The football world is home to several defenders whose exceptional skills and contributions have significantly elevated their market values. Also, defenders play a crucial role in football, not just in keeping clean sheets but also in providing assists and even scoring goals.
In this week’s BusinessDay Business of Sports edition, we explore the seven most expensive defenders of 2025, according to data from Transfermarkt.
Read Also: Ranking the 10 most expensive defenders in 2024
William Saliba – €80 Million
William Saliba, valued at €80 million, has transformed Arsenal’s back four. After loan spells early in his Arsenal career, the 23-year-old returned to become a pivotal player under Mikel Arteta. His composure, exceptional reading of the game, and impressive passing range have made him a cornerstone of the Gunners’ success.
Alessandro Bastoni €80 Million
Alessandro Bastoni, the 25-year-old Italian defender, is a cornerstone of Inter Milan’s setup. His exceptional composure and pinpoint passing not only solidify the defense but also launch attacks, making him a crucial player in both phases of play.
Gabriel Magalhães €75 Million
Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal’s Brazilian centre-back, has proven to be a valuable asset. Acquired for a substantial fee of €26 million plus €4 million in add-ons, he’s become a key figure in the Gunners’ defense. Beyond his defensive solidity, Gabriel’s aerial prowess makes him a threat in both boxes, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s set-piece success.
Pau Cubarsí €70 Million
Pau Cubarsí, a young Spanish centre-back for FC Barcelona, has swiftly risen through the ranks, making his first-team debut in January 2024 and quickly establishing himself as a key player, renowned for his leadership and decisiveness in stopping attackers.
The 18-year-old joined La Masia from Girona on July 1, 2018, as a U12 player and has since ascended to prominence at Barcelona. His exceptional reading of the game, coupled with his technical ability, has positioned him as one of the most promising young defenders in football today. The 2023/24 season was a defining moment in his career, marking his competitive debut with the senior team.
Rúben Dias – €70 Million
Manchester City made a significant investment to sign Rúben Dias from Benfica in the summer of 2020, and he has proven to be a top-class addition at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s team.
The Portuguese centre-back was named Premier League Player of the Season in his debut campaign, showcasing a perfect blend of pace, power, and composure on the ball. His presence has been instrumental in Man City’s defensive solidity, and his absence often exposes vulnerabilities, with the team struggling to maintain consistency and conceding more goals.
Ronald Araújo – €70 Million
Ronald Araújo has quickly established himself as a world-class defender, combining raw power with astute tactical awareness. His exceptional reading of the game, speed, and physicality make him a formidable opponent, adept at crucial interceptions and neutralizing attackers in one-on-one situations. His aerial ability further solidifies his defensive dominance.
Alphonso Davies – €70 Million
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is celebrated for his blistering pace and dynamic attacking play from the left-back position. His seamless transitions between the backline and attack make him a vital asset in modern football. Beyond his speed, Davies possesses exceptional crossing ability and vision, regularly delivering crucial assists for his teammates.
