Ranking the World's Best Right-Backs: No. 1 Is Undisputed, Other Positions Are Highly Competitive

There is not much debate over who is the world's best right-back, but the battle for the remaining positions is extremely competitive. Among Europe's top clubs, Arsenal, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Real Madrid all have players among the candidates. Some players focus more on attacking, some are stronger defensively, while the very best combine both qualities.

No. 10: Kayode

Italian youth international Kayode has frequently appeared in transfer rumors, but spending another season developing at Brentford would be very helpful for his future move to a Champions League club.

His long-distance throw-ins are as threatening as Rory Delap's, but more importantly, he has already shown the qualities of one of Europe's most promising young right-backs. No. 9: Ryerson

Ryerson had never recorded more than three league assists in a single season before, but in the second half of last season he suddenly became one of the most productive full-backs in Europe. The Norwegian player finished the 2025-26 Bundesliga season with an impressive 15 assists, including four in a single match against Mainz.

At the time, it looked like a period of form, but he maintained that level at the World Cup, leading people to believe that the 28-year-old may have suddenly reached his career peak. However, he has dipped recently, recording no assists in his last 12 appearances for club and country. Borussia Dortmund's new season started with two consecutive Bundesliga wins, and his performances have still been solid. No. 8: Livramento

Livramento is somewhat like a 'second Reece James'. He is another outstanding graduate from Chelsea's academy and has all the qualities needed to reach the top level, but injuries have hindered his development. Like Hall on the other side, it is not surprising that he continues to be linked with Premier League top-six clubs. If Newcastle want to achieve success under Jaisle, they must keep him and ensure he stays healthy.