Because they can bridge the gap between attack and defence, left-backs are now a crucial part of modern football. Dynamic players that not only play staunch defence but also make major contributions to build-up play, opportunity creation, and even goal scoring have emerged as a result of the role’s growth.
A number of left-backs have distinguished themselves in the 2024–25 season through their club and international performances, demonstrating their value in the most crucial games. Form, offensive contributions, defensive prowess, and overall influence on their teams are all taken into account in this list. These are the top 10 left-backs in the world at the moment, ranging from seasoned professionals to up-and-coming talent.
10. Scotland/Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson
Robertson is still one of the most dependable left-backs in football, despite the fact that he is no longer at his best. His incredible ability to score goals and his unwavering work ethic are still vital to Liverpool. Robertson is the player with the most assists by a left-back in Premier League history and was a pivotal member of Jürgen Klopp’s team. Both club and nation continue to benefit greatly from his leadership both on and off the pitch.
•As of 2025, the Premier League assists record is at 59.
9. Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal
One of the Premier League’s best left-backs is Calafiori. His move from centre back to left back has been smooth, giving Arsenal’s defence more adaptability. With three goals and two assists this season, including a pivotal goal against Manchester City that highlighted his increasing significance in Mikel Arteta’s system, his offensive contributions have also been noteworthy.
8. Marc Cucurella (Spain/Chelsea)
Cucurella contributed significantly to Spain’s victory at UEFA Euro 2024 and has continued to play well for Chelsea this season. The Spaniard has demonstrated his value with his unwavering work ethic, defensive perseverance, and attacking contributions despite early Premier League criticism. Under Mauricio Pochettino, he is a great asset because of his versatility as a standard left-back and an inverted full-back.
•2024–2025 stats: 3 assists, 5 goals
7. Theo Hernández (France/AC Milan)
Theo Hernández, a full-back in every way, is renowned for his ability to contribute to the attack and his explosive runs down the left wing. Hernández, one of Milan’s most important players, contributed to nine league goals in the previous year. Under Stefano Pioli, his offensive output and consistency are still vital.
•2024–2025 stats: 6 assists, 4 goals
6. Nuno Mendes (Portugal/Paris Saint-Germain)
After a challenging beginning in Paris, Mendes has grown into one of the best full-backs in the world. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Portuguese international struggled in a flat back four at first. Under Christophe Galtier, he flourished as a wing-back, and under Luis Enrique, he has continued to improve. He is a vital member of PSG because of his ability to blend attacking production with defensive steadiness.
•2024–2025 stats: 3 assists, 2 goals
5. Manchester City/Croatia’s Joško Gvardiol
Gvardiol, who was signed as the second-most expensive defender in history, has shown to be worth the money because to his adaptability, presence, and tactical awareness. Although he is a centre-back by nature, his versatility as an aggressive left-back has given Pep Guardiola’s system a new depth. He has scored four goals in Manchester City’s domestic campaign this season, demonstrating his strong attacking contributions.
•2024/25 stats: 1 assist, 5 goals.
4. Bayer Leverkusen/Spain’s Álex Grimaldo
Grimaldo has had an incredible time with Bayer Leverkusen, contributing significantly to their undefeated Bundesliga winning season. He has been one of Europe’s most effective attacking full-backs, playing more like a left wing-back. Grimaldo didn’t play senior football in Spain before to relocating to Germany, but his performances have solidified his place among the best.
• Stats for 2023–24: 12 goals, 17 assists
•2024–2025 stats: 10 assists, 4 goals
3. Alphonso Davies, a Canadian from Bayern Munich
The Canadian international, who combines lightning-fast speed with superb dribbling ability, is still one of the most captivating left-backs in the world. Davies is one of the greatest football exporters from North America, having already won five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League at the age of 23. He signed a contract extension with Bayern, securing his future despite persistent transfer rumours.
Stats for 2024–2025: 3 goals, 3 assists
2. Barcelona, Spain’s Alejandro Balde
Balde has already made a name for himself at Barcelona as an unquestionable starter despite his youth. Despite missing Spain’s Euro 2024 squad due to a hamstring injury in January, his impact on Barcelona’s offensive and defensive lineup is still evident. Balde has regained his peak under new coach Hansi Flick, displaying his superb dribbling, poise, and tactical understanding.
•2024–25 stats: 7 assists, 1 goal
1. Federico Dimarco of Italy’s Inter Milan
Dimarco solidified his status as one of the best left-backs in the world by playing a significant role in Inter Milan’s Serie A-winning team the previous season. He can play as a left-back or left-midfielder with ease, and his technical skill and attacking contributions make him a tremendous asset. His outstanding performance was demonstrated in November when he scored a spectacular long-range goal against Frosinone.
•2024–2025 stats: 5 assists, 4 goals
Respectful Remarks
Despite not being in the top 10, these players have all performed admirably in their roles:
• France’s Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Hernández
• Antonio Robinson (USA/Fulham)
• France’s Real Madrid’s Fernand Mendy
• Lewis Hall (England/Newcastle United)
• Miguel Gutiérrez, from Spain’s Girona
• Pervis Estupiñán (Ecuador/Brighton & Hove Albión)
