Top 15 best tacklers in the world of football right now in 2023

Top 15 best tacklers in the world of football right now in 2023

Kenneth Mwenda, Adrianna Simwa
updated at May 6, 2023 at 11:15 AM

Do you know the best tacklers in the world? The English Premier League is one of the toughest leagues in the world, generating some of the top tacklers ever. In football, defenders are evaluated on a variety of factors, including technical actions on the field. The ability to tackle the ball is one of the most vital attributes of a successful defender. Find out some of the top tacklers in the world of football as of 2023.

Best tacklers in the world of football
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Tackling, in particular, is an art form that not every player can master. It necessitates impeccable timing and unwavering faith, as even the tiniest mistake can result in a penalty or a red card.

The best tacklers in the world

Who is the best tackler? Below is a list of the best tackles in football history.

15. Giorgio Chiellini

most tackled player in soccer
Giorgio Chiellini of Italy enters the pitch to warm up prior to the Italy Training Session at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Giorgio Chiellini
  • Date of birth: 14 August 1984
  • Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Current team: Los Angeles FC

Giorgio Chiellini is an Italian defender known for his aggressive style of play and ability to read the game. He has won numerous domestic and international titles with Juventus and the Italian national team.

14. Kalidou Koulibaly

who has the most tackles in football history
Kalidou Koulibaly at full time of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Chelsea FC and Borussia Dortmund at Stamford Bridge in London, United Kingdom. Photo: James Williamson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kalidou Koulibaly
  • Date of birth: 20 June 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Senegalese
  • Current team: Chelsea

Kalidou Koulibaly is the Chelsea defender known for his strength, speed, and excellent tackling ability. He has won numerous individual awards and has been named in the Serie A Team of the Year multiple times.

13. Sergio Busquets

best tackles in football
Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona in action during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Ion Alcoba
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sergio Busquets Burgos
  • Date of birth: 16 July 1988
  • Age: 34 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Current team: Barcelona

Sergio Busquets, the Barcelona Spanish midfielder, is known for his tactical awareness and ability to break up opposition attacks. He has won numerous domestic and international titles with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

12. Trent Alexander-Arnold

best tackle in football history
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Trent John Alexander-Arnold
  • Date of birth: 7 October 1998
  • Age: 24 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: British
  • Current team: Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world and is known for his excellent attacking and defensive abilities. While he is primarily known for his exceptional crossing and passing ability, he is also a solid tackler who is not afraid to get stuck in and make crucial challenges.

11. Virgil van Dijk

who is the best tackler
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Virgil van Dijk
  • Date of birth: 8 July 1991
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Current team: Liverpool

Virgil van Dijkis is the Liverpool defender known for his physicality, aerial ability, and leadership skills. He has won numerous awards, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year and UEFA Men's Player of the Year.

10. Rodri

Who is the best defender in the world?
Rodri of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rodrigo Hernández Cascante
  • Date of birth: 22 June 1996
  • Age: 26 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Current team: Manchester City

Rodri is quietly going about his business as one of the most underrated players in the world of football. The Manchester City stalwart was one of the best in aerial duels won, clean sheets kept, and opportunities created, confirming his place as one of the finest in the world at his position.

9. Antonio Rüdiger

Who is the best tackler in football of all time?
Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Betis Sevilla v Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Sevilla Spain. Photo: David S. Bustamante
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Antonio Rüdiger
  • Date of birth: 3 March 1993
  • Age: 30 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: German
  • Current team: Real Madrid

Rüdiger is a versatile defender who can play as a full-back on either flank and is normally a centre-back. He is also described as a "tough tackler" who has won several major trophies, including the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

8. Idrissa Gueye

Who is the best tackler in Europe?
Idrissa Gueye of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Michael Regan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Idrissa Gana Gueye
  • Date of birth: 26 September 1989
  • Age: 33 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Senegalese
  • Current team: Everton

Idrissa Gueye joined Paris Saint-Germain from Everton in 2019 and has been charged with keeping things simple among the many stars at Parc des Princes. The Senegalese's great work rate and ability to win back the ball for his team are two reasons why PSG prefers Idris Gueye to Marco Veratti in the starting eleven.

7. Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Who is the best tackler?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. Photo: James Gill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
  • Date of birth: 26 November 1997
  • Age: 25 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: English
  • Current team: Manchester United

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a top full-back despite being widely criticized for his lack of offensive ability. Wan-Bissaka has successfully secured his spot in the right-back slot at Manchester United after being purchased for an eye-catching cost of $60.61 million from Crystal Palace.

6. Marquinhos

most tackles in premier league history
Marquinhos runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Photo: Boris Streubel
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Marcos Aoás Corrêa
  • Date of birth: 14 May 1994
  • Age: 28 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Current team: Paris Saint-Germain

The PSG star has developed into one of the most consistent performers on the planet, to the point where his influence cannot be disregarded. Marquinhos was a youngster with braces when he went to Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, and many questioned if Brazil international would live up to the €31.4 million price tag.

He's also one of FIFA's top tacklers. His top numbers are 92 in jumping, 90 in marking, 89 in slide tackle, 89 in stand tackle, and 89 in interceptions. He is currently regarded as one of the top tacklers in the world.

5. Fabinho

most tackled player in soccer
Fabinho of Liverpool showing his appreciation to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Andrew Powell
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Fábio Henrique Tavares
  • Date of birth: 23 October 1993
  • Age: 29 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Current team: Liverpool

Who is the best tackler in Europe? Fabinho is arguably the best tackler, with 5.0 tackles per game and 1.8 interceptions per game. He is regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League and has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent success under Jurgen Klopp.

The Brazilian midfielder is currently on a top-scoring streak. He is one of the main reasons for Liverpool's excellent run, which has seen them win the EFL Cup, finish second in the English Championship, and remain in contention for the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League titles.

4. Wilfred Ndidi

who has the most tackles in football history
Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at King Power Stadium in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo: Plumb Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
  • Date of birth: 16 December 1996
  • Age: 26 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Current team: Leicester City

Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in January 2017 for about £16 million, recording 68 tackles in just 17 appearances. The Lagos-born midfielder was once again an outstanding performer for Leicester City in England's top flight, with a Premier League-high 143 tackles the following season.

3. N'Golo Kante

best tackles in football
N'Golo Kante of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: N'Golo Kanté
  • Date of birth: 29 March 1991
  • Age: 32 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: French
  • Current team: Chelsea

N'Golo Kante has been a revelation for Chelsea. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. Kante earned a reputation for himself as a member of Leicester City's Premier League-winning team in 2016. Chelsea made a good decision when they paid £32 million for him that year.

The France international has proven to be an important part of Chelsea's midfield. The 31-year-old has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup with Blue, and the World Cup with France while playing vital roles.

2. Sergio Ramos

best tackle in football history
Sergio Ramos with the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Photo: Pedro Salado
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sergio Ramos García
  • Date of birth: 30 March 1986
  • Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Current team: Paris Saint-Germain

Sergio Ramos spent 16 years as a centre-back at Real Madrid, which he captained for six of those years. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.

1. Casemiro

who is the best tackler
Carlos Casemiro of Manchester United poses for photos with his trophy of FIFA Men's World 11 during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 in Paris, France. Photo: Marcio Machado
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Carlos Henrique Casimiro
  • Date of birth: 23 February 1992
  • Age: 31 years (as of 2023)
  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • Current team: Manchester United

Who is the best tackler in football of all time? Carlos Casemiro, Manchester United's tenacious midfielder, is known for relishing a good challenge and a couple of tackles. The Brazilian is always in the thick of things and never hides in a game, which is probably why he is adored by Los Blancos supporters and detested by opponents.

Summary list of the best tacklers in the world ever

Some of the best tacklers in the world of all time include:

  1. Casemiro
  2. Sergio Ramos
  3. N'Golo Kante
  4. Wilfred Ndidi
  5. Fabinho
  6. Marquinhos
  7. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
  8. Idrissa Gueye
  9. Antonio Rüdiger
  10. Rodri
  11. Virgil van Dijk
  12. Trent Alexander-Arnold
  13. Sergio Busquets
  14. Kalidou Koulibaly
  15. Giorgio Chiellini

Who has the most tackles in football history?

It's difficult to determine who has the most tackles in football (soccer) history, as no official records are kept on this statistic. Tackles are subjective and can be defined differently by observers and data collectors. Some players like N'Golo Kante, Claude Makelele, and Javier Mascherano are known for their exceptional tackling abilities.

Who has the most tackles in Premier League history?

Some of the most tackled players in soccer include Cesar Azpilicueta, N'Golo Kante, Wilfred Ndidi, James McArthur and Mark Noble.

Who is the best defender in the world?

Several exceptional defenders are widely regarded as among the best in the world, including Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aymeric Laporte, among others. Each of these players has their strengths and style of play that make them stand out, and different people may have different opinions on who is the best.

The best tacklers in the world add great value to the squad because they are full of energy and vitality. A game-winning interception or block does not receive the same level of attention as a game-winning goal, showing the much disrespect defenders are given.

READ ALSO: Who is the richest football team owner in the world as of 2023?

Sportbrief.com recently published an article detailing the world's richest football team owners as of 2023. Football team owners are among the wealthiest people on the planet.

These club owners invest significant amounts of money into their teams, from player salaries to stadium upgrades, and their financial resources can make a huge difference in a club's success.

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.
Adrianna Simwa photo
Adrianna Simwa
Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years.