'I can't wait' – LAFC star Son Heung-min reveals Tottenham homecoming plan

Los Angeles FC star Son Heung-min says he "can't wait" to return to Tottenham so he can bid a proper goodbye to supporters. The South Korean forward wants to step back into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and thank the supporters who shaped his Premier League legacy. His time in north London ended in the summer as LAFC sealed a £20 million ($27m) deal to lure him to California.

Son promises emotional return to north London

From his arrival in 2015 after spells at Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen, to his final act as captain lifting the Europa League trophy in 2025, Son embodied passion and dedication. He played 445 games and scored 173 goals, becoming not just a fan favourite but a symbol of loyalty in an era when few players stay long enough to become club icons. However, his final game in Tottenham colours came thousands of miles away during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul. The lack of a proper farewell never sat right with Son. Now, as he plans a return to north London, fans are preparing for what could be one of the most emotional days in the club’s recent history.

In an interview with , Son spoke with his trademark humility as he described his longing to reunite with the Spurs faithful. 

"I definitely think this is the right time to say, because at the time the transfer was going on and the last game was in Korea, obviously I will go back to London to see all the Spurs fans," he said. "I think I deserve to say goodbye in front of all of them, and also, they deserve to see me in a physical sense to say goodbye. It’s going to be a very emotional day as well, but I think I definitely can’t wait to go back to London and see all the Spurs fans."

AdvertisementAFPShining in LA: A new chapter of stardom for Son

Since making the transatlantic switch, Son has adapted to life in Los Angeles with ease. The Korean forward has been electric for LAFC, scoring nine goals and assisting three more in just 10 league games. His influence extends far beyond the field as LAFC’s social media engagement has exploded by an astonishing 594 per cent, generating a mind-blowing 34 billion views worldwide since his arrival. Merchandise sales have soared, too, as Son’s LAFC jersey is now outselling those of global icons, including Inter Miami's Lionel Messi.

European shores are still an option for Son

While Son appears fully committed to LAFC, European football may not be done with him yet. According to , the forward could be offered a short-term loan spell back in Europe during the MLS off-season due to the alleged presence of a 'in his contract, following the same path blazed by ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham during his LA Galaxy days. The former England skipper famously joined AC Milan twice while in MLS, and reports suggest that the Italian giants are already interested in repeating history with Son. However, Milan are not alone. There’s growing speculation that Tottenham could explore a stunning reunion, giving Son the chance to wear the white shirt once more, even if only for a few months. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich, home to his old strike partner Harry Kane, have been linked with a possible move, while Barcelona are said to be monitoring the situation closely, according to Son’s long-term plans are already intertwined with one major goal, which is the 2026 World Cup. By staying fit and competitive, he’ll be perfectly placed to lead South Korea into another global campaign. However, to maintain his sharpness, a European return before that tournament could be immensely beneficial. 

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Getty Images SportSon's long-term future secured at LAFC

Son’s deal with LAFC runs until 2027, with options that could keep him in Los Angeles through the 2029 MLS season. For now, he remains focused on helping LAFC reclaim the MLS Cup, a title they last won in 2022, when another Spurs icon, Gareth Bale, sealed victory. Son is set to get back in action on October 29, against Austin in game one of the first round of the playoffs.

Gabriel Moscardo completa 18 anos e já pode ser negociado pelo Corinthians ao exterior

MatériaMais Notícias

Principal ativo do Corinthians, Gabriel Moscardo completou 18 anos na quinta-feira (28) e está liberado para ser negociado com equipes do exterior. Na última janela de transferências, Barcelona e Chelsea disputaram a contratação do volante.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A maioridade faz ele cumprir o Regulamento de Jogadores, alterado pela FIFA em 2001, que impede transferências internacionais envolvendo menores de idade.

A diretoria corintiana sabe que Moscardo será disputado por equipes europeias em janeiro, durante a janela de inverno no Velho Continente, e não pretende vendê-lo por menos de atleta em 30 milhões de euros (R$ 155,5 milhões na cotação atual).

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A ideia é tornar o volante a maior venda da história do clube. A marca pertence a Pedrinho, A maioridade do atleta faz ele cumprir o Regulamento de Jogadores, alterado pela FIFA em 2001, que impede transferências internacionais envolvendo menores de idade, negociado ao Benfica em 2018 por 18 milhões de euros (aproximadamente R$ 93 milhões na ocasião).

Das equipes interessadas, o Chelsea foi quem chegou mais perto de contratar Moscardo na última janela. Os ingleses fizeram uma oferta de 21 milhões de euros (R$ 108,9 milhões), com a possibilidade do valor total aumentar em 4 milhões de euros (R$ 20,7 milhões) em bonificações. No entanto, o Corinthians decidiu segurar o garoto por entender que a revelação pode render cifras ainda maiores ao clube.

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O Chelsea segue conversando com o estafe de Moscardo e aposta na boa relação com Giuliano Bertolucci, empresário do jogador, para superar o Barcelona. Os espanhóis apresentaram uma proposta através do ex-jogador Deco, que desde junho é diretor esportivo do clube catalão.

Além dos dois clubes citados, o camisa 44 corintiano vinha sendo monitorado por pessoas ligadas ao Arsenal e Manchester City quando ele ainda jogava nas categorias de base.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

Gabriel Moscardo teve uma ascensão meteórica no Corinthians. Ele começou o ano no Sub-20, mas rapidamente chamou a atenção de Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Até a demissão de Luxa, o garoto virou titular absoluto na equipe, e um dos queridinhos da torcida.

Moscardo tem contrato com o Timão até julho de 2026, com multa rescisória de 100 milhões de euros (R$ 518,5 milhões) para o mercado internacional,

Not just Haaland: Man City monster already looks like another £100m player

Over the years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have not been short of superstars. Whether they are homegrown players, like Phil Foden, or brought in from other clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, the Spaniard has certainly coached some big names.

Foden is certainly one of the players who could fit into that category, and fellow England international Raheem Sterling became one of the best players in the league under Guardiola. Of course, you have the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri who joined from clubs across Europe, and helped bring success to East Manchester.

One of the latest players who falls into this category is certainly Erling Haaland.

Erling Haaland's current market value

The start that Haaland has made to the 2025/26 campaign has been astronomical. There has only been one game in the top flight in which he has not scored. He has completely dominated the Premier League this season.

Let’s look at that from a numerical point of view. The Norwegian forward has played nine games for City across all competitions, and already has 12 goals.

He’s found the back of the net nine times in seven Premier League appearances, with the other three coming in two Champions League games.

The City number nine has carried his imperious form over to the international arena, too. He’s scored nine goals for Norway this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks and five goals in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Guardiola says Haaland’s form is “better than ever” this season, and it is easy to see why. His unstoppable run is also reflected in his current market value, with CIES Football Observatory deeming him to be worth as much as £208m.

However, the 25-year-old is not the only player in the Citizens squad who looks like a £100m talent in the making, reinforcing the fact that Guardiola’s side is still filled with superstars.

Man City star is looking like a £100m player

Haaland is, without doubt, City’s most important player this season. He’s scored nine of their 15 Premier League goals so far, so they would certainly be a lot lower in the table without him leading the line.

At the other end of the pitch, summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma has made some extremely important contributions.

The Italian goalkeeper joined from Paris Saint-Germain at the back end of the window and has been crucial for Guardiola.

The shot-stopper, who lifted the Champions League with the Parisian side last season, has slotted seamlessly into his new club. Having played six games across all competitions, he’s kept three clean sheets and conceded just four goals.

Saves such as this one from Bryan Mbeumo’s effort show why he will be so important for City. Making his debut in a Manchester derby, the Italian was able to tip wide the Manchester United winger’s strike, which seemed destined for the bottom left corner.

His singing has been a big coup for City. Donnarumma’s consistency for PSG was clear to see with some of his numbers.

He regularly had a save rate in the 70s, with his highest coming in 2023/24, where it stood at 79.1%. In a City shirt, it’s currently at 66.7%.

2021/22 (PSG)

2.9

75.3%

2022/23 (PSG)

3.3

75.2%

2023/24 (PSG)

3.5

79.1%

2024/25 (PSG)

2.3

70.2%

2025/26 (Man City)

1.3

66.7%

One City page over on X, City Chief, said the Citizens have “got a £100m goalkeeper for £25m,” and it certainly feels that way based on Donnarumma’s start to the season.

He has been imperious between the posts for his new side, with his size, reflexes and the way he commands his box making it hard to score past him.

Football scout Antonio Mango once said the former AC Milan star was a “generational” talent. Well, all the evidence this season certainly makes it clear why that is the case. Just like Haaland, Donnarumma has been key to Guardiola in the early parts of the season.

Man City have signed the "best in the world" & he's a new Rodri-type player

Manchester City have a new Rodri-type player in their glittering ranks who is one of the world’s best.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 16, 2025

Crystal Palace see "aggressive" contract rebel as Adam Wharton successor

Crystal Palace have a wealth of assets of interest to some of the world’s best clubs and they could now be lining up a replacement for one star who is attracting attention.

Crystal Palace look to keep hold of Adam Wharton

When thinking of promising Premier League midfielders, Adam Wharton wouldn’t be too far down the public’s list due to his ability to dictate matches in the Eagles’ engine room.

Recently, the England international has attracted interest from Liverpool, and they are unlikely to be the only club keen on his services as he continues to thrive under Oliver Glasner in South London.

Eventually, the time may come for Wharton to move on. However, Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that he doesn’t believe that will be in the imminent future as he is settled at the club.

He stated: “It doesn’t seem he’s in any real massive rush to leave Palace right now, he’s enjoying his football and playing week in, week out in the Premier League. He has become a key man in Glasner’s side with Palace doing so well at the moment, having won the FA Cup last year and playing in Europe.

“It seems Wharton is happy with life at Selhurst Park, but his form and performances will attract interest from other clubs.”

Talks on: Crystal Palace lead Wolves to sign "finisher" who shocked Chelsea

Negotiations have been opened.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 1, 2025

Either way, Glasner isn’t hanging around as he looks to strengthen the engine room and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher could return to Crystal Palace in January, even if he isn’t short on options from elsewhere.

Wheels are already in motion as the Eagles look to take their recruitment to new heights, and they could now be sizing up a move for another midfielder as part of a potential contingency plan.

Crystal Palace want to sign Nicolas Raskin

According to reports in Spain, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, and they feel his attributes could be suited to their deep-lying midfield role if Wharton were to depart Selhurst Park.

The Belgium international has registered a goal and four assists in 14 appearances this term across all competitions, though he was also frozen out while Russell Martin was in charge and hasn’t been able to help the Scottish Premiership outfit arrest their wretched run of form.

Five similar players to Nicolas Raskin (FBRef)

Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United

Rocco Reitz

Borussia Monchengladbach

Anton Stach

Leeds United

Jan Schoppner

Heidenheim

Christian Norgaard

Arsenal

With his contract due to expire in 2027, there is potential for Crystal Palace to land the 24-year-old on a cut-price deal if he opts not to renew his terms at Ibrox.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how that will play out, but Besiktas are also said to be keen on luring him to Turkey, providing competition for the Premier League high-flyers if they wish to strengthen their midfield.

Labelled “aggressive” by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, Rangers will push for him to stay, though the Eagles will hope the lure of top-flight exposure will be enough for their target to leave Glasgow.

Rodgers says "excellent" under the radar Celtic star is impressing in training

Celtic were in action against Hibernian on Saturday, and one star caught the eye more than most for Brendan Rodgers on an occasion that ultimately ended in frustration.

Celtic have to settle for a point against Hibernian

Despite their best efforts, Celtic had to settle for a point at home to Hibernian on Saturday in a goalless draw mired by frustration due to their lack of potency in the final third.

Statistically, the Scottish Premiership holders racked up 26 shots and an Expected Goals tally of 3.00, per Fotmob. Nevertheless, some excellent stops from Raphael Sallinger and a host of missed chances meant a share of the spoils at Parkhead.

Opting not to criticise his players too much after a day where luck wasn’t on their side, Rodgers praised Celtic for their ‘dominant’ performance, also offering credit to Hibernian for their robust display. He stated via BBC Sport:

“I was happy with the performance. I think every metric in the game, we were dominant. I thought today our football was really good, we went through the pitch well but we just lacked that killer instinct in the box. But I also think they defended the box really well so we need to credit Hibs for that.”

Kelechi Iheanacho couldn’t convert his chances against Hibernian despite being heavily involved in attacking moves, while Arne Engels and Luke McCowan didn’t do enough to convince supporters they are worthy of a regular place in the engine room after rare starts.

Perspective is needed in light of the Hoops’ opportunity creation, but they are now two points behind Heart of Midlothian in the league standings as they now focus on facing Braga in the Europa League next Thursday.

Regardless, one Celtic performer did take his chance against Hibernian, earning praise from the manager after an impactful display on an otherwise forgettable afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers delighted with Celtic left-back Marcelo Saracchi

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Rodgers made his appreciation known for loanee Marcelo Saracchi after his ‘excellent’ performance against Hibernian.

Detailing his consistency in training, he stated via The Daily Record: “Marcelo was excellent with his attitude to the game and his confidence. He’s an experienced player having played at a high level.

Marcelo Saracchi’s performance vs Hibernian

Chances created

3

Passes completed

84/90 (90%)

Shots

2

Passes into final third

17

Recoveries

6

All statistics via Fotmob

“Working with so many South American players, it’s an obligation, they’re not timid, they’re aggressive and strong and very committed and when we have the ball, he wants to play forward and come into those nice spaces.

“He’s made a really good impact coming into training. That attitude I like. You need that personality at a club like this. Some can be overawed, and you have to be patient, but he was excellent.”

Ultimately, Saracchi was a shining light for Celtic and proved his worth as an able deputy to Kieran Tierney, who is still working to reach full fitness after his summer move from Arsenal.

The Uruguay international has made an impressive start to life at the club and supporters will be excited to see more of the left-back in weeks to come.

آس: جولر يُلزم ريال مدريد بـ مليوني يورو لناديه السابق

أصبح نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني مُلزمًا بدفع مبلغ قيمته مليوني يورو بسبب لاعبه التركي أردا جولر، بحسب ما أفادت تقارير صحفية.

وأثبت جولر نفسه في صفوف ريال مدريد، ونجح في اكتساب ثقة مديره الفني تشابي ألونسو، وبدأ في الحصول على فرص كافية للعب بالفعل.

حتى الآن، شارك جولر في جميع مباريات ريال مدريد الـ14 في مختلف المسابقات، بواقع 929 دقيقة لعب، وسجل خلالها ثلاثة أهداف وساهم بـ6 تمريرات حاسمة.

وبحسب ما أفادت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، سيتعين على ريال مدريد دفع مليوني يورو لفنربخشة بعد أن وصل جولر إلى 75 مباراة مع النادي الملكي.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقارير: نجم ليفربول على رادار ريال مدريد تمهيدًا لضمه في يناير

ويرجع ذلك إلى بند يتعلق بالأداء في عقد جولر، حين انتقل من صفوف فنربخشة التركي إلى ريال مدريد.

كما أنه بمجرد أن يصل جولر إلى 100 مباراة، سيدفع ريال مدريد مليوني يورو لفنربخشة، وكذلك الأمر عند وصوله إلى 125 مباراة مع الميرنجي.

ويتصدر ريال مدريد ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 30 نقطة، يليه برشلونة في المركز الثاني بـ 25 نقطة.

ويستعد ريال مدريد لمواجهة قوية في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بإطار مرحلة الدوري، حيث يواجه خصمه ليفربول الإنجليزي.

Wells, Jennings fight for Lancashire after Compton century drives Kent

Anderson claims two early wickets before visiting captain takes command for his side

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025

Ben Compton heaves the ball leg side•Luke Adams

Having watched Kent bat for nearly a day and a half to make 374, Lancashire produced a determined response in the long evening session at Blackpool to finish on 120 for one and leave this Rothesay County Championship match fairly evenly poised with two days left to play.Ben Compton’s 135 was the centrepiece of his side’s 374 but Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings put on 119 to give supporters a faint hope they might bat past the visitors’ score and give their bowlers a chance of forcing their team’s first Championship victory of the season on the final day.For their part, Kent’s supporters will have been encouraged by the departure of Jennings, who was lbw to Joey Evison for 49 three overs before the close, and by the help Jack Leaning extracted from this slow pitch, especially when bowling outside the two left-handers’ off stumps. It all suggests that this match between the bottom sides in Division Two could be set for a fascinating conclusion over the next two days.The morning began almost perfectly for Lancashire when James Anderson had both Leaning and Evison caught at short midwicket by Josh Bohannon inside his opening two overs.But having dismissed Leaning for four and Evison for a 12-ball nought, the home side enjoyed no further successes in the first session. Instead, Compton reached his fourth century of the season -and also his fourth against Lancashire – off 201 balls when he back cut Mitch Stanley to the rope.By lunch, the Kent skipper was unbeaten on 124 and Harry Finch was 28 not out. The pair had put on 60 for the sixth wicket and the second new ball, which was eleven overs old, was hitting the middle of their bats.That trend continued for the first 40 minutes of the afternoon session. But just at the point when it was tricky to see where Lancashire’s next wicket might come from, Anderson’s bowlers removed both batsmen, Finch, caught behind off Balderson for 52, and Compton, similarly snaffled by Hurst in the next over when nibbling at a ball from Green, for 135. The Kent skipper has batted 402 minutes, faced 296 balls and hit 15 fours and a six.Grant Stewart followed five overs later when his skier was caught at mid-off by Bohannon, whose third catch of the day also gave Mitch Stanley his maiden first-class wicket. Matt Parkinson perished to Wells’ leg spin for 11 but Wes Agar enlivened the play before tea by smashing three big sixes in his 41 before he was caught at long off by Stanley long-off Bailey.That wicket ended the Kent innings on 374 with the wickets spread among six bowlers. Balderson was the best and most successful with three for 54. Anderson took two for 51 and Green bagged two for 104 from 37 overs.Despite frequent appeals and a few near things Wells and Jennings batted with increasing confidence in the 38-over evening session, Wells reaching his fifty off 97 balls with seven fours and a six and finishing unbeaten on 57. Nightwatchman Tom Bailey was nought not out at the close

Gilberto Silva's "honest" verdict on Martin Zubimendi's start at Arsenal

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has delivered his verdict on how Martin Zubimendi has taken to life at the Emirates Stadium.

Gunners off to a flying start to the season

After coming second in the Premier League three years on the spin, Mikel Arteta identified the need to strengthen his squad considerably in the summer transfer window, and spent heavily, bolstering his options in a number of key areas.

Viktor Gyokeres was arguably the statement signing, amid widespread demand for Arteta to bring in a new striker, and the Sweden international is off to a solid, if not spectacular start, having scored three goals in his opening seven league games.

Folllowing the departure of Thomas Partey, it was also vital to strengthen in midfield, and Zubimendi was among the most notable additions, with the Spain international starting six of the seven Premier League games up to this point.

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This former Arsenal forward would be an upgrade on the current frontman at Arteta’s disposal.

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As such, the Spaniard has clearly managed to impress Arteta, and he has also caught the eye of Gilberto Silva, despite the Brazilian admitting he wasn’t aware of who he was before the Gunners finalised a summer deal.

Zubimendi establishing himself as key player for Arsenal

It is no surprise that Arteta has started the Spain international so consistently, considering he has put in some fantastic performances in the Premier League, averaging a 7.33 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest figure of any Arsenal player.

The 26-year-old also won the Guinness Goal of the Month award for September, courtesy of a phenomenal strike in the 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, during which he scored two goals in one game for the first time in his career.

There were some concerns that Zubimendi’s new midfield partner, Rice, may have been ruled out due to injury, but the 26-year-old featured in England’s 3-0 victory over Wales, meaning he looks on course to be available for the trip to Fulham next weekend.

Peter Crouch reacts to Erling Haaland's hilarious interpretation of the Liverpool & England cult hero's 'robot' celebration after another Man City goal

Former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch reacted to Erling Haaland's hilarious impression of his famous 'robot celebration' after scoring against Bournemouth on Sunday. The Norwegian goal machine scored a brace in City's dominant 3-1 win over Bournemouth as Pep Guardiola's side moved up to second in the Premier League table.

Haaland imitates Crouch

After a disappointing loss to Aston Villa away from home, City bounced back in style to humble a high-flying Bournemouth side as they thrashed the Cherries 3-1. Haaland opened the scoring in the 17th minute before doubling the team's lead just past the half-hour mark. Nico O'Reilly then sealed the fate of the game with a third goal in the 60th minute. Tyler Adams had found one for his team in the 25th minute but it was Guardiola's men in the end, who walked off the pitch with all three points and reduced their gap with league leaders Arsenal to six points.

Following his 17th-minute opener, which Haaland scored with a brilliant solo run, the goal machine ran towards the right edge of the penalty box before pulling off the 'robot' celebration. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesCrouch reacts to Haaland's celebration

Crouch pulled off the 'robot' celebration for the first time almost two decades ago after he scored for England in a friendly against Hungary. He later repeated the celebration during a victory over Jamaica and then again after scoring his 100th Premier League goal, while playing for Stoke City. 

The ex-Reds forward later shared a video on social media with two laughing emojis. He had earlier written, reacting to Haaland's celebration: "I walked so they could run."

How Haaland reacted to his goals?

Speaking to after the game, Haaland said: "Important win. It is good to bounce back after losing a bad away game. It was nice. I tried to contribute for the team by doing my job. It is good to win. Now two more important games to come, so keep focusing. I didn't score last game. I try to help the team to win. That is my goal and even by scoring or helping in winning duels it doesn't matter. I want to help the team become better, that is my job."

Bournemouth captain David Brooks was in awe of the City star as he told : "We look to press but Manchester City are extremely comfortable on the ball. In the first half we created a lot of opportunities for ourselves through the press. But the big man up top for them – Haaland – is always going to be a threat. It's almost impossible [to prepare to face Haaland]. He's 6ft 5in, strong, a massive threat when the ball is falling to him. He took his chances well. "It was always going to be a tough game against Manchester City. It's probably the hardest week to prepare for. We knew we had to come here and be the best version of ourselves. A few minor details cost us today."

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Haaland has reached Messi and Ronaldo's level, says Pep

Reacting to yet another stellar performance from Haaland, City boss Guardiola said: "Have you seen the numbers of that guy? Of course, he has [reached their level]. The numbers from Cristiano and Messi have been for 15 years, Messi is still scoring two, three goals every game and Cristiano in Saudi Arabia, the same. This is that level. The first goal, the way he shoots the ball, going down on the grass saying ‘I am going to score this’. I have said many times, he is incredibly coachable and I am tough with him sometimes. I always try to be open-minded with him and there are players who say ‘what are you talking about?’ He is completely down to earth; he wants to do it and he lives for the goals. Without him it would be tough to be honest."

The Greatest 20 Right-Backs in Football History

Some of the best right-backs in today’s game are arguably even better going forward than they are at the back.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold are viewed as the greatest right-backs currently, however, in generations gone by, we have seen some unbelievable full-backs on the right-hand side.

The Best 15 Right-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Where does new Real Madrid star Alexander-Arnold rank?

1 ByCharlie Smith Oct 8, 2025

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest right-backs in footballing history, factoring in their longevity and consistency at the highest level, while also looking at their team and personal accolades.

20 Maicon

Starting off the countdown is Maicon, one of numerous Brazilian right-backs to be included. Best known for his time at Inter Milan, Maicon looked like a centre-back but had all the power, athleticism and final third product to make him a world-class full-back.

He won the Champions League at Inter Milan as well as lifting four Serie A titles and three Italian Cups, starring under Jose Mourinho.

19 Eric Gerets​

Eric Gerets​ actually began his amateur career as a striker before turning professional with Standard Liege and would end his playing days as one of the best right-backs, recognised by being nominated for the Ballon d’Or on numerous occasions.

Regarded as one of the greatest players in Belgian football history, Gerets ended his career as part of a dominant PSV side, winning six Eredivisie titles in seven years during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as lifting the European Cup.

18 Claudio Gentile

A key part of Italy’s 1982 winning World Cup team, Claudio Gentile’s style of play was no-nonsense, something which saw him have a brilliant 17-year career.

Gentile was anything but gentle in the tackle and has gone down as a Juventus legend, being inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2025.

He was included in the Team of the Tournament in the 1980 Euros and 1982 World Cup, highlighting the impact he made.

17 Kyle Walker

In his prime, there was no getting past Kyle Walker, who is arguably one of the quickest right-backs of all time.

As well as his blistering pace, Walker was solid defensively and got forward regularly, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League at Man City. A key part of Pep Guardiola’s dominant side, Walker also has just under 100 England caps.

16 ​​​​​Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid icon Dani Carvajal may not be the most eye-catching right-back in history, however, his longevity and consistency earn him a place in the top 20.

Lifting an incredible six Champions League titles at the Bernabeu and the Euros with Spain, the Madrid captain is one of the most successful right-backs in history and will rightly go down as a Los Blancos legend.

15 Manfred Kaltz

German right-back and Hamburger SV legend Manfred Kaltz spent over 18 years across the 1970s and 1980s, winning two Bundesliga crowns, two DFB-Pokal titles and the European Cup during his club career.

He lifted the Euros in 1980 with Germany and was known for making an impact in the final third, scoring more than 100 goals in his career.

14 Manuel Amoros

Manuel Amoros won multiple league titles with Monaco and Marseille during his club career, while on the international stage with France, lifted the Euros in 1984.

His career lasted 17 years and his performances rarely dipped, resulting in his winning 82 caps for his country and making 500 club appearances.

13 Wim Suurbier

Dutch star Wim Suurbier helped Ajax dominate European football under Rinus Michels and Stefan Kovacs under the club’s famous Total Football philosophy.

A key member of the side that won three successive European Cups in the 1970s, Suurbier also helped the Netherlands to two World Cup finals and was known for his explosive pace and technical ability.

12 Gary Neville

Although he won’t admit it, Gary Neville was a key part of Man Utd’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson and spent his entire career at Old Trafford.

An excellent crosser, Neville was brilliant defensively, winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups. He made a whopping 600 appearances for United and was capped 85 times by England.

11 Mauro Tassotti

AC Milan legend Mauro Tassotti spent 17 years at the San Siro, winning 19 honours and making just under 600 appearances for the Italian giants.

A member of one of the world’s greatest defences alongside Franco Baresi and Filippo Galli, Tassotti helped transform the right-back role in the 1980s and 1990s, with his attacking qualities being an inspiration for others.

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