Introduction

Defense wins championships, both in real football and in EA Sports FC 25. A strong backline is the foundation of any winning team, whether you’re grinding in Ultimate Team, competing online, or building a dynasty in Career Mode. The best defenders combine strength, speed, positioning, and tackling ability to shut down even the toughest attackers.

Here are the Top 10 defenders you should consider in FC 25.

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

  • Strengths: Physical dominance, aerial power, positioning.
  • Why use him: Still the ultimate wall in defense. Hard to beat in 1v1 duels and set pieces.

2. Rúben Dias (Manchester City)

  • Strengths: Tackling, composure, defensive awareness.
  • Why use him: A complete center-back with leadership qualities, perfect for FUT and Career Mode.

3. Éder Militão (Real Madrid)

  • Strengths: Speed, interceptions, versatility.
  • Why use him: One of the fastest CBs, ideal against pace-heavy attackers.

4. David Alaba (Real Madrid)

  • Strengths: Passing, versatility, intelligence.
  • Why use him: Can play CB, LB, or even CDM. Great ball-playing defender for build-up play.

5. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)

  • Strengths: Strength, aggression, aerial duels.
  • Why use him: A powerhouse defender who dominates physical battles.

6. Theo Hernández (AC Milan)

  • Strengths: Pace, stamina, attacking runs.
  • Why use him: One of the best left-backs in the game. Offers speed and power on both ends.

7. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

  • Strengths: Acceleration, dribbling, stamina.
  • Why use him: The perfect attacking right-back with blistering pace.

8. João Cancelo (Manchester City / Barcelona loan)

  • Strengths: Creativity, crossing, versatility.
  • Why use him: Can play RB or LB, and adds an extra playmaker from the back.

9. Jules Koundé (Barcelona)

  • Strengths: Agility, speed, defensive awareness.
  • Why use him: A reliable young defender who can keep up with quick attackers.

10. Ronald Araújo (Barcelona)

  • Strengths: Strength, positioning, aerial duels.
  • Why use him: A future superstar CB, already solid and very hard to beat physically.

Conclusion

In FC 25, your defensive choices depend on your playstyle:

  • For rock-solid CBs → Van Dijk, Dias, Militão.
  • For pace and attacking full-backs → Hakimi, Theo Hernández.
  • For versatility → Alaba, Cancelo.

A balanced backline with both strong defenders and quick full-backs will give you the edge in tight matches.