In 2025, the battle for defensive supremacy in Ligue 1 has been fierce—and here BraeckBall will guide you through the top 5 best defenders Ligue 1 2025.
What makes a top defender in Ligue 1 now
To single out the very best, we looked at players who combine:
- Defensive reliability (tackles, interceptions, blocks, aerial duels)
- Consistency across the season
- Contribution to their team’s results (clean sheets, leadership)
- Moments of offensive contribution
- Recognition by peers, media, and statistical rankings
The top 5 defenders of Ligue 1 in 2025
Here are the five defenders who impressed most in the 2024–25 Ligue 1 season (some of whom are continuing form into 2025–26). They’re ranked roughly by impact, though all are elite.
1. Willian Pacho (PSG)
Willian Pacho has taken the centre-back role at Paris Saint-Germain with determination. Signed, he’s established himself quickly. He logged over 1,300 minutes in Ligue 1 during the 2024-25 campaign across 17 matches, starting the majority.
What sets him apart:
- Composure and positioning: Rarely caught out, often decisive in winning duels and organizing the back line.
- Adaptability: Transitioned. tribution to team success**: As part of the PSG squad, he played his part in winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and importantly the Champions League – making history for the club.
2. Marquinhos (PSG)
An experienced leader, Marquinhos continues to bring stability and intelligence to PSG’s defence. As captain, his influence stretches beyond individual stats. He played crucial matches—including in Europe—and steG’s defensive unit through a historic continental treble in the 2024-25 season.
Strong points:
- Leadership under fire: Big games, big pressure, his experience surfaces.
- Positional discipline: Cuts off attacks, often the last reliable cover.
- Clutch performances: When PSG needed organisation (especially in high-stakes matches), Marquinhos delivered.
3. Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Though technically a full-back rather than exclusively centre-back, Hakimi’s defensive output, when combined with his attacking surges, make him a standout. He was picked as Defender of the Season by many media outlets, and won the Marc-Vivien Foe Prize (best African player in Ligue 1).
What he offers:
- Prowess up and down the flank: Great at overlapping, crosses, defensive recovery sprints.
- Game-changing runs: His attacks contribute to PSG’s dominance in both domestic and European matches.
- Defensive reliability: Not just flair; he tracks back, wins crucial duels, which keeps space tight.
4. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
At left-back, Nuno Mendes mixes youthful energy with growing maturity. The 2024-25 season saw him both defending robustly and contributing in the attacking phase.
Highlights:
- Defensive stats: Many clean sheets, low goals conceded when he plays, solid one-vs-one defensive performance. otyStats)
- Offensive support: Assists, overlapping runs, ability to stretch opponents and help control transitions.
- Consistency: Rarely off form, fewer lapses than many peers at the flank positions.
5. Lucas Hernández (PSG)
Although not always in the headlines as much as Pacho or Marquinhos, Hernández has been a crucial piece when fit. His prior experience, pace, and ability to play both centrally and out wide make him valuable.
Though exact statistics for 2024-25 at every metric aren’t always widely publicised in defence compared to attacking stats, his selection frequency, performance in key matches, and versatility give him the edge over many other defenders.
Honourable mentions
Some defenders who nearly made the top 5 but missed out narrowly:
- Charlie Cresswell (Toulouse) – emerged as a solid young centre-back, with good defensive numbers in clearances, blocks, etc.
- Other experienced PSG defenders or those at tightly competing clubs whose teams conceded fewer goals but whose individual form was slightly less consistent.
Trends in Ligue 1 defense in 2025
- PSG dominate defensive discussions: several of the best are.
- Full-backs are playingre dual roles: defensive duties + attacking support. Players like Hakimi and Mendes illustrate this.
- Youth rising: Pacho, Cresswell, even younger defenders in smaller clubs making noticeable impacts.
- Tactical discipline matters more than raw athleticism: teams with well-organised backlines are hard to break down even against big offensive talent.
Conclusion
The top 5 best defenders Ligue 1 2025 are those who not only shut down attacks, but also give structure, leadership, and occasional spark. For PSG that means players like Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Lucas Hernández earning their places among the elite.
If you want, BraeckBall can also share a full Ligue 1 Team of the Season 2024-25, or compare these defenders with upcoming stars in Ligue 1 2026—would you prefer that?
