Right Backs Reborn: Vialli's Old Jab Ignites Our Top 25 Countdown

Picture this: back in the day, Italian legend Gianluca Vialli reckoned the right back was the scrapings of the barrel – too dodgy defensively to play inside, not pacy enough to terrorise as a winger. Left backs got a pass for that rare left-foot mystique. But fast-forward to today's game, mate, and full backs are the Swiss Army knives of the squad.

With fluid formations flipping on a dime – attack mode one minute, bunker down the next – these lads bomb up and down the touchline, then invert into midfield maestros. It's a brutal gig, but we're in a golden era of right backs nailing it. Ranking the top 25 was a right headache, but here at TheFootball.News, we've cracked on. Starting from 25 and climbing... grab your notepad.

The Flank Warriors: 25 Down to 21

Kicking off at 25, Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan's been quieter this term at Manchester United, but his switch-hitting smarts and no-nonsense defending kept Ruben Amorim's side afloat in choppy waters. Ex-Ajax and Bayern Munich, his next move hinges on United's gaffer hunt – versatile gem, though.

24: João Cancelo. Bloke's got feet like a magician – tricks that leave you gobsmacked. Sure, defending's not his forte, but in possession? Pure filth. After City stardom, bust-ups, loans to Bayern and Barcelona, a Saudi detour with Al Hilal, he's back at Barca. Unpredictable as a dodgy kebab.

Argentina's World Cup hero Nahuel Molina slots in at 23. No fireworks, just rock-solid reliability for Atlético Madrid and the Albiceleste. Two Copa América wins and consistent raids forward – silverware drought at club level, but he's class.

22: Diogo Dalot. United's tireless Portugese terrier since '18. Form's wobbled with the club's chaos, but when he's on it, that engine room hustle harries wingers and overlaps like a demon. Effort? Unmatched.

Ever wondered if £50m for Ben White was Arsenal's daftest punt? Nah, at 21, the ex-Brighton lad's justified every penny. Right back, centre half – doesn't matter, he's watertight and adapts like a chameleon. Makes Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard shine in that right-flank triangle. England exile? Criminal.

Rising Titans: 20 to 18

20: Nordi Mukiele, Sunderland's stealth signing. Nicked from Bayer Leverkusen for £9.5m, the ex-PSG powerhouse has bossed the Premier League. Solid as oak defensively, adventurous carrier, and those long throws? Aerial chaos. Amid Xhaka's midfield magic and Brobbey's brute force, he's the standout at just 28.

From Torino wanderings to Nottingham Forest hero at 19, Ola Aina. Ditched Chelsea youth, bloomed in Italy, now a Prem staple on a freebie. Balances attack support with wrangling speedy wingers – Nigeria's gain, Forest's glue.

Rounding out at 18, Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund. Set-piece ninja with 11 assists in the first 20 Bundesliga games of 2025-26 – dwarfs his prior tallies. Cool as you like: "Just plonk it right, lads finish." Barca sniffing? Norway international's understated brilliance.

Why This Matters, Lads

Vialli's theory? Ancient history. These right backs aren't just surviving; they're scripting eras. Mazraoui's grit, Cancelo's flair, Molina's trophies, Dalot's graft, White's brains, Mukiele's value, Aina's journey, Ryerson's delivery – each tweaks the dark art uniquely. Modern football demands it: defend like lions, create like playmakers.

As tactics evolve, expect these rankings to shuffle. Who's your top dog? Drop it in the comments – pint's on me if you nail the full 25. Stay tuned for the elite teens next time.

(Inspired by rankings originally crunched by the crew at SI Soccer.)