✅ Alejandro Balde – A young and dynamic left-back for Barcelona, known for his speed, dribbling, and attacking runs, one of the best players in the world. ✅ Nuno Mendes – A solid defender for PSG, combining defensive skills with offensive contributions. ✅ Riccardo Calafiori – A talented defender for Arsenal, recognized for his technical ability and defensive intelligence.
Best Left-Backs in the World (2025) – Key Details
This ranking highlights three of the best left-backs in the world in 2025, based on their performances.
🔹 1. Alejandro Balde (Barcelona) – Ranked #2
⭐ Age: 21 (Born 2003) ⭐ Club: FC Barcelona ⭐ Nationality: Spain ⭐ Playing Style: Explosive pace, dribbling, overlapping runs ⭐ Strengths: ✔️ Exceptional speed & agility ✔️ Strong in 1v1 situations (attacking & defending) ✔️ Good crossing ability ✔️ Versatile – Can play as a wing-back or full-back ✔️ Integral to Barcelona’s build-up play
📌 Balde has emerged as one of the best young left-backs, often compared to Jordi Alba due to his attacking runs and link-up play. His performances in La Liga & Champions League have cemented his status as a top player.
🔹 2. Nuno Mendes (PSG) – Ranked #5
⭐ Age: 22 (Born 2002) ⭐ Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ⭐ Nationality: Portugal ⭐ Playing Style: Defensive solidity with attacking support ⭐ Strengths: ✔️ Quick and physically strong ✔️ Great positional awareness ✔️ Excellent tackling & interceptions ✔️ Can deliver dangerous crosses ✔️ Effective in high-pressing systems
📌 Mendes has been a key player for PSG, combining defensive strength with attacking contributions. He’s also a regular starter for Portugal and is seen as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
🔹 3. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) – Ranked #9
⭐ Age: 22 (Born 2002) ⭐ Club: Arsenal ⭐ Nationality: Italy ⭐ Playing Style: Balanced full-back with technical ability ⭐ Strengths: ✔️ Good defensive positioning ✔️ Strong passing & ball control ✔️ Can play as a center-back if needed ✔️ Composed under pressure ✔️ Contributes in build-up play
📌 Calafiori is a rising star who has impressed in Serie A and now in the Premier League. His ability to defend while also playing progressive passes makes him a unique full-back.
🏆 Summary
Alejandro Balde is an elite attacking left-back.
Nuno Mendes is a balanced full-back, strong both defensively and offensively.
Riccardo Calafiori is a technically gifted defender with great versatility.