Ligue 1 is marked by great talents, among them the best defenders in France, who play an essential role in both defensive security and playmaking.
Here are some details on the talents of some of the best defenders in the league, highlighting their careers, titles and main contributions. Check them out!
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Top 10 | Best defenders in France this season: career, titles and records
Here’s a list of the best defenders in France at the moment:
- Marquinhos (PSG)
- Willian Pacho (PSG)
- Dante (Nice)
- Milan Škriniar (PSG)
- Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
- Kevin Danso (Lens)
- Joseph Stanley Okumu (Reims)
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens)
- Lucas Beraldo (PSG)
- Wilfried Singo (Monaco)
Read on to find out about the careers and titles of each of France’s best defenders.
1. Marquinhos (PSG)
Nine times Ligue 1 champion, the Brazilian Marquinhos is considered one of the best defenders in France and was elected to the Team of the Year in Ligue 1 in 2023/24, even after more than a decade with the team.
The star began his career with Corinthians in Brazil and, after a brief spell at Roma, moved to PSG in 2013. In other words, he’s been with the Paris club for 11 years and has established himself as the leader of the team’s defense, currently serving as captain.
His leadership skills, reading of the game and technical abilities are fundamental to PSG’s achievements, which, by the way, are not few.
PSG titles
- Ligue 1: 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24
- French League Cup: 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2019-20
- French Super Cup: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023
- French Cup: 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2023-24
2. Willian Pacho (PSG)
The defender with the highest number of correct passes in Ligue 1 in 2023/24, Willian Pacho played for Royal Antwerp in Belgium before arriving at PSG.
At the Parisian club, he quickly gained a foothold in the team and stood out for his precise passing and ability to anticipate moves.
He also became known for his coolness and control of the ball, contributing to the construction of plays.
His precision passing also helps PSG keep possession and start attacks from the back, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s soccer.
3. Dante (Nice)
Over 40, Dante is one of the most experienced defenders in Ligue 1.
With spells at clubs like Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg, both in the Bundesliga, the Brazilian is a key part of Nice’s defense, where he has played since 2016.
One of the best defenders in France, the star is known for his leadership on the pitch and his high rate of accurate passes. In 2023/24, Dante was the second most accurate passer in the tournament, ensuring the team’s rapid progress in matches.
4. Milan Škriniar (PSG)
Before arriving at PSG, Škriniar was a star at Inter Milan, where he won the Seria A of the Italian Championship and other important tournaments.
The player began his career in Slovakian soccer and rose to prominence at Sampdoria before moving to Inter Milan and, in 2023, he signed for PSG, where he quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in France with his experience and defensive strength.
Renowned for his physical strength and determination, Škriniar is one of the pillars of PSG’s defense and has already collected important titles.
PSG titles
- French Super Cup: 2023
- Ligue 1: 2023-24
- French Cup: 2023-24
5. Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
At Lille since 2022, Brazilian defender Alexsandro has made a name for himself as a super agile athlete who is good in the air and adapts well to the team’s offensive and defensive needs.
Alexsandro is valued for his growth potential and has become one of the best defenders in France and a reliable cog in Lille’s defense.
6. Kevin Danso (Lens)
Danso, of Austrian origin, began his career in German soccer before making a name for himself at Lens.
Known for his solidity in defense and his ability to make interceptions, he has become one of the best defenders in France.
He also stands out for his physical strength and marking ability, and is one of the most regular players in Ligue 1.
7. Joseph Okumu (Reims)
Okumu, born in Kenya, caught the eye in Sweden and Belgium before moving to Reims. In French soccer, the defender stood out for his incredible efficiency in tackling and positioning.
With excellent time on the ball, Okumu has established himself as a reliable defender at Reims and one of the best defenders in France.
8. Abdukodir Khusanov (Lens)
Khusanov stands out for his ability to make interceptions and is among the leaders in Ligue 1 in this regard.
The player is also an efficient ball recovery player and an important part of the team’s defense.
With an impressive average of interceptions per game, Khusanov couldn’t be left out of this list of the best defenders in France today.
9. Lucas Beraldo (PSG)
Another Brazilian among the best defenders in France, Lucas is one of the players with the highest market value in Ligue 1.
The star began his career with São Paulo in Brazil and stood out for his incredible ability to read the game and his physical strength.
In 2023, he was signed by PSG, where he adapted very quickly and became an important cog in the defense, contributing to both interceptions and playmaking with his precise passes.
His ability to anticipate his opponent’s movements makes him one of the best defenders in France, even in a squad full of stars.
PSG titles
- French Super Cup: 2023
- Ligue 1: 2023-24
- French Cup: 2023-24
10. Wilfried Singo (Monaco)
Wilfried Singo began his career in Italian soccer, where he played for Torino before moving to Monaco in 2023. Although he was initially right-back, Singo adapted to a more central position as a defender, to the point of becoming one of the best in his position.
His physical strength and speed allow him to cover efficiently and support the attack when necessary.
At Monaco, he quickly established himself as one of the leaders of the defense, helping the team to second place in Ligue 1 and qualification for the Champions League.
Combining experience and youth, France’s best defenders contribute to the high competitive level of the French league and are watched by fans and experts around the world.
So if you’re a fan of French soccer, read on:
- Top 10 right-backs in France: stars of Ligue 1
- TOP 10 Best goalkeepers in France this season in Ligue 1
- TOP 10 Best left-backs in France this season
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