In this article, we present to you our picks of the 10 best male fullbacks of 2024 that shone while plying their trade in Europe.
The role of the fullback in football has undergone a significant transformation over the last decade. Traditionally known for their defensive duties, modern fullbacks are now expected to contribute much more to their team’s attacking play.
A modern fullback is not just a defender; they are dynamic, versatile players who make forward runs, deliver crosses, and provide key passes to the forwards. Finding a fullback that can balance these defensive and attacking responsibilities is akin to slotting in the final piece of the jigsaw that completes the entire puzzle.
Top European leagues have been fortunate to witness the rise of world-class fullbacks who excel in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. These players not only defend with precision and tackle opposition attackers, they also have the ability to push forward, overlap with wingers, and whip in dangerous curling crosses into the box.
The rankings below are based on following criteria:
- Performances, potential. and consistency
- Importance and relevance to his team
- Success or trophies won
The stats mentioned have been accumulated from Transfermarkt and Fbref. For simplicity, we have also included players that operated as wingbacks last year.
10. Maximilian Mittelstadt | Germany | VfB Stuttgart
Maximilian Mittlestadt plays as a left-back for Stuttgart and has been sensational for them since joining the club in 2023. The 2023/24 season was his breakthrough season that also saw him included in the Germany squad for the Euros, where he featured in a few games as well. In 2023/24, his strong performances helped Stuttgart qualify for the Champions League for the 2024/25 season. He has already bagged one goal and four assists in 15 games for Stuttgart so far this season.
Mittlestadt is in the 89th percentile for successful dribbles for a fullback. Along with excellent dribbling skills, he has a decent left foot that helps in picking passes from open play and set-pieces. He is also an attack-minded player and likes to go forward, but his defensive skills are equally strong and he has a tackle rate of 3.14 per 90 minutes, an interception rate of 1.22 per 90 minutes, and a block rate of 1.31 per 90 minutes this season, landing him in the top pile of high-performing fullbacks in Europe.
Mittlestadt is a vital cog in Sebastien Hoeneß’s Stuttgart machine and has been one of the best fullbacks in Europe in the year gone by. Along with Stuttgart, it looks like he might have also solved Germany’s problem of finding a consistent, top-class left-back.
9. Federico Dimarco | Italy | FC Internazionale Milano
Federico Dimarco has been one of the standout players in the recent successes of Inter Milan. Dimarco plays as a left-wingback. A product of Inter’s youth academy, Dimarco has grown through the ranks to become one of the top fullbacks in European football.
Dimarco had an incredible 2023/24 season as he bagged six goals and grabbed eight assists in 40 games. He has continued his top form in the 2024/25 season as well with three goals and five assists in 22 games so far. Defensively he might be a bit susceptible, but he more than makes up for it with his attacking prowess.
The 27-year-old has been an important creative outlet for Inter. He’s known for his pace, dribbling, crossing, eye for goal, and is very dangerous from outside the box. He has exceptional technical skills and strength that enable him to help his team both in offence and defence.
Even though the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have shown interest in the Italian fullback, it does not like Dimarco has any intention of leaving the Nerazzurri and remains vital to Simon Inzaghi’s plans for the future.
8. Theo Hernández | France | AC Milan
Theo Hernández has been one of the best attacking fullbacks in Europe and has been consistent for both club and country for a while now. Playing at left-back for both AC Milan and France, Hernández has been one of the shining lights in an otherwise drab Milan side.
Hernández registered five goals and 11 assists in 46 games in 2023/24 for his club. So far in 2024/25, he has three goals and assists each to his name in 22 games. His attacking ability is incredible, but he contributes defensively as well and gets in important tackles and interceptions to break up opposition play.
Hernández is known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. He is also good in aerial duels and is a progressive passer of the ball. He is a dangerous opponent going forward, and even though he could do with more work on his defensive ability, he still puts in a lot of effort at the back.
Another example of a modern-day fullback that contributes immensely to attack rather than just defence, it’s players like Hernández who are transforming football and the expectations around fullbacks.
7. Pedro Porro | Spain | Tottenham Hotspur FC
Since arriving in England from Sporting CP in January 2023, Pedro Porro has been a hit in the Premier League. He was the top-scoring fullback in the 2023/24 season, having a stellar campaign for Spurs that grabbed eyeballs from clubs all over Europe.
Porro had four goals and seven assists in 37 games for Spurs in the 2023/24 season and already has two goals and five assists in 2024/25, even though Spurs have been struggling. In addition to his offensive strengths, he is also brilliant defensively. He has a tackle rate of 1.17 per 90 minutes, a block rate of 1.63 per 90 minutes, and a clearance rate of 3.04 per 90 minutes this season.
Porro is known for his passing, tackling ability, and set-piece delivery. He ranks very highly on the list for progressive passes per 90 minutes. He is also a very good tackler, and his crosses from corners and free kicks have often resulted in goals.
Porro has shone in an otherwise struggling Spurs side, and it’s only a matter of time before he leaves North London for an elite European side, granted his consistent performances continue.
6. Denzel Dumfries | Netherlands | FC Internazionale Milano
Denzel Dumfries is another vital cog in the Inter back line that has been one of the most robust in Europe. The Dutch right-back has been quite a revelation since his move to San Siro in 2021. He is also a regular starter for the Netherlands national team and represented them in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Euros.
Dumfries plays as a right-wingback for Simone Inzaghi. He registered four goals and six assists in 36 games last season and has five goals and two assists in 23 games in this one, having also contributed massively to Inter’s solid defensive numbers—as they conceded only 22 goals in 2023/24 to lift the Scudetto and are currently on course to repeat the feat as the top the Serie A table.
Dumfries is known for his strength, speed, and aerial ability. He is a dangerous player on that right flank, presses high up the pitch, and gets into good areas in the final third. Defensively, he is a solid presence at the back, and even though technically he may not be as gifted as other players in his position, he is a hard worker who shows a lot of commitment to his job every single game.
Dumfries has firmly established himself as one of the top defenders in Europe despite initial doubts surrounding his ability. He has demonstrated remarkable dedication, working tirelessly to improve and consistently delivering impressive performances for both his club and country.
Also read: Top 10 wingers in Europe in 2024
5. Joško Gvardiol | Croatia | Manchester City FC
Joško Gvardiol first came to international prominence with his exceptional performances for Croatia during the 2022 World Cup. His displays at the tournament showcased his defensive prowess, earning him widespread recognition. This ultimately led to Manchester City securing his services in the summer of 2023. Since his arrival at the club, he has been deployed mostly as a left-back by Pep Guardiola, and even though he can play a left-footed centre-back, he has excelled on the left side of the defensive back line for the Cityzens.
Gvardiol was crucial for Manchester City winning the Premier League last season and also contributed with massive goals to ensure City went deep in the Champions League. In 2023/24, he had five goals and three assists in 46 games. This season, even though City have struggled to find their usual rhythm, he has popped up with four goals. In addition to his attacking ability, then young Croat is a strong defender who can break up opposition play, and his aerial ability is second to none. He has an interception rate of 1.07 per 90 minutes and blocks 1.32 times per 90 minutes. His aerial duels put in the 91st percentile among all defenders in Europe.
Gvardiol is a highly talented hybrid ball-playing defender and rightly regarded as one of the best in Europe. Manchester City’s significant investment in him has proven to be excellent business, with Gvardiol’s versatility offering Guardiola many tactical options. At just 22 years old, he is yet to reach his peak.
4. Jeremie Frimpong | Netherlands | Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Jeremie Frimpong had a remarkable season with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24 as he helped his side win two domestic titles and reach the Europa League final, which is the only game they lost all season. He plays as a right-wingback and right-back for Bayer in the German Bundesliga.
Frimpong’s incredible 2023/24 season saw him deliver 14 goals and 12 assists in 47 games for Leverkusen. It wasn’t a one-off campaign, though, as he has continued to put up great numbers in the 2024/25 season and already has two goals and eight assists in 24 games.
Since he plays more often as a wingback in Xabi Alonso’s 3-5-2 formation at Leverkusen, he is mostly expected to maintain width on the right flank and provide more in attack than in defence, hence his attacking numbers far outweigh his defensive ones. Frimpong has a great combination of speed and dribbling, and he can manoeuvre through tight spaces and provide pin-point crosses in the box. His speed enables him to switch from defence to offence and start counterattacking moves.
The Netherlands international was one of the best attacking wingbacks in Europe last season, and it won’t be easy for Leverkusen to hold on to him when the big clubs come calling.
3. Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain FC
The former Real Madrid academy talent was one of PSG’s star players even when the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Leo Messi, and Neymar were at the club. Hakimi plays as a right-back or right-fullback for PSG and Morocco and has grown into one of the best in those positions over the past few seasons.
Hakimi contributed five goals and seven assists in 40 games in 2023/24 as PSG retained their Ligue 1 title. He has continued to impress with three goals and seven assists in 22 games so far this season. He is another modern-day fullback who is more attack-minded but equally adept in defence.
Hakimi is fast, superb in 1v1 situations, and can spray long accurate passes from deeper areas of the pitch. He was initially trained as a winger but can also play as a centre-back due to his strong physical presence.
Hakimi has been vital for PSG as both an attacking option and a defensive presence, which has enabled the Parisian side to dominate the French topflight. Such has been his form that Real Madrid have been considering bringing him back to the Bernabéu.
2. Dani Carvajal | Spain | Real Madrid CF
Dani Carvajal had the most incredible year in 2024, winning every trophy possible with both club and country. While in previous seasons he didn’t really earn credit for his club’s success, this past year he was mighty impressive and deserved all the accolades that came his way.
Carvajal had a stellar 2023/24 season that saw him bag six goals and five assists as he contributed to Real Madrid winning LaLiga and the Champions League. He also captained Spain to Euros glory.
The veteran fullback’s defensive numbers also rank higher than most of his counterparts. Sadly, he suffered a season-ending ACL tear ten games into the 2024/25 season, but his performances in the back half of the season before more warrant him his spot on this list.
Carvajal is another aggressive fullback with great technical skills and work rate. He is a tenacious and tactically-intelligent player. Defensively, he is known for his positioning, mentality, tackling, anticipation, and ability to intercept loose balls. Going forward, he is good at crossing and a great aerial threat despite his diminutive stature.
The Real Madrid veteran may be approaching his twilight years, but he is still regarded as an important player by Carlo Ancelotti and his teammates. His unavailability both as a player and a leader has hampered Real Madrid’s season so far.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold | England | Liverpool FC
Trent Alexander-Arnold is, without a doubt, the best attacking fullback in the world right now. The Liverpool right-back has shown ridiculous creative prowess since he was promoted from the Liverpool academy to the first team by former manager Jürgen Klopp.
Alexander-Arnold is already the highest assisting defender in Premier League history with a whopping 62 assists. His creative output is on par with that of a creative midfielder. In 2023/24, he had three goals and nine assists, and this season he has one goal and five assists to his name so far. However, his relevance to this Liverpool side goes beyond these numbers.
Alexander-Arnold is an attack-minded fullback who has great vision and awareness. His passing range is second to none: he can spray accurate cross-field balls to switch play in a matter of seconds, and he can play line-breaking passes over defenders, while also being superb in dead-ball situations. He has a wand of a right foot that can also score powerful long-range screamers. Also, he is versatile enough to be deployed as a wingback or a right-sided midfielder. Much maligned for his defensive frailties over the past few years, this season the England international’s defensive numbers have also massively improved, with his tackles, blocks, and interceptions lying in the 75th percentile in Europe—far better than other attack-minded fullbacks in Europe.
Alexander-Arnold is a world-class talent and has won every possible club trophy with Liverpool. There have been major links with a move to Real Madrid, but considering his importance to them, the Reds will be reluctant to part ways with one of their most-prized assets.
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