A ranked list of 10 of the best left-footed center backs in the world currently

Football centre-backs help maintain the backline and stop opponents from scoring. Some are left-footed, while others are right-footed. A few are gifted and can play well with both legs. The best left-footed centre-backs are known for their natural ability to use their left foot effectively.

Do you need a left-footed centre-back? Left-footed center-halves are more in demand in the modern era because of their profile. They fit in a three-line defence and help play the ball from the back. Left-footed centre-backs are few in the modern game, while the right-footed ones are common.

Best left-footed centre-backs in the world

Football has seen the emergence of exceptional left-footed centre-halves who have displayed their technical abilities, defensive prowess, and outstanding ball-handling skills. Sports Brief has compiled a list of the ten best left-footed centre-backs after analysing their stats and achievements from numerous sources like Knel Now and 90 min.

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The left-footed centre-backs are worth millions in the market, according to Transfermarkt. Their outstanding performances have earned them praise from football experts and enthusiasts.

10. Alessio Romagnoli

Top Soccer ranks Alessio among the best left-footed centre-backs today. The Lazio defender has proved his talent in the Serie A. His technique, positional sense, tackling ability and decision-making skills have earned him praise from football experts and enthusiasts.

• Date of birth: 12 January 1995
• Age: 29 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Anzio, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Jersey number: 13
• Market price: $16.3 million

9. Inigo Martinez

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Martinez is a sold Spanish defender who spent most of his career at Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao before joining Barcelona in July 2023. He is a reliable passer and leader and excels at heading and tackling. His ability to read the game also lured Barca to sign him.

• Date of birth: 17 May 1991
• Age: 32 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Ondarroa, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Jersey number: 5
• Market price: $6.5 million

8. Pau Torres

Pau Torres is one of the greatest ball-playing defenders in football. He is one of the regular starters for Spain's national team. Torres nurtured his talent at Villareal's academy and played over 130 games for the senior team. He also played for Malaga before joining Aston Villa in July 2023.

• Date of birth: 16 January 1997
• Age: 27 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Villarreal, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Jersey number: 14, 4
• Market price: $48.9 million

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7. Kalidou Koulibaly

The former Chelsea centre-back is known for his excellent ball possession, aerial ability, intelligence, and tackling skills. Koulibaly captained Senegal to their first Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022 and helped them qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He joined Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League in June 2023.

• Date of birth: 20 June 1991
• Age: 32 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France
• Nationality: Senegalese
• Jersey number: 3
• Market price: $12 million

6. Alessandro Bastoni

Bastoni has established himself among the best-rising stars in his position. The young centre-half has impressive distribution skills and can initiate attacks from the back. He is one of the key players in Inter Milan's squad, dominating Serie A.

• Date of birth: 13 April 1999
• Age: 24 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Casalmaggiore, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Jersey number: 95
• Market price: $76 million

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5. Joško Gvardiol

Gvardiol is one of the top young left-footed centre-backs in football. He rose to prominence after performing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third. As reported by Sky Sports, the talented defender joined Manchester City in August 2023 for a record fee of $97.8 million from RB Leipzig.

• Date of birth: 3 January 2002
• Age: 22 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Zagreb, Croatia
• Nationality: Croatian
• Jersey number: 24, 20
• Market price: $81.5 million

4. David Alaba

The Austrian is one of the best players of his generation. As a teenager, Alaba broke through at Bayern Munich, playing left-back. He later converted to a centre-back, a position he has excelled in since joining Real Madrid. The world-class defender is known for his versatility, speed, and technical skills.

• Date of birth: 24 June 1992
• Age: 31 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
• Nationality: Austrian
• Jersey number: 4
• Market price: $27 million

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3. Lisandro Martinez

'The Butcher' has won the hearts of Premier League fans with his outstanding defensive displays and impressive ball distribution skills. Martinez joined Manchester United in July 2022 and has quickly established himself among the best centre-halves. He was part of the Argentine team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

• Date of birth: 18 January 1998
• Age: 26 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Gualeguay, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine
• Jersey number: 6, 25
• Market price: $48.7 million

2. Gabriel Magalhaes

The Arsenal defender has become among the best left-footed centre-backs in the Premier League. Gabriel is one of the most influential figures in the club. His partnership with William Saliba has strengthened the team's defence and improved their performance under Mikel Arteta.

• Date of birth: 19 December 1997
• Age: 26 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Jersey number: 6
• Market price: $70 million

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1. Presnel Kimpembe

Kimpembe has displayed his defensive skills at Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. He is among the most sought-after left-footed centre-halves because of his tackling skills, leadership, and ball-playing abilities. The defender won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France but missed the 2022 edition due to injury.

• Date of birth: 13 August 1995
• Age: 28 (as of March 2024)
• Birthplace: Beaumont-sur-Oise, France
• Nationality: French
• Jersey number: 3
• Market price: $16 million

Frequently asked questions

The role of the left-footed centre-backs has evolved with changes in football formations and build-up plays from defence. The position requires exceptional mental and physical attributes and the ability to lead and organise a defensive line.

Who are the best left-footed centre-backs of all time?

Footie Hound ranked the top five best left-footed centre-backs in FIFA rankings, led by Italian and AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini. Other top footballers who excelled in the position include Frank De Boer, Walter Samuel, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gabriel Heinze.

Who are the top 20 best left-footed football players as of 2023?

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Who are the top-rated left-footed centre-backs in FC24?

Real Madrid's David Alaba and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan are the highly-rated left-footed centre-halves in Electronic Arts, with an overall rating of 85. Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez has a rating of 84.

Can you be a left-footed right-back?

Right-backs are generally right-footed to allow them to cross the ball using their strong foot (right). However, left-footed defenders can play in right back if their right foot is strong. Many full-backs have switched positions as makeshifts to cover for their injured colleague and excelled in their new roles.

Final word

Most teams have struggled to replace their left-footed centre-backs because of their scarcity. Some deploy right-footed defenders with good left foot to occupy the left side of the defence. The demand for left-footed centre-backs has increased significantly because of the changing nature of the game.

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