One of the players who perform the most functions on the pitch, the full-back has become a position in short supply throughout the footballing world when it comes to stars! That’s why teams that have one of the best left-backs in Portugal know what an asset they have and how important they are.
Versatility, for example, is the hallmark of a great full-back, but on the list of the best left-backs in Portugal you’ll find everything. Speedy full-backs, playmakers who prefer to play through the middle, and players who play as a third defender. In short, the options vary.
But don’t worry, below we present you with a list of the best left-backs in Portugal today and, although half of it is from the iron trio: Sporting, Benfica and Porto, the other half includes up-and-coming Portuguese teams that are capable of revealing some surprises.
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10 best left-backs in Portugal this season: career, titles and records
Here’s a list of the best left-backs in Portugal today:
- Jan-Niklas Beste (Benfica)
- Matheus Reis (Sporting)
- Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
- Francisco Moura (Porto)
- Wendell (Porto)
- Leonardo Buta (Moreirense)
- Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista)
- Omar Richards (Rio Ave)
- João Mendes (Vitória de Guimarães)
Read on to find out about the careers and titles of each of best left-backs in Portugal.
1. Jan-Niklas Beste (Benfica)
Jan-Niklas Beste began his career in German soccer, excelling at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and 1. FC Heidenheim before moving to Benfica in 2024.
With an excellent reading of the game and defensive ability, he quickly adapted to the Primeira Liga style of play and has contributed in both defense and attack, showing versatility and technique.
Despite his short time in Portuguese soccer, he is considered one of the best left-backs in Portugal and a key player for the team.
2. Matheus Reis (Sporting)
Brazilian Matheus Reis began his career at São Paulo, moving on to clubs such as Atlético Sorocaba, Bahia, Moreirense and Rio Ave before joining Sporting in 2020.
Known for his speed and attacking skills, he excelled as a reliable left-back, contributing in both defense and attack.
Reis became an important part of Sporting’s tactical scheme, helping the team win important titles, including the Portuguese Championship twice and the League Cup once.
Titles for Sporting:
- Portuguese Championship: 2020-21 and 2023-24
- Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup: 2021
- League Cup: 2021-22
Read also: Portuguese League champions: all the winners in the tournament’s 90-year history
3. Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
Despite being Spanish, Álvaro Carreras came up through the youth ranks at Manchester United, one of the Premier League‘s most traditional teams.
With a strong defensive presence and the ability to support the attack, Carreras was loaned to Benfica in 2024 where he established himself as a valuable option for the squad and was signed permanently that same season.
His versatility allows him to play in various positions in defense, and he has already earned the trust of the fans as one of the best left-backs in Portugal.
4. Francisco Moura (Porto)
Francisco Moura began his career in the youth ranks at Braga, but made his professional debut in 2019 at Académica de Coimbra , where he spent time on loan.
With excellent technique and vision, he stands out for his ability to create plays from the back.
After a good spell at Famalicão, he was signed by Porto in 2024, becoming one of the best left-backs in Portugal and one of the most promising in Europe.
5. Wendell (Porto)
Wendell began his career at Grêmio, where he excelled and was transferred to Bayer Leverkusen. In 2021, he joined Porto and quickly established himself as a starter due to his attacking ability and precise passing.
We’re talking about one of those full-backs who also acts as a constant threat to the opposing defense, with opportunities for assists and goals.
He has already won important titles with Porto, including the Portuguese Championship and the Portuguese Cup.
His aggressive style of play and experience were key to him being included in Dorival Júnior’s squad for Brazil 2024.
Titles for Porto:
- Primeira Liga: 2021-22
- Portuguese Cup: 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24
- Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup: 2022
- League Cup: 2022-23
6. Leonardo Buta (Moreirense)
Leonardo Buta began his career at Braga, moving on to Udinese and loan spells before joining Moreirense in 2024.
He is a fast player with great dribbling skills, which make him a lethal weapon in attack.
Buta has excelled in the Primeira Liga, helping Moreirense fight for safe positions in the table. His dynamic style of play has earned him good performances and the admiration of the fans.
At just 22, the player has already established himself as one of Portugal’s best left-backs.
7. Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista)
Nigerian-born Bruno Onyemaechi began his career at Feirense, but made a name for himself at Villa Real before moving to Boavista in 2022.
The star is an agile and strong left-back, capable of imposing himself defensively, being the highlight of several Primeira Liga matches and an important pillar of Boavista’s defense.
His performances have attracted scouts from international clubs, as well as opportunities in the Nigerian national team since 2023, when he was runner-up in the African Cup of Nations.
8. Omar Richards (Rio Ave)
Omar Richards began his career at Reading, where he excelled before moving to Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga ‘s greatest ever champions.
Experienced, the player also had spells at clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos, until arriving at Rio Ave in 2024, where he has been instrumental at left-back.
Richards is known for his ability to support the attack and his defensive skills, making him a key player in the team.
9. João Mendes (Vitória de Guimarães)
João Mendes began his career at Gondomar, proving to be a promising talent in the youth ranks. Making his first-team debut in 2014, he quickly stood out as a skillful and agile left-back.
In 2023 he arrived at Vitória de Guimarães and made a name for himself for his tackling ability and attacking support, helping Guimarães to important victories in the Primeira Liga.
One of the countries that develops the most players, Portugal is a cradle for local and foreign talent, so many of Portugal’s best left-backs are names you might see in other teams around Europe in the future.
Now, yes, that concludes our list of the 9 best left-backs in Portugal. And if you’re a fan of Portuguese soccer, read on:
- TOP 5 Best goalkeepers in Portugal: the walls of today’s league
- 10 best right-backs in Portugal today [List]
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