🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Top 15 Best Centre-Back Partnerships in the World (2025) Revealed!
The new rankings of the best centre-back partnerships for 2025 showcase the essential role of strong defensive units in the modern game. Leading the list are Barcelona’s Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí, who have been exceptional in keeping the defensive line strong, especially with their ability to control offside traps and shut down top attackers in Europe. Their seamless coordination has been pivotal in Barcelona’s domestic and European success, securing them the top spot.
Following closely are Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, who form one of the most solid partnerships in the Premier League. Their combination of physicality and composure at the back has been a major factor in Arsenal’s defensive dominance. Despite a powerful attack, Arsenal’s defensive resilience is what has propelled them to the top of the Premier League.
Other notable duos include Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk, who continue to be one of the most formidable pairings in the Premier League. Their aerial dominance and leadership have been key to maintaining Liverpool’s defensive stability, making them a tough team to break down.
Additionally, in Serie A, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij have been rock-solid, contributing significantly to their team’s success both domestically and in European competitions. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Pacho have shown great chemistry, with Pacho emerging as a rising star alongside the experienced Marquinhos.
The rankings also highlight strong partnerships in lesser-known leagues, such as Feyenoord’s David Hancko and Gernot Trauner, who have been crucial in the club’s defense, helping them secure qualification to the Champions League.
As teams continue to invest in strengthening their backlines, these partnerships prove that defense remains a critical component in any successful team’s quest for trophies. The ranking takes into account goals conceded, league position, and the individual skills of each defender, making this a comprehensive evaluation of the world’s best centre-back duos.
Top 15 Best Centre-Back Partnerships in the World (2025):
1. Iñigo Martínez and Pau Cubarsí (FC Barcelona, Spain)
2. Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba (Arsenal FC, England)
3. Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC, England)
4. Marquinhos and Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
5. Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan, Italy)
6. Antonio Rüdiger and Asencio (Real Madrid, Spain)
7. Murillo and Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest, England)
8. Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, Germany)
9. Dean Huijsen and Illya Zabarnyi (AFC Bournemouth, England)
10. Federico Gatti and Gleison Bremer (Juventus FC, Italy)
11. Clément Lenglet and José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
12. Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
13. Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United FC, England)
14. André Ramalho and Olivier Boscagli (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
15. David Hancko and Gernot Trauner (Feyenoord, Netherlands)
These duos have proven their defensive excellence through their team’s success, consistency, and
ability to thrive under pressure in their respective leagues.
