Best 15 left backs in world soccer (2025)

From AC Milan legendary Paolo Maldini and free kick specialist Roberto Carlos to Premier League greats like Ashley Cole, there were several iconic left-backs in previous generations.

Previously, the top left back was a world-class defender, allowing him to challenge some odd goals for the future. Now we have a new up-and-coming class of offensive left-backs that are essential to team build-up plays, but who is the best in the world right now?

Ranking factors

To rank the left backs in order, the following criteria were considered:

• Current Form – How well the player is working

• Importance to their team – how influential they have on their team

• Role – How unique is their skill set?

• Reputation – What others say about them

15

Mark Kukulera

Chelsea and Spain

There are many impressive left-backs in the Premier League, and Mark Kukulera has been marking at Stamford Bridge for the past 12 months.

Currently, one of the first names on the team sheet under Enzo Maresca, Kukurera shows why Chelsea put cash on him from Brighton in 2022.

Maresca calls Kukurera “very important” and wants seven players like him on the Blues side.

14

Rayan ait-nouri

Man City and Algeria

Newman City is another eye-catching wolves in recent seasons with former employer wolves.

The 24-year-old currently holds a career-high 35 million euro transfer mark rating, recording double numbers for his struggling Wolf side’s Premier League goal contribution.

13

Destiny Udogie

Tottenham and Italy

The Spurs appear to have hit gold after signing Destiny Udogie from Udinese.

The fullback who once called “the most underrated player in the Premier League” by Paul Mason and “has everything” by Luciano Spalletti, who is only 22 years old, could only get better in the next few years.

12

Ferland Mendy

Real Madrid and France

Ferland Mendy has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but when it fits perfectly, he is one of Europe’s best left backs.

The Frenchman has made over 200 appearances in Real Madrid since signing from Lyon, and was called “a quiet force” by fellow teammate and countryman Killian Mbappe. Carlo Ancelotti called him “the best in the world,” but his lack of offensive output puts him under the list.

11

Theo Hernandez

Al Hilal and France

Since departing Real Madrid for AC Milan in 2019, Theo Hernandez has gained strength from strength to strength, winning the praises of the legendary left-back Paolo Mardini, who praised the Frenchman as “special”.

Hernandez, who sealed off Saudi Arabia’s pro league move to Alhiral in 2025, also has the fierce pace needed to return from the offensive stage and demonstrate his defensive qualities.

10

Andrea Cambiazo

Juventus and Italy

The player I’ve definitely gone under the radar is Andrea Cambiazo of Juventus. The rating of the 25-year-old’s transfer mark, labeled as the back of a leftist attacking with “world-class” vision and “elite passing ability,” has skyrocketed to 35 million euros.

Cambiaso, previously linked to Man City, hasn’t actually stepped in, but could soon become the left-back of the next star to test his luck in the Premier League.

9

Alvaro Carrera

Real Madrid and Spain

Some of the Real Madrid youth setups from 2017 to 2020 have returned to the Bernabeu after being impressed with Benfica in a recent season before joining Man UTD.

Madrid paid 50 million euros and signed a six-year contract with Carrera, who slotted straight into the defense of Xabi Alonso.

8

Miles Lewis Skelly

Arsenal and the UK

Another impressive young man who will star on the big stage is Arsenal’s Miles Lewis Skelly. The British appeared as the left back of Thomas Touchel against England despite passing through the Gunners Academy as a midfielder.

Mikel Arteta uses the 19-year-old as the left-back for the Emirates, and Jamie Carrager compared Lewis Skelly’s “Rog Arrest of Football” to Jude Bellingham and Wayne Rooney.

7

Milos is here

Liverpool and Hungary

Milos Kerquez only cost £15 million from Alkmaar, Arizona in 2023, but Cherry made a great profit at the left-back joining Liverpool.

The Hungarians are already heading for the top, so it’s no surprise to see the Reds come in “one of the most talented left-backs in world football.”

6

Ricardo Carafri

Arsenal and Italy

Riccardo Calafioli appears to be taking over as the left-back of Mikel Arteta’s first choice at Arsenal, with the Italians able to fill with centre-backs if necessary.

Arteta welcomed the unpredictability of Calfiali, saying that his offensive edge is “very difficult for the opponent to control.” His stunning first gunner goal against Man City highlights that.