Just like every position, defenders are also very important members of a team’s success. While many talented and hard-working backs are inspiring world football, here we are talking about the top 10 most valuable defenders in the world (according to CIES Football Observatory).

Talking about the top 10 most valuable defenders in the world at present, CIES Football Observatory’s recent report divided the defenders into two categories – centre-back and full-back. In this article, we have combined both these lists to find the top 10 most valuable defenders.

Top 10 most valuable defenders in the world

(Source: CIES Football Observatory)

10. Achraf Hakimi (€75.2M)

Achraf Hakimi, most valuable defenders, defender — Achraf Hakimi (Image credit: PSG)

The 23-year-old Achraf Hakimi is a top-class right-back. The Madrid-born Moroccan full-back is playing for the French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-German (PSG). Even before joining the French club, he shined at the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and Italian Serie A club Inter.

9. Jules Kounde (€76.5M)

The 23-year-old French centre-back Jules Kounde is a crucial defender for the Spanish La Liga club Sevilla. As time progresses, he is playing an influential role in his club.

8. Dayot Upamecano (€77.7M)

The 23-year-old French centre-back Dayot Upamecano has been playing for the German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich since 2021 summer. Previously, he impressed world football with his performances for another German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

7. Joao Cancelo (€78M)

The 28-year-old Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo is the most experienced defender in this top 10 most valuable defenders list. Since the 2019 summer, he is strongly serving for the English Premier League club Manchester City.

6. Reece James (€82.5M)

Real Madrid: Reece James is at the top of Carlo Ancelotti's summer transfer wishlist — credits – chelsea-news.co

The 22-year-old English full-back Reece James is also a strong defender. Currently, the youngster is strongly handling the Chelsea defence.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold (€87.4M)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most powerful right-backs in the world. According to the latest transfer valuations released by CIES Football Observatory, the 23-year-old English footballer is the most valued full-back in the world. He is serving for Liverpool FC, where he also spent his youth career.

4. Ronald Araujo (€89.1M)

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The 23-year-old Uruguayan footballer Ronald Araujo is another centre-back on this most valuable defender list. Since the 2019/20 season, he is serving for the Barcelona first team. Now, he is getting regular chances for the Spanish La Liga club due to his constant improvement.

3. Eder Militao (€90.3M)

The 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back Eder Militao is playing impressive football for the Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid. He was one of the key players for the Los Blancos for their incredible successes in the last season.

2. Josko Gvardiol (€99.8M)

The 20-year-old Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol has also the ability to play the left-back role for his team. The former Dinamo Zagreb youngster is now serving for the German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and impressing world football with his regular performances.

1. Ruben Dias (€109.6M)

Ruben Dias awarded the FWA Player of the Year award for 20/21

The 25-year-old Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias is one of the top centre-backs in the current generation. The Portuguese footballer is serving for the Premier League club strongly since 2020 summer.