In 2025, the top 5 best center backs Ligue 1 2025 are those who combine defensive solidity, leadership, consistency, and modern skills like ball-playing and reading the game. In this article, KMSoccer will take you through the standout center-backs in France’s top division, digging into stats, recent moves, and what makes them excel.
What makes a top center back in Ligue 1 in 2025
Before we roll out the list, here are the criteria used by KMSoccer to pick the best:
- Defensive metrics: clearances, interceptions, aerial duels won, blocks, tackles.
- Minutes played / consistency: regular starter, few injuries, reliable performances.
- Contribution beyond pure defending: ability to pass.
- Impact in big moments: derbies, Champions League, games against title rivals.
The 5 best center backs in Ligue 1 2025
These five defenders stood out over the 2024-25 season and early 2025/26.
| Rank | Player | Club (2024-25) | Why They Stand Out |
| 1. Marquinhos (PSG) | Paris Saint-Germain | Captain, defensive anchor, ball-playing ability | |
| 2. Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens / now moving) | Lens | Youthful, aggressive, rapidly rising in reputation | |
| 3. Leny Yoro (Lille) | Lille OSC | Elite potential, maturity beyond his years | |
| 4. Lucas Beraldo (PSG) | Paris Saint-Germain | Solid performances, good in transitions | |
| 5. (Tie / Honorable mention: several challengers) | — | Depth in quality across Ligue 1 |
Below we explore each in more detail.
Detailed profiles
1. Marquinhos (PSG)
Marquinhos remains at the top of the defensive pyramid in Ligue 1. At 30-31, he still plays huge minutes and maintains excellent defensive metrics. In the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, he helped PSG to a strong defensive record—goals conceded, situational awareness (positioning, timing of interceptions), and comfort under pressure make him an essential part of PSG’s trebles aspirations.
He also contributes in big matches, stepping up when PSG need him most. What gives him the edge is not just what he prevents, but also how he starts plays.
2. Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens)
Khusanov is perhaps Ligue 1’s breakout center back of recent seasons. In 2024-25, he made 30+ appearances for Lens, catching the eyes of big clubs. He combines aggression in duels with good speed, good aerial ability, and increasingly calm ball control. Despite being young, his reading of play and composure under pressure are above the average for his age.
His performances have drawn interest abroad, suggesting that he is entering a phase where more eyes will be on him. For Ligue 1, he brings both a present quality and a future potential.
3. Leny Yoro (Lille)
Another young star. Yoro is distinguished by the number of minutes he played in the 2024-25 campaign. He was a near ever-present, showing maturity in positioning, recovering well, and making few major errors despite his age. His athleticism (speed over short distances, recovery runs), aerial strength, and ability to adapt to different tactical setups make him a favorite among fans and analysts.
4. Lucas Beraldo (PSG)
While PSG has a wealth of defensive talent, Lucas Beraldo has stepped up when given opportunities. He is not yet a veteran like Marquinhos, but his performances in Ligue 1 and domestic cups display a defender with promise. Good at reading the game, comfortable with the ball, and increasingly reliable in defensive duels. For PSG, depth in central defense is crucial, and Beraldo is a rising component.
5. Other challengers
There are a few center backs who narrowly miss making the top five but deserve mention:
- Players whose defensive stats are very strong but maybe missed some matches.
- Those who are excellent in one aspect but need consistency across more metrics.
KMSoccer considers that the competition is tight: some defenders, or Lille’s backup options are pushing those above. But the four listed above are currently the most dependable.
Supporting statistics & context
- Team defensive records help show who benefits. PSG conceded around 1.03 goals per game in 2024-25, among the best in Ligue 1. Lille and Lens also had strong defensive showings.
- Minutes played: players like Marquinhos and Yoro logged almost all possible league minutes, showing durability and trust.
- Transfer market/interest: Khusanov’s rise has been backed by transfer interest, which is a signal of external validation.
Key challenges & what to watch
Even the best center backs Ligue 1 2025 face challenges:
- International games & European matches test defenders differently (higher pace, more variability). Some young CBs may shine domesticallyut need to prove it abroad.
- Injury & rotation risk: durability is as important as raw talent. A CB missing 10-15 games loses rhythm.
- Modern demands: playing, counter-attacks. CBs can’t just defend—they must also be comfortable with risk, with one-on-one defending, and with making quick decisions under pressing.
Why these five rise above the rest
- They combine performance + consistency. For instance, Marquinhos has not just big games, but week-in week-out reliability.
- The younger ones (Khusanov, Yoro) already do things mature defenders do—anticipation, clean tackles, disciplined positioning.
- Their style fits modern football: not just brute defending, but anticipation, transitional play, ability to help in build-up.
Comparison / alternatives
While the top 4 are relatively clear, alternative center backs who could break into the top 5 under certain criteria:
- If one emphasizes passing, ball-progression stats might push another name ahead.
- If leadership in big games counts more, then a slightly older CB with less season time but big impact might rival them.
- Clubs outside PSG often have less defensive support (midfield, fullbacks), so their CBs’ stats might suffer even if performance is high.
Conclusion
The top 5 best center backs Ligue 1 2025 represent the ideal mix of experience, youth, defensive acumen, and adaptability. Marquinhos still leads by example; Khusanov and Yoro are shaping up to be future stars; Beraldo is a name to watch. These defenders don’t just stop goals—they define the defensive backbone of their clubs.
