While offensive play may be the more thrilling aspect of EA FC 25‘s gameplay, solid defensive strategies and securing the best defenders are crucial for advancing in Ultimate Team’s divisions.
The introduction of features such as FC IQ and Player Roles in FUT has complicated team building and formation strategies. Assembling a robust defense is no different; you must identify the best defenders to maximize your investment and minimize unnecessary goals conceded.
To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of the top defenders. Please note that our recommendations prioritize skill over cost, so some selections may be on the pricier side. If you’re seeking budget-friendly alternatives, be sure to check out our guide on the best cheap players for excellent value options.
With this in mind, here are the standout defenders in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team, featuring the meta center-backs (CBs), right-backs (RBs), and left-backs (LBs) you’d want to include in your lineup this season.
Best Center-Backs (CB)
| PLAYER | CLUB | VERSION | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Maldini | Icon | Icon | 92 |
| Lucio | Serie A | Hero | 89 |
| Virgil Van Dijk | Liverpool | Gold | 89 |
| Antonio Rudiger | Real Madrid | Gold | 88 |
| Marquinhos | PSG | Gold | 87 |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | Gold | 87 |
| Fikayo Tomori | Milano FC | Gold | 83 |
| Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | Gold | 82 |
| Mikcy Van de Ven | Tottenham | Gold | 82 |
| Joe Gomez | Liverpool | Gold | 80 |
Our Recommendations
- Virgil Van Dijk
- Paul Maldini
- Fikayo Tomori
Virgil Van Dijk remains the top center-back in EA FC 25, just as he was in the previous edition. He boasts incredible defensive capabilities, towering stature, exceptional tackling skills, and an impressive array of meta PlayStyles like Aerial+, Anticipate, and Jockey. Despite being a premium option, the Liverpool captain is one of the most influential players you can add to your squad.
If you’re able to invest more coins, Paolo Maldini is another fantastic choice. The iconic Italian defender has historically been among the elite in EA Sports FC, and this year’s card brings enhancements. He has received boosts in Anticipate and Jockey, two of the game’s most effective defensive PlayStyles. With a Stopper++ attribute and a staggering 95 Defending rating, he solidifies his status as a meta CB.
For a more budget-conscious option, Fikayo Tomori is an outstanding alternative. The English powerhouse possesses remarkable speed, achieving 95 Sprint Speed when paired with a Shadow. This agility allows him to cover the pitch efficiently while maintaining solid stats of 85 Defending and the Block+ PlayStyle. Like Van Dijk and Maldini, Tomori also employs the Anticipate PlayStyle, known as the best defensive trait in the game.
Best Left-Backs (LB/LWB)
| PLAYER | CLUB | VERSION | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto Carlos | Icon | Icon | 90 |
| Theo Hernandez | Milano FC | TOTW | 88 |
| Sakina Karchaoui | PSG | Gold | 87 |
| Sonia Bompastor | D1 Arkema | Hero | 86 |
| Fridolina Rolfö | FC Barcelona | Gold | 86 |
| Ferland Mendy | Real Madrid | Gold | 84 |
| Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | Gold | 82 |
| Destiny Udogie | Tottenham | Gold | 82 |
| Bucket | FC Barcelona | Gold | 81 |
| Ferdi Kadioglu | Brighton | Gold | 81 |
Our Recommendations
- Roberto Carlos
- Ferland Mendy
- Theo Hernandez (TOTW)
Roberto Carlos stands as the top left-back in EA FC 25, showcasing remarkable proficiency across the board. He holds the highest total in-game stats among defenders at 2,450, underscoring his versatility. This year, he also received Dead Ball+, making him a formidable asset during set-pieces.
For those seeking a more affordable option, Ferland Mendy is an excellent choice. The Real Madrid left-back has solidified his place in both FIFA and EA Sports FC meta for a reason—his impressive speed, 5* weak foot, and surprisingly strong defensive skills make him highly effective. Additionally, he forms strong links with other key meta players like Mbappe, Vinícius Junior, and Valverde.
Theo Hernandez is another stellar left-back option. While his TOTW version is recommended for maximum output, his standard card is also highly effective and more economical. Regardless of which version you choose, Hernandez offers a well-rounded capability to excel in both offensive and defensive roles.
Best Right-Backs (RB/RWB)
| PLAYER | CLUB | VERSION | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafu | Icon | Icon | 91 |
| Maicon | Serie A | Hero | 88 |
| Daniel Carvajal | Real Madrid | Gold | 86 |
| Jules Kounde | FC Barcelona | Gold | 85 |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen | Gold | 84 |
| Achraf Hakimi | PSG | Gold | 84 |
| Kyle Walker | Man City | Gold | 84 |
| Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid | Gold | 83 |
| Pedro Porro | Tottenham | Gold | 83 |
| Diogo Dalot | Man United | Gold | 82 |
Our Recommendations
- Maicon
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Marcos Llorente
Maicon emerges as the premier right-back in EA FC 25, being a fresh addition this year. He combines tall stature with various Player Roles+ for each RB role and wields Whipped Pass+, the most effective PlayStyle for wide players. This allows him to execute some of the most exhilarating plays imaginable while contributing significantly as a defender, ball handler, and speedster.
Given his high price tag, you may consider Jeremie Frimpong for a more budget-friendly alternative. Though not as well-rounded as Maicon, Frimpong offers blistering speed with 93 Pace, upgrading to 97 Pace when paired with an Anchor chemistry style, making him unbeatable in a sprint. His effectiveness is further enhanced by possessing the Quick Step and Rapid PlayStyles.
Marcos Llorente provides another versatile option, showcasing more flexibility than Frimpong. Though slightly less speedy, Llorente maintains no stat lower than 78, highlighting his comprehensive skill set. He is capable of excelling not only as a right-back but also effectively as a central midfielder and right midfielder.
For additional insights on EA FC 25, explore our guides on the best RUSH players in EA FC 25 and how to resolve menu lag in Ultimate Team to enhance your gameplay experience. We also have informative articles explaining how walkouts function, how to qualify for FUT Champs, and the most effective PlayStyles to elevate your team’s performance.
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