{"id":27311,"date":"2025-11-20T03:59:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T08:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T03:59:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T08:59:42","slug":"ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking of the best 15 center backs in world football (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#ranking_factors\" >ranking factors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#15_Willian_Pacho\" >15  \n         \n                            Willian Pacho<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#PSG_and_Ecuador\" >PSG and Ecuador<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#14_Antonio_Rudiger\" >14  \n         \n                            Antonio Rudiger<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#real_madrid_and_germany\" >real madrid and germany<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#13_Eder_Militao\" >13  \n         \n                            Eder Milit\u00e3o<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#real_madrid_and_brazil\" >real madrid and brazil<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#12_Dayo_Upamecano\" >12  \n         \n                            Dayo Upamecano<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#bayern_munich_and_france\" >bayern munich and france<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#11_If_Guardiol\" >11  \n         \n                            If Guardiol<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#man_city_and_croatia\" >man city and croatia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#10_Good_morning_Alexander\" >10  \n         \n                            Good morning, Alexander.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#naples_and_italy\" >naples and italy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#9_dean_heisen\" >9  \n         \n                            dean heisen<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#real_madrid_and_spain\" >real madrid and spain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#8_marquinhos\" >8  \n         \n                            marquinhos<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#PSG_and_Brazil\" >PSG and Brazil<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#7_Ruben_Diaz\" >7  \n         \n                            Ruben Diaz<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#manchester_city_and_portugal\" >manchester city and portugal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#6_mark_gehi\" >6  \n         \n                            mark gehi<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/11\/20\/ranking-of-the-best-15-center-backs-in-world-football-2025\/#crystal_palace_and_england\" >crystal palace and england<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The role of the central defender has changed over time, with top defenders now not only world class in aerial combat and tackling, but also in their ability to keep the ball at their feet.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<p>The new generation of centre-backs are essential to a team&#8217;s build-up play, and in some cases can make more passes than most midfielders, but who are the best players in the world at the back at the moment?<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ranking-factors\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ranking_factors\"><\/span>\n            <strong>ranking factors<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To rank the center backs in order, we considered the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>                                        Current form \u2013 how well the player is performing\n                        <\/li>\n<li>\n<p>                                        Importance to the team &#8211; How much influence do you have on the team?\n                        <\/li>\n<li>\n<p>                                        Role &#8211; How unique is their skill set?\n                        <\/li>\n<li>\n<p>                                        Reputation &#8211; what others say about you\n                        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"5\" scope=\"col\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Top 15 center backs in the world<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>rank<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>player<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>year<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>club<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>nation<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>1<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>virgil van dijk<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>liverpool<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Netherlands<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Gabriel Magalh\u00e3es<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>arsenal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Brazil<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>3<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Alessandro Bastoni<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Inter Milan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Italy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>4<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>William Saliba<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>twenty four<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>arsenal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>France<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>5<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Pau Kubalsi<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>18<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Barcelona<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Spain<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>6<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>mark gehi<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>twenty five<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>crystal palace<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>england<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>7<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Ruben Diaz<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>28<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>man city<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Portugal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>8<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>marquinhos<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>31<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>P.S.G.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Brazil<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>9<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>dean heisen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>real madrid<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Spain<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>10<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Good morning, Alexander.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>naples<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Italy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>11<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>If Guardiol<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>twenty three<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>man city<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Croatia<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>12<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Dayo Upamecano<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>bayern munich<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>France<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>13<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Eder Milit\u00e3o<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>real madrid<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Brazil<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>14<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Antonio Rudiger<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>32<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>real madrid<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Germany<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>15<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Willian Pacho<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>twenty four<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>P.S.G.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>ecuador<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"willian-pacho\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Willian_Pacho\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">15 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Willian Pacho<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"psg-and-ecuador\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PSG_and_Ecuador\"><\/span>\n            <strong>PSG and Ecuador<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Willian Pacho has gone from strength to strength since joining PSG from Frankfurt in 2024 and now appears to be a regular at the Parc des Princes.<\/p>\n<p>The Ecuadorian international is only 23 years old and is said to be the next player after Marquinhos that is &#8220;the wall that no one saw coming.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>PSG&#8217;s \u20ac40 million fee for Pacho looks like smart business, with the player&#8217;s market value already rising to \u20ac65 million.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Willian Pacho: Major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>champions league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Ligue 1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>french cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>french super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>belgium pro league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>belgium cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>belgium super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>south american cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Ecuador Serie A<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"antonio-rudiger\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Antonio_Rudiger\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">14 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Antonio Rudiger<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"real-madrid-and-germany\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"real_madrid_and_germany\"><\/span>\n            <strong>real madrid and germany<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Antonio Rudiger has gone from strength to strength since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022, and there are even rumors that he could return to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n<p>Over the past 18 months, Rudiger has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti and Mesut Ozil, who said the German was &#8220;playing his best&#8221; and in his &#8220;prime years&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>However, he has missed the majority of the 2025\/26 season so far due to a hamstring injury, causing him to drop down the rankings. <\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Antonio Rudiger: major title wins<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>champions league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>europe league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>FA Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2018<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>king&#8217;s cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>fifa club world cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2022, 2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021, 2022, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>FIFA Intercontinental Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>spanish super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>confederations cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2017<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"eder-militao\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Eder_Militao\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">13 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Eder Milit\u00e3o<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"real-madrid-and-brazil\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"real_madrid_and_brazil\"><\/span>\n            <strong>real madrid and brazil<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Real Madrid&#8217;s Eder Militao has been left off the list due to a serious injury in recent years. The Brazilian was hailed as the &#8216;best in the world&#8217; at the back by manager Carlo Ancelotti in 2023 and has won multiple honors at the Bernab\u00e9u since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>At 27 years old, Militao still has many high-level years ahead of him, and will strive to stay healthy in the coming seasons.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Eder Militao: Major title wins<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>champions league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2022, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2020, 2022, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>america&#8217;s cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>king&#8217;s cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>fifa club world cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2022, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>FIFA Intercontinental Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>spanish super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2020, 2022, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dayot-upamecano\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Dayo_Upamecano\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">12 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Dayo Upamecano<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"bayern-munich-and-france\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"bayern_munich_and_france\"><\/span>\n            <strong>bayern munich and france<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Dayot Upamecano, who partnered Kim Min-jae at the Allianz Arena, has transformed into Bayern Munich&#8217;s Mr. Reliable under coach Vincent Kompany.<\/p>\n<p>Bayern&#8217;s sporting director Christoph Freund said that in 2025, the Frenchman &#8220;has become a leader&#8221; who will &#8220;play strongly and consistently at a high level&#8221;. At 26 years old, Upamecano appears to be in his prime.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Darry Upamekan: Major<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>nations league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Bundesliga<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2022, 2023, 2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Austrian Bundesliga<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2016, 2017<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>austria cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2016, 2017<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>german super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021, 2022<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"josko-gvardiol\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_If_Guardiol\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">11 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>If Guardiol<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"man-city-and-croatia\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"man_city_and_croatia\"><\/span>\n            <strong>man city and croatia<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Josko Gvardiol plays as a centre-back and sometimes left-back for Man City and Croatia.<\/p>\n<p>Gvardiol, who played as a centre-back in his home country&#8217;s Nations League, became a key player under manager Josep Guardiola at the end of the 2024-25 season, with City winning five of their six Premier League games with the 23-year-old at the heart of their defence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>For Gvardior: Major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>premier league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>HRT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2020, 2021<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>fifa club world cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>DFB Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021, 2022<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>community shield<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>croatia cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>croatia super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"alessandro-buongiorno\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Good_morning_Alexander\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">10 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Good morning, Alexander.<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"napoli-and-italy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"naples_and_italy\"><\/span>\n            <strong>naples and italy<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of 45 million euros, he is topped by Napoli&#8217;s Italian international Alessandro Bongiorno.<\/p>\n<p>The 25-year-old is &#8220;exceptionally talented in one-on-one situations&#8221; and was key for Napoli under Antonio Conte, who won the Serie A title in the 24\/25 season. Bongiorno could move up this list in the next few years if his rapid rise continues.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dean-huijsen\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_dean_heisen\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">9 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>dean heisen<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"real-madrid-and-spain\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"real_madrid_and_spain\"><\/span>\n            <strong>real madrid and spain<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Dean Huyssen was one of the most sought-after defenders in the 2025 summer transfer window, with Real Madrid winning the race to sign the Spaniard from AFC Bournemouth.<\/p>\n<p>Desired across Europe, Huyssen became a star player in the Premier League after leaving Juventus, with Thiago Pinto even saying that he would be the best central defender in the world within two years.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Dean Heisen: Major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>italian cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"marquinhos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_marquinhos\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">8 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>marquinhos<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"psg-and-brazil\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PSG_and_Brazil\"><\/span>\n            <strong>PSG and Brazil<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Paris Saint-Germain icon Marquinhos is leading a new generation of stars at the Parc des Princes under manager Luis Enrique, and continues to maintain his own extremely high level.<\/p>\n<p>Marquinhos, now 31, continues to be a regular in PSG&#8217;s young side, becoming the first player in the club&#8217;s history to start 100 games for PSG in the Champions League.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Marquinhos: major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Ligue 1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>america&#8217;s cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>champions league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>french cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>league cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>french super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>copa libertadores<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2012<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruben-dias\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Ruben_Diaz\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">7 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>Ruben Diaz<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"man-city-and-portugal\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"manchester_city_and_portugal\"><\/span>\n            <strong>manchester city and portugal<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ruben Dias will soon be entering his fifth year as a Man City player and remains a regular under manager Josep Guardiola, with Transfermarkt putting a star value of \u20ac65 million on the Portugal international.<\/p>\n<p>Rated as good as Virgil van Dijk by Jamie Carragher 12 months ago, Dias&#8217; form has fallen slightly at the Etihad in 2024\/25, but his quality is undeniable.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Ruben Diaz: Major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>premier league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021, 2022, 2023, 2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>nations league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>champions league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>FA Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>league cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2021<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>UEFA Super Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2023<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>community shield<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>fifa club world cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2024<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>portuguese league<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2019<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>portugal super cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2020<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"marc-guehi\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_mark_gehi\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"item-num\">6 <\/span><br \/>\n        <span><br \/>\n                            <strong>mark gehi<\/strong><br \/>\n                    <\/span><br \/>\n       <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"crystal-palace-and-england\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"crystal_palace_and_england\"><\/span>\n            <strong>crystal palace and england<\/strong><br \/>\n    <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Marc Guehi is becoming one of the most sought-after centre-backs in world football after his move from Crystal Palace to Liverpool failed in the summer of 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Guehi, who is currently a regular in the England squad at Selhurst Park, is due to become a free agent in 2026 and has been linked with big clubs in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>This shows how well Gehi have performed under manager Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace in 2025.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Marc Gehi: Major title win<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>trophy<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Years earned<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>FA Cup<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>community shield<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>2025<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The role of the central defender has changed over time, with top defenders now not only world class in aerial combat and tackling, but also in their ability to keep the ball at their feet. The new generation of centre-backs are essential to a team&#8217;s build-up play, and in some cases can make more passes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[3313,2160,40,625,42],"class_list":{"0":"post-27311","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-backs","9":"tag-center","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-ranking","12":"tag-world"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27311"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27311\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27311"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}