brazilian sensation, has unquestionably earned his place among the elite. Currently donning the prestigious white jersey of Real Madrid and proudly representing his nation on the international stage.

Militao is celebrated for his exceptional tackling prowess, marking precision, and aerial dominance. What sets him apart is his remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of a center-back, right-back, and defensive midfielder.

In an exclusive interview with Sporty Brazil, he garnered attention by proclaiming his teammate Vinicius as the “best player in the world,” adding a touch of humility to his impressive skill set.

Moreover, Militao’s recognition of his growth as a central defender further solidifies his status among the best in the business. His contributions were pivotal in Real Madrid’s recent conquest of the coveted Champions League trophy, a testament to his impact on the field.

Eder Militao has undoubtedly carved a niche for himself among the top 10 best defenders worldwide in 2023, a testament to his exceptional skills and consistent performances.

6 John Stones

John Stones, the Englishman, who plies his trade as a center-back or defensive midfielder for Manchester City and the England national team, has garnered widespread acclaim for his exceptional technical prowess, imposing physical presence, and remarkable versatility on the pitch.

Stones has been a linchpin for the Three Lions in their last three major international tournaments, where he formed a rock-solid defensive partnership alongside Manchester United’s captain, Harry Maguire.

Beyond his defensive duties, Stones showcased his adaptability by thriving in a midfield role, playing a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphant season, which saw them clinch a treble of titles in 2023.

With his ability to excel in multiple positions and his consistent performances on the big stage, John Stones undeniably ranks among the world’s top defenders, leaving an indelible mark on the global football scene. John Stones is number 6 in our list of top 10 best defenders in the world in 2023.

5 Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi’s journey in the world of football has been marked by both acclaim and controversy. The Moroccan professional footballer, currently plying his trade as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and representing his nation on the international stage, is celebrated for his versatility that extends to left-back and winger positions.

His style of play is characterized by lightning-quick speed, dynamic prowess, and a potent combination of tactical acumen and technical finesse.

Hakimi’s rise to prominence saw him don the jerseys of football giants like Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, solidifying his status as a top-tier defender.

Notably, he clinched the title of the world’s best right-back in a poll conducted by American sports news outlets. Beyond the pitch, Hakimi is a devout Muslim, practicing Ramadan and undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca multiple times.

However, his career took a turbulent turn on March 3, 2023, when he faced indictment by a Parisian investigating judge on allegations of rape, subsequently placed under judicial supervision. While this controversy has cast a shadow, there’s no denying Hakimi’s undeniable talent as a defender, continues to be recognized as one of the best in the world.

4 Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.

He is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. Van Dijk is known for his power, leadership, and aerial ability. He is the only defender in history to win UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and has finished runner-up for the Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 for £75 million, a then-world-record transfer fee for a defender. With Liverpool, Van Dijk reached back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning the latter.

He was also anointed PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in his first full season. Van Dijk later won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup and helped end the club’s 30-year league title deficit by winning the 2019–20 Premier League. Van Dijk is number 4 in our list of top 10 best defenders in the world in 2023.

3 Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team.

He is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, and well known for his defensive prowess, leadership, and aerial capability.

Dias plays defense perfectly is as tangible as a rock and is currently one of the best centers back in the Premier League. He signed for Premier League club Manchester City in September 2020 for a transfer fee of €68 million.

Dias won the league title and EFL Cup in his first season, while also reaching the UEFA Champions League final. He has also been anointed FWA Footballer of the Year, Manchester City Player of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Season.

2 Marquinhos

Marquinhos is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team.

Marquinhos is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Brazil national team. He is considered to be one of the best defenders in the world and is known for his composure, passing ability, and leadership skills.

Marquinhos is a complete defender who is comfortable in both a possession-based and a counter-attacking system. He is strong in the air, good at reading the game, and has a great passing range. Marquinhos is also a good leader and is able to organize his defense effectively.

He is widely considered one of the best defenders in the world. Marquinhos has won 25 trophies at the club, which includes seven Ligue 1 titles.

He’s looming at the back, aerially, and always leads the attacks to score goals. Marquinhos is number 2 in our list of the top 10 best defenders in the world in 2023.

1 David Alaba

David Alaba, the 31-year-old Austrian football virtuoso, has undeniably earned his place among the top 10 defenders in the world as we delve into the year 2023.

Renowned for his remarkable versatility, Alaba effortlessly transitions between the roles of a center-back, left-back, and central midfielder, a rare and invaluable trait in the modern game.

His decade-long stint with Bayern Munich has seen him emerge as a defensive linchpin, consistently showcasing his agility, astute build-up play, and unwavering focus on the pitch.

What sets Alaba apart are his superior metrics as a center-back, including aerial and slide tackles won, passing accuracy, and his commanding presence with every touch.

His technical finesse, composure on the ball, blistering pace, and undeniable X-factor render him an asset coveted by any team fortunate enough to have him in their ranks.

At the age of 31, David Alaba continues to defy expectations, cementing his status as one of the premier defenders on the global stage, a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability.