The Portuguese league is one of the most competitive and traditional leagues in Europe, and among its top talents, best right backs in Portugal stand out for their ability to play with intensity in both defense and attack.
These stars combine strength, speed and vision, making them key players for their teams in the Primeira Liga and in international tournaments such as the Champions League and Europa League.
But who are they? If you like watching European leagues and you’ve made it this far, you’re probably curious to know the best central defenders in Portugal. So let’s go get them! Here are the top names in the position, their track records, achievements and the essential role they play in their clubs – check them out!
Join the Bet7k team and get a bonus of up to R$7,000 on your first deposit!
Best right backs in Portugal in this season: career, titles and records
Here is a list of the best right backs in Portugal today:
- João Mario (Porto)
- Alexander Bah (Benfica)
- Issa Kaboré (Benfica)
- Iván Fresneda (Sporting CP)
- Víctor Gómez (Braga)
- Martim Fernandes (Porto)
- Calegari (Famalicão)
- Fabiano (Moreisense)
- Ricardo Esgaio (Sporting CP)
- Zé Carlos (Vitória)
Read on to discover the career and track record of each of best right backs in Portugal.
#1 João Mário Neto Lopes (Porto)
João Mário, Portugal’s most valued right-back according to Transfermarkt, began his professional career at Porto, where he joined the team’s youth ranks when he was only 9 years old and where he has remained until today, helping to win titles and keeping the team among the most traditional in Europe.
One of Portugal’s best right-backs, he has become a key part of the Porto squad, combining speed and great defensive ability.
Known for his excellent positioning, João Mário is a reliable player for the coach and offers security at right-back.
His great characteristic is his ability to deliver precise crosses that contribute to counterattacks and breakaways that surprise opponents.
Titles won by Porto
- Primeira Liga: 2019-2020, 2021-22
- Portuguese Cup: 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
- Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup: 2020, 2022, 2024
- League Cup: 2022-23
#2 Alexander Bah (Benfica).
Alexander Bah started his career in Danish soccer before joining Benfica, where he quickly became one of the best right backs in Portugal.
The star possesses very important skills for the success of the team’s defense and attack, mixing precision in crosses, great potential for assists, physical strength and speed.
At Benfica since 2022, he has earned the respect of the fans and has established himself as a starting right back, being one of the key pieces in the club’s tactical system.
His ability to finish plays is a distinctive trait, making him one of the most complete center backs in the Portuguese league.
Titles with Benfica
- First League: 2022-23
- Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup: 2023
#3 Issa Kaboré (Benfica).
Issa Kaboré began his career in Europe playing for Manchester City, a Premier League team, and was subsequently loaned to different clubs.
In 2023 he arrived at Benfica, where he quickly stood out for his defensive and offensive capabilities, positioning himself as a versatile player who contributes both in defense and attack.
One of the best right backs in Portugal, his speed and agility on the field, as well as his ball control and ability to dribble past opponents, make him a difficult marker to beat.
#4 Iván Fresneda
Ivan Fresneda began his career in Spanish soccer and excelled at Valladolid before being signed by Sporting CP and becoming one of the best right backs in Portugal.
Young and promising, Fresneda stands out for his great positional sense and intercepting ability, as well as his excellent control and vision, and his tactical discipline.
The star was one of the players responsible for Sporting’s conquest of the Portuguese championship in the 2023/24 season, winning the hearts of the fans.
Titles won by Sporting CP
- Primeira Liga: 2023-24
Read also: Portuguese League champions: all the winners in the 90-year history of the tournament.
#5 Víctor Gómez (Braga).
Víctor Gómez began his career in Spanish soccer before joining Braga. At the Portuguese club, he established himself as one of Portugal’s best right backs, with great consistency and defensive security.
With good technique and the ability to send precise crosses, Gómez offers Braga a reliable option in defense, especially for his ability to intercept rival moves, and is one of the team’s most disciplined players.
Titles with Braga
League Cup: 2023-24
#6 Martim Fernandes (Porto).
Martim Fernandes is another prominent name, a member of the squad of one of Portugal’s biggest teams, Porto’s promising center-back.
A graduate of the club’s youth academy, he quickly attracted attention for his dynamic style of play, his ability to score, his intensity and defensive aggressiveness, as well as his good reading of the game.
Thus, even as a substitute for João Mário, he is already one of the best right backs in Portugal and one of the most valuable players on the market in the country.
Titles with Porto
- Portuguese Cup: 2023-24
- Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup: 2024
#7 Calegari (Famalicão)
The first Brazilian representative in the list of the best right-backs in Portugal is Lucas Calegari. The player began his career at Fluminense and was loaned to Famalicão in 2024.
The star brought experience and technique to the club’s right-back position, with great ball control and quality in crosses, adapting easily to offensive and defensive demands, making him a promising name in the Portuguese league.
Among his skills, Calegari has great versatility and can play in several defensive positions, which is a plus for Famalicão.
#8 Fabiano (Moreisense).
Fabiano made his name in Portuguese soccer with Moreirense, where he stood out for his physical strength and tackling ability, contributing to the security of the team’s defensive line. Fabiano is also a threat in the air, and is often used for corner kicks and set pieces.
One of Portugal’s best right-backs, he has won the hearts of fans for his determination on the field, always fighting for every shot with intensity.
Read also: Portuguese league: the 20 top scorers in the history of Liga Portugal.
#9 Ricardo Esgaio (Sporting CP)
Ricardo Esgaio has built a solid career in Portugal, having spent time at Braga before joining Sporting CP. Experienced and consistent, Esgaio is a reliable center-back who can perform well both in defense and in support of the attack.
In addition, his passing accuracy and tactical positioning make him an important piece in Sporting’s scheme.
In short, we are talking about a complete and versatile player, capable of playing several roles on the field.
#10 Zé Carlos (Vitória)
Zé Carlos began his career in Portuguese soccer and quickly made a name for himself as one of Portugal’s best right backs with Vitória SC.
With great physical strength, the right back brings security and intensity to the defense, with accurate tackling and good positioning.
In addition, Zé Carlos is known for his determination on the field, being a player who never gives up the ball.
Portugal’s best right backs represent some of the most outstanding defensive talents in the Portuguese league today, each with characteristics that make them valuable to their teams.
Combining defensive skills, vision and attacking potential, these right backs are key to their clubs’ success in the Primeira Liga.
Take the opportunity to bet at Bet7k and WIN up to R$7,000 in bonuses on your first deposit.
