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O Paraguai venceu a Ferroviária por 4 a 3, nesta quarta-feira (6), em duelo válido pelo Brasil Ladies Cup, no Estádio Bruno José Daniel. Liz Peña abriu o placar para a seleção paraguaia. Griselda Garay, Cindy Ramos e Liz Barreto ampliaram. Já para as brasileiras, Mylena Carioca (2) e Laryh anotaram os gols.

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Com o resultado, o Paraguai passa a ocupar a terceira posição no Grupo B com 3 pontos, e ultrapassa a Ferroviária.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?

O Paraguai iniciou na partida um pouco mais avançado, criando mais oportunidades, mas sem resultados. Após os 20 minutos do primeiro tempo, a Ferroviária reagiu e começou a levar mais perigo para as adversárias.

Ainda na primeira metade do jogo, a seleção paraguaia abriu o placar com um gol de Liz Peña, após uma cobrança de escanteio. Pouco tempo depois, Mylena Carioca virou o resultado com dois gols para a equipe de Araraquara.

➡️ Flamengo x Santos: onde assistir, horário e prováveis escalações do jogo pelo Brasil Ladies Cup

Já no segundo tempo, o Paraguai voltou ao campo focado e logo Griselda Garay e Cindy Ramos viraram a partida. A Ferroviária voltou a marcar, igualando o placar, com um gol de cabeça de Laryh.

Porém, o resultado não durou muito, e logo Liz Barreto marcou para o Paraguai, decretando a vitória.

➡️ São Paulo dá show e goleia o Atlético Nacional pela Brasil Ladies Cup

✅ O QUE VEM POR AÍ?

O próximo compromisso da seleção paraguaia é contra o Flamengo, o atual campeão do torneio, na próxima sexta-feira (8). Já a Ferroviária enfrenta o Santos no mesmo dia.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has turned down another international call up from Italy for November's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. Manager Gennaro Gattuso has said he has spoken with Chiesa and must respect the 28-year-old's decision not to return to the national team. Chiesa has not played for Italy since Euro 2024 when the Azzurri were knocked out of the tournament in the last 16.

Chiesa turns down another call-up

Chiesa has scored two goals and grabbed three assists for Liverpool so far this season in what has been a generally positive start to the campaign for the Italian. He was even named Liverpool's Player of the Season for September despite not starting a single Premier League game for the club in that time. Gattuso had wanted to call him up for Italy's latest fixtures but has once again seen the forward reject the chance to represent his nation. This is not the first time that Chiesa has turned down Gattuso either. The Italy boss revealed back in September that the Liverpool star had said no: "I spoke with Fede, it was a shared decision. He didn't feel ready to return, he wants to be 100%. We decided it together very calmly."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGattuso hints at problems behind the scenes

The Italy boss spoke about the current situation at a press conference on Monday. He told reporters: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can't say anything else." Gattuso was pressed further on the issue and confirmed the decision has definitely come from the player himself, adding: "Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this."

Can Italy qualify for World Cup 2026?

Chiesa's last appearance for Italy came at Euro 2024 when the Azzurri crashed out of the competition in a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland. The defeat drew huge criticism of the Italian side as Switzerland enjoyed their first victory over the Azzurri in 31 years.

After the tournament, Chiesa moved to Liverpool but endured a injury-plagued first season with the Reds. His injury problems may well be a factor in his thinking and it remains to be seen when he will return to the international team. Italy can still qualify for the World Cup in 2026 despite a campaign that saw Luciano Spalletti sacked a manager in June. Wins in their final two qualifiers will be enough, provided Norway drop points.

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Chiesa was linked with Liverpool exit

Chiesa hasn't had the easiest time at Liverpool since joining andwas linked with a move away in the summer. He eventually opted to stay put and has explained how he's feeling much stronger in the current campaign.

"Last year it was really difficult but I don't think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. But I understood his choices. This year, it is different. I feel much better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities. I'm glad I've made some contributions in the Premier League. That is what Liverpool want from every player who plays for them. It is what the coach wants; all the other players want it, too. If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference," he told .

"I'm very happy for the moment and I have to keep working hard to get more chances in the future. I play for a top club. This is maybe one of the top three in the world. It's Liverpool – of course they are going to buy top players; of course, the competition is high. If I don't want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition! I want to play here and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player. The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed I can help the team."

West Ham desperately need to strengthen the squad in January, and a new report has now shared the state of their transfer budget heading into winter.

The Hammers’ season has quickly become one to forget, with the club enduring a torrid run of form under both Graham Potter and new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

As the campaign slowly heads towards the halfway mark, West Ham have managed just a single league victory and are firmly entrenched in the Premier League’s relegation battle.

The statistics paint a grim picture. West Ham have conceded more goals than any other side in the division, shipping 20 goals in their opening nine games.

Defensive frailties have been obvious, with the team also suffering from a chronic vulnerability at set pieces, conceding nine goals as a direct result from dead balls — again more than any other Premier League side (BBC).

West Ham

9

Nottingham Forest

7

Liverpool

6

Leeds

6

via Opta

Nuno’s men are leaking goals at a rate of more than two per game, and their goal difference ranks as one of the worst in the league.

Offensively, things have not been much better. West Ham have struggled for creativity and cutting edge, finding the back of the net just seven times in the league, and those attacking struggles have only amplified pressure on their embattled backline.

The mood around the London Stadium has really soured, and Nuno’s frustrations are clear as day.

GiveMeSport reports that the manager has demanded urgent action in the winter window, specifically calling for three major signings: a central defender, a midfielder, and a forward.

This is backed up by major news broadcaster Sky Sports as well, who state that West Ham do indeed want a new recruit in all three of those areas as they look to save their season.

West Ham given transfer budget update ahead of January

After they forked out £131 million in the summer transfer window, registering a net spend of around £76 million when factoring in Mohammed Kudus’ sale to Spurs, the question remains: how much money will the Hammers even have to spend?

Well, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, it isn’t good news.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, the reporter claims that West Ham will have a “restricted budget” to play with in January, dealing a blow to Nuno’s hopes of significantly bolstering the squad.

While money may not be available for a lavish spree, the loan market presents a fruitful opportunity for West Ham.

According to recent reports, West Ham have already worked on a potential loan for Ivan Toney, with the England outcast potentially tempted by the prospect of a Premier League return ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that West Ham are speaking to Real Madrid about the possibility of a temporary deal for Endrick, but they’ll have to move quickly and convince the player.

Lyon have now made an official approach for Endrick, according to Fabrizio Romano, so time could be running out there.

That being said, Endrick isn’t the only Brazilian who could be available to Nuno’s side at the turn of the year.

West Ham offered two Brazil strikers with 35 goals between them this year

Martin O’Neill marked his Celtic homecoming with a comprehensive win at Parkhead, and there has been a claim on the chances of him landing the Hoops job on a permanent basis.

O’Neill Celtic return begins with 4-0 win over Falkirk

The 73-year-old former Hoops manager was installed along with ex-Celtic player Shaun Maloney as the interim management team following the stunning resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.

Irish striker Johnny Kenny scored twice in the first half before goals after the break from midfielder Benjamin Nygren and wide-man Sebastian Tounekti took the Hoops to within six points of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts, who drew 2-2 at St Mirren. O’Neill, who was Hoops boss between 2000 and 2005, said:

O’Neill joked about being nervous before the game. He added: “Well, first of all, I jokingly said – maybe true – I have not been as nervous since I sat my 11-plus but, again, I think I passed that when I was 48.

“But honestly, really concerned about the game, naturally. Concerned about the usual thing about letting myself down, which is I’ve done so many times it’s untrue, and letting other people down here at the football club.

“Just coming in a bit of a whirlwind and to play in the manner which we did when I thought was great and obviously most important thing was winning the game. Naturally, I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought the players did really brilliantly.”

Games

266

Wins

200

Draws

26

Losses

40

Trophies

7

Players used

56

Next up for O’Neill and Maloney is Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against rivals Rangers, who are also showing early promising signs under new manager Danny Rohl.

Chances of Celtic making Martin O’Neill permanent manager

Talking to Sky Sports, Tino Callaghan from the Celtic Exchange said that conversations could be had over O’Neill staying on as permanent Celtic manager if the Hoops defeat Rangers on Sunday.

However, Callaghan also added his personal opinion, believing those at Parkhead need to ‘go in a different direction’.

A number of managers have been linked with the permanent job, such as Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Wales’ Craig Bellamy.

How Nicky Haven feels about taking Celtic manager job

O’Neill looks set to be in the dugout at Hampden Park, and if Callaghan’s claim is correct, another positive result may see Celtic chiefs take note and explore the idea of keeping the Irishman on.

Marnus Labuschagne is feeling primed to start his push for a Test recall in time for the Ashes amid the ongoing debate about how Australia’s top three will shape up come Perth in late November.Labuschagne was dropped from the Test side for the first time since 2019 at the start of the recent series in West Indies having averaged 27.82 with one century over the previous two years.There had been some consideration given to him leaving that tour early in order to play either county cricket or for Australia A, but he ended up staying throughout, training extensively with the coaching staff, something he has continued since getting home to Brisbane.Related

• Boland better prepared for anticipated Bazball blitz in Australia

• Ashes questions: Open season, two allrounders, four quicks?

• McDonald: Difficult to make accurate judgements from WI Tests

• Bailey declares Weatherald 'in the mix' for Ashes

“This [being left out] has given me an opportunity to reflect and not having the pressure of the media saying, ‘Marnus has got to go’,” Labuschagne told in his first interview since losing his spot.”I mean that’s part of the game. There is a tipping point but it’s something I thrive on… proving the doubters wrong and being able to find a way. Missing those West Indies Tests gave me the chance to back and think, ‘This is where I want to be and this is how I’m going to get there’.”After the West Indies Tests, head coach Andrew McDonald said Labuschagne’s absence from the side “wasn’t going to be a huge gap.” He could make a return to Australia colours in the ODI series against South Africa later this month having been retained in that squad then will have three Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland before the Ashes side is named in mid-November.Should he make a compelling case for a recall, there remains the question of where he would return in the order with Cameron Green finishing strongly at No. 3 against West Indies in tough batting conditions although there is a scenario where Green drops back down the order should he be available to bowl.Labuschagne’s last Test before his omission saw him pushed up to open in the World Test Championship final against South Africa where he made 17 and 22 and he would gladly take on the role again should that provide his route back.”I would be happy to do that – I would love to,” he said. “If opener is where I need to bat to be playing in the Test team, that’s fine. If you had asked me where I prefer to bat obviously I have batted at three my whole career, but at this stage you don’t get a choice.”I opened in the World Test Championship final and felt I batted quite well. I got in but did not go on with it.”

Callum McGregor and substitute Callum Osmand scored in extra-time as Celtic emerged victors in an epic Premier Sports Cup semi-final against 10-man Rangers at Hampden Park.

With former Hoops boss Martin O’Neill back in the dugout as interim manager after taking over from Brendan Rodgers last Monday – along with Shaun Maloney – Celtic took the lead through Johnny Kenny after 25 minutes and then Gers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was shown a straight red card by referee Nick Walsh for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston.

The Ibrox side, with new head coach Danny Rohl taking charge of his first Old Firm game, fought back in the second half with captain James Tavernier levelling from the spot in the 81st minute to take the game to extra-time.

However, McGregor thundered in a goal three minutes after the restart, before teenager Osmand scored his first Celtic goal 15 minutes later for a 3-1 win which sets up a meeting with St Mirren in the final on December 14 at the national stadium.

An exhausting afternoon began with Celtic quickly into their stride. Japan striker Daizen Maeda was through and shot straight at Jack Butland but the Gers goalkeeper was as bemused as anyone seconds later when Ibrox defender Nasser Djiga’s attempted clearance cannoned off midfielder Nicolas Raskin and ended up in the Rangers net, only for VAR to confirm Maeda was offside in the build-up.

Moments later, Gers striker Youssef Chermiti missed the target from six yards after Mohamed Diomande had picked him out.

However, when Kenny jumped highest in the box to head in an Arne Engels corner with barely a challenge from four blue jerseys around him, Celtic were deservedly ahead.

Butland saved a powerful Kenny drive before Hoops keeper Kasper Schmeichel blocked a Raskin drive with his leg after a Gers counter, then Chermiti failed to connect properly with Tavernier’s free-kick when only two yards from goal.

When the hitherto anonymous Aasgaard was sent packing for a needless lunge at Ralston, Rangers’ task became even more difficult.

There were loud and angry Gers shouts for a red card when Celtic defender Auston Trusty left his boot on Butland’s face after the keeper had gathered the ball but Walsh produced only a yellow.

What VAR said on Trusty yellow card in Celtic vs Rangers

Talking about the incident at half-time on Premier Sports, it was confirmed that “VAR said” Trusty’s challenge was “reckless” but was still only worthy of a yellow card.

Better than Ange: Celtic reach out to hire "tactically unbeatable" manager

كشفت تقارير صحفية، عن الأندية الإنجليزية التي سوف تتأثر بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بسبب اللاعبين الأفارقة الذي سيغادرون أنديتهم بسبب العُرس الدولي.

وتستضيف دولة المغرب منافسات كأس الأمم الإفريقية، والتي تنطلق في 21 ديسمبر المقبل، ويشارك بها منتخب مصر.

ومن المعلوم أن بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تقام في فترة الجفاف بالقارة والتي تشهد هطول أمطار بشكل معتدل عن فترة الصيف، ليكون الطقس مناسبًا لممارسة كرة القدم.

ونشرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” عدد اللاعبين من كل فريق يلعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، سيغيب بسبب كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ووفقًا للصحيفة البريطانية، يكون نادي سندرلاند قد حصل على نصيب الأسد في غياب لاعبيه إذ يغيب عنه 7 لاعبين، ثم نادي وولفرهامبتون يغيب عنه 5 لاعبين، وبنفس العدد لدى نوتنجهام فورست وكريستال بالاس.

ولن تتأثر 3 أندية من إقامة بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا وهم ليدز يونايتد وتشيلسي وآرسنال. قائمة اللاعبين الغائبين عن أندية الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بسبب أمم إفريقيا

سندرلاند: 7 (شمس الدين طالبي، سيمون أدينجرا، برتراند تراوري، آرثر ماسواكو، رينيلدو، نوح صديقي، حبيب ديارا).

وولفرهامبتون: 5 (إيمانويل أغبادو، مارشال مونيتسي، تاواندا شيريوا، جاكسون تشاتشوا، تولو أروكوداري).

كريستال بالاس: 4 (إسماعيل سار، كريستيانتوس أوتشي، شادي رياض، وشيخ دوكوري).

نوتنجهام فورست: 4 (إبراهيما سانجاري، ويلي بولي، أولا أينا، تايو أوونيي).

مانشستر يونايتد: 3 (بريان مبيومو، عماد ديالو، نصير مزراوي).

فولهام: 3 (أليكس إيوبي، كالفين باسي، صامويل تشوكيز).

بيرنلي: 3 (أكسل توانزيبي، لايل فوستر، هانيبال مجبري).

إيفرتون: 3 (إليمان ندياي، إدريسا جاي، آدم أزنو).

مانشستر سيتي: 2 (عمر مرموش، ريان آيت نوري).

برينتفورد: 2 (دانجو واتارا، فرانك أونيكا).

توتنهام: 1-2 (بابا ماتار سار، إيف بيسوما).

ليفربول: 1 (محمد صلاح).

أستون فيلا: 1 (إيفان جيساند).

برايتون: 1 (كارلوس باليبا).

بورنموث: 1 (أمين عدلي).

نيوكاسل: 1 (يوان ويسا).

The San Diego Padres have awoken from their spending slumber and done so in a big way.

On the eve of spring training, the Friars have agreed to a deal with free agent right-hander Nick Pivetta. The 31-year-old is widely considered the top free-agent starter left on the market. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the deal is for four years and $55 million, with a pair of opt-outs.

In 27 appearances (26 starts) during the 2024 season for the Boston Red Sox, Pivetta went 6-12 with a 4.14 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 172 strikeouts in 145 2/3 innings pitched. It was his first season as a full-time starter since 2018 when he was with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pivetta turned down a qualifying offer from the Red Sox, so the Padres will lose their second-highest pick in the 2025 MLB draft for signing him, plus $500,00 from their international bonus pool. The Red Sox would earn the 77th pick overall as compensation.

The Padres have a glaring hole on their staff, as Joe Musgrove will spend the season rehabbing following Tommy John surgery. The rotation will be led by Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish, and Pivetta. The fifth spot will likely come down to a battle between a group featuring Randy Vasquez, Matt Waldron, and Stephen Kolek.

Pivetta turns 32 on Friday, so a deal with opt-outs that allows him to test the market again in search of a big contract makes sense for him.

Barry Ferguson will always be inextricably linked with Rangers.

As a player, he made 422 appearances for the Gers across two spells, winning five Premiership titles as well as five Scottish Cups and five League Cups, leading the team out in Manchester for the 2008 UEFA Cup Final against Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Then, last season, following the sacking of Philippe Clement, Ferguson was appointed interim Rangers manager, winning only six of 15 matches in charge, but knocking Fenerbahçe out of the Europa League and enjoying a victory over Celtic at Parkhead.

He wanted the managerial role full-time but did not get it; he almost certainly would not have done a worse job than Russell Martin, had he been given the opportunity.

As a player, Ferguson boasted all the intangibles supporters love to see, determination, commitment, passion and a will to win, something Danny Röhl’s current squad certainly lacks, but is Rangers’ “best player” starting to show signs of replicating Ferguson?

James Tavernier's role at Rangers

Since joining the club, when they were still in the SPFL Championship, from Wigan Athletic in 2015, James Tavernier has now made 537 appearances for Rangers, scoring a staggering 136 goals and registering 145 assists.

He has won all three domestic honours, while also captaining the team in the Europa League Final in Seville in 2022, as Ferguson had done 14 years earlier, his most recent goal for the club coming at Hampden in defeat to Celtic in the League Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

Last season, for the very first time, Tavernier’s place in the Rangers side came under scrutiny, with some questioning, now 34 years old, if he is the force he once was.

During his brief interim period, Ferguson trialled the Englishman in various positions, right-back, right-wing-back and right-sided centre-back in a three, which was essentially foreshadowing what was to come once Röhl arrived.

The captain has started five of the six matches under the German, the sole exception coming at Easter Road, when he was introduced at half time.

Since Röhl has switched to a back three, Tavernier has most commonly been deployed as a wing-back, although not exclusively, starting as part of the back three against both Kilmarnock and Roma, which is more reflective of Rangers’ lack of high-quality centre-backs, as this role doesn’t get the best out of him.

Nevertheless, as Röhl continues to figure out how to best use his skipper, another of his stars has come to the fore in a way that is reminiscent of Ferguson.

Rangers' "best player" who is Barry Ferguson-esque

It may only be the middle of November, but Nicolas Raskin has already enjoyed, and endured, a roller coaster campaign.

At international level, he has started each of Belgium’s last three World Cup qualifiers, scoring against Kazakhstan in Brussels, establishing himself as a key figure in Rudi Garcia’s team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Meantime, back in Glasgow, Raskin remains a key figure for Rangers, starting all six matches since Röhl was appointed, heading home his second goal of the campaign at Dens on Sunday.

The statistics below emphasise the midfielder’s importance to this team.

Minutes

1,669

5th

Goals

2

5th

Assists

4

1st

Shots per 90

1.4

5th

Big chances created

2

4th

Key passes per 90

1.9

2nd

Tackles per 90

2.2

2nd

Interceptions per 90

0.8

5th

Average rating

7.39

1st

As the table documents, Raskin ranks highly for a wide variety of statistics this season.

He is the club’s leading player in terms of assists, while also second for key passes and tackles per 90, underlining that he is an all-round midfield player.

Following Sunday’s victory at Dundee, speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage, Kris Boyd believes that Raskin is starting to rediscover his “outstanding” form from last season since the appointment of Röhl, while Chris Sutton asserts that he remains Rangers’ “best player”.

So, while the Belgian is stylistically similar to Ferguson, both all-action midfielders, that is not where the similarities end.

In an interview last year, Ferguson revealed that he was informed he should leave Rangers in 2007 following a falling out with manager Paul Le Guen, told “you won’t play for Rangers again”, only for the Frenchman to be sacked soon after, brought straight back into the team under interim boss Ian Durrant.

Well, Raskin endured a near-identical situation, seemingly frozen out by Russell Martin, left on the bench for Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, before being excluded from the matchday squad altogether for home games against Celtic and Hearts.

The Martin vs Raskin battle was when supporters really turned against the manager they never wanted in the first place, very much the beginning of the end for him.

Now back in the side, the Belgian has once again taken on a talismanic leadership role, so Rangers supporters will be hoping he can carry on this excellent form for many more months and years, even if he still requires 306 more appearances to match Ferguson’s legacy.

"Huge potential" Rangers star can become the new Sima & Cerny under Rohl

Rangers youngster who has “huge potential” is becoming Danny Röhl’s new loan star, seeking to replicate Amad, Václav Černý, Abdallah Sima and others.

ByBen Gray Nov 13, 2025

The role of a central defender has changed over time, with those at the very top now not just world-class in the air and in a tackle, but also brilliant in possession with the ball at their feet.

The new generation of centre-backs are crucial to their team’s build-up play and, in some cases, pass more than most midfielders, but who is the best in the world at the back at this moment in time?

Ranking factors

To help rank the centre-backs in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has been performing Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their team Role – how unique their skillset is Reputation – what others are saying about them 15 Willian Pacho PSG and Ecuador

Willian Pacho has gone from strength to strength after joining PSG from Frankfurt in 2024 and now appears to be a regular at the Parc des Princes.

The Ecuador international is still only 23 years of age and has been described as the ‘wall nobody saw coming’ next to Marquinhos.

The €40m fee PSG paid for Pacho is now looking like a smart piece of business, with the player’s market value already increasing to €65m.

Champions League

2025

Ligue 1

2025

UEFA Super Cup

2025

French Cup

2025

French Super Cup

2025

Belgian Pro League

2023

Belgian Cup

2023

Belgian Super Cup

2023

Copa Sudamericana

2019

Ecuadorian Serie A

2021

14 Antonio Rudiger Real Madrid and Germany

Antonio Rudiger has gone from strength to strength after joining Real Madrid from Chelsea back in 2022, so much so that he was linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

Over the last 18 months, Rudiger has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti and Mesut Ozil, who have said the German “is playing at his best” and in his “prime”.

However, he has missed the majority of the 2025/26 season so far with a hamstring injury which has dropped him down the rankings.

La Liga

2024

Champions League

2021, 2024

Europa League

2019

FA Cup

2018

Copa del Rey

2023

FIFA Club World Cup

2022, 2023

UEFA Super Cup

2021, 2022, 2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

Spanish Super Cup

2024

Confederations Cup

2017

13 Eder Militao Real Madrid and Brazil

Dropping down the list due to serious injuries in recent years is Real Madrid’s Eder Militao. The Brazilian was dubbed the “best in the world” at the back by Carlo Ancelotti in 2023 and has won multiple honours at the Bernabeu since 2019.

At the age of 27, Militao should still have plenty of high-level years ahead of him and will be looking to remain fit over the coming seasons.

Champions League

2022, 2024

La Liga

2020, 2022, 2024

Copa America

2019

Copa del Rey

2023

FIFA Club World Cup

2023

UEFA Super Cup

2022, 2024

FIFA Intercontinental Cup

2024

Spanish Super Cup

2020, 2022, 2024

12 Dayot Upamecano Bayern Munich and France

Transformed into Bayern Munich’s Mr. Reliable under Vincent Kompany has been Dayot Upamecano, who has partnered Kim Min-jae at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has said in 2025 that the Frenchman “has become a leader” who “plays strongly and consistently at a high level.” At the age of 26, Upamecano appears to be entering his prime.

Nations League

2021

Bundesliga

2022, 2023, 2025

Austrian Bundesliga

2016, 2017

Austrian Cup

2016, 2017

German Super Cup

2021, 2022

11 Josko Gvardiol Man City and Croatia

Josko Gvardiol stars as a centre-back and sometimes as a left-back for Man City and Croatia.

Used as a centre-back in the Nations League for his country, Gvardiol turned out centrally under Pep Guardiola in the latter stages of the 2024/25 season, with City winning five out of six Premier League games with the 23-year-old at the heart of the defence.

Premier League

2024

HNL

2020, 2021

FIFA Club World Cup

2024

UEFA Super Cup

2023

DFB-Pokal

2021, 2022

Community Shield

2024

Croatian Cup

2021

Croatian Super Cup

2019

10 Alessandro Buongiorno Napoli and Italy

At the top of his game with a career-high €45m Transfermarkt valuation is Napoli and Italy’s Alessandro Buongiorno.

The 25-year-old is “extraordinary in one-on-one situations” and has been key for Napoli under Antonio Conte, winning the Serie A title in 24/25. Should his rapid rise continue, Buongiorno could climb up this list in years to come.

9 Dean Huijsen Real Madrid and Spain

One of the most in-demand defenders of the 2025 summer transfer window was Dean Huijsen, with Real Madrid winning the race to sign the Spaniard from AFC Bournemouth.

Wanted all across Europe, Huijsen starred in the Premier League after leaving Juventus and Tiago Pinto even said he “will be the best central defender in the world in two years”.

Coppa Italia

2024

8 Marquinhos PSG and Brazil

Paris Saint-Germain icon Marquinhos has been leading a new generation of stars at the Parc des Princes under Luis Enrique and has still remained at an extremely high level himself.

Now 31, Marquinhos continues to be a regular in a young PSG side and even became the first player in the club’s history to start 100 matches for PSG in the Champions League.

Ligue 1

2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Copa America

2019

Champions League

2025

Coupe de France

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024

Coupe de la Ligue

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020

French Super Cup

2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025

Copa Libertadores

2012

7 Ruben Dias Man City and Portugal

Ruben Dias is coming up to five years as a Man City player and continues to be a regular under Pep Guardiola, with Transfermarkt having the Portugal starvalued at €65m.

Rated as good as Virgil van Dijk by Jamie Carragher 12 months ago, Dias’ displays have dipped slightly at the Etihad in 2024/25, however, there is no denying his quality.

Premier League

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Nations League

2019

Champions League

2023

FA Cup

2023

League Cup

2021

UEFA Super Cup

2023

Community Shield

2024

FIFA Club World Cup

2024

Liga Portugal

2019

Portuguese Super Cup

2020

6 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace and England

Marc Guehi is becoming one of the most in-demand centre-backs in world football after his move to Liverpool from Crystal Palace collapsed in the summer of 2025.

Now a regular for England and starring at Selhurst Park, Guehi is on course to become a free agent in 2026 and is being linked with the biggest clubs in Europe.

It shows just how good Guehi has been under Oliver Glasner, lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace in 2025.

FA Cup

2025

Community Shield

2025