The 10 Best Centre-Back Partnerships Around the World in 2024/25 showcases the elite defensive duos who are setting the standard in global football. From Europe’s top leagues to rising talents in South America and Asia, these partnerships combine strength, intelligence, and chemistry to deliver consistent clean sheets and dominate opposing attacks. Whether it’s a veteran anchoring the backline or two in-sync stars shutting down elite forwards, these pairings are at the heart of their teams’ success this season.
We break down each duo’s contributions—covering defensive stats, tackling ability, aerial presence, and distribution from the back. These centre-backs are not just goal-stoppers; they’re key playmakers and leaders. Dive into this definitive list to discover which defensive partnerships are reshaping modern football in 2024/25. Whether you’re a tactics geek or just love solid defending, this ranking highlights the best CB pairings that every fan should know about right now.
10. Federico Gatti & Gleison Bremer (Juventus)
Juventus had a strong defensive season in 2024/25 thanks to the pairing of Federico Gatti and Gleison Bremer. Bremer brought solid tackling, aerial strength, and confidence when facing tough opponents. Gatti supported with high energy, quick reactions, and smooth passing from the back.
They worked well together to stop dangerous attacks and to help Juventus play forward quickly. Their partnership helped the team stay competitive in both the Italian league and European matches. They trusted each other and were always alert.
Gatti read the game well, and Bremer was always ready to step up with strong tackles. Their efforts were a big reason why Juventus had one of the top defences in Italy. Even though Juventus changed formations sometimes, these two stayed the core of the backline. Together, they made a reliable, steady defensive wall that was hard for any team to break.
9. Dean Huijsen & Illya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth had a surprise rise in defensive strength in the 2024/25 season, thanks to the young pairing of Dean Huijsen and Illya Zabarnyi. Huijsen, just 19, showed great maturity, confidence on the ball, and strong tackling. Zabarnyi brought calmness, experience, and smart positioning.
Together, they helped Bournemouth match defensive records with much bigger teams. Their teamwork stood out—Huijsen focused more on intercepting and duels, while Zabarnyi calmly passed the ball and read the play. Even when Bournemouth played top teams, this duo kept their defence tight.
They had a great understanding and were praised for their consistent performances. Many analysts said they were one of the most promising centre-back pairings in world football. Their clean sheets and solid stats helped Bournemouth avoid relegation and even compete for mid-table finishes. It’s rare to see such young defenders playing so confidently, but these two earned global attention.
8. Murillo & Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest’s defence became a major strength in 2024/25 thanks to Murillo and Nikola Milenković. Milenković brought power, leadership, and experience to the backline. Murillo added speed, energy, and quick recovery after tackles.
Together, they made it very difficult for opposing teams to score. Forest had one of the top defensive records in the league, even though they weren’t among the richest or biggest clubs. These two were always focused, communicating well and helping each other.
Milenković won most aerial duels and stayed strong in big games, while Murillo chased down fast attackers and helped start counters. Their combination of youth and experience helped Forest stay safe from relegation. Their solid performances caught attention not only in England but around Europe. This centre-back duo played like veterans and showed that teamwork, not just big names, can build a strong defence.
7. Dayot Upamecano & Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich)
At Bayern Munich, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae were a powerful defensive pair. Kim was excellent in reading the game and winning physical duels. Upamecano brought speed, sharp positioning, and very accurate passing.
Together, they helped Bayern defend high up the pitch and stop fast attacks. Under their coach’s pressing system, this duo made sure Bayern stayed strong at the back while controlling possession.
Kim was especially strong in aerial battles and often led the team in defensive stats. Upamecano helped by building play from the back and covering wide spaces. They had great understanding and rarely made mistakes. Their balance of physical strength and smart play made them one of the top centre-back partnerships in world football in 2024/25. They helped Bayern compete in the Bundesliga and Champions League with confidence and consistency.
6. Alessandro Bastoni & Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan’s defence in 2024/25 was led by the experienced duo of Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij. De Vrij was calm, intelligent, and stayed in the right place at the right time. Bastoni added energy, sharp passes, and confidence going forward.
Together, they built one of the strongest defences in Serie A. De Vrij focused on controlling the line and making clearances, while Bastoni often stepped into midfield to pass or press.
Their partnership helped Inter in both Italian league games and European matches. They had strong communication and rarely got caught out of position. Bastoni also provided attacking support during set pieces. They were a complete duo—defensively strong and technically skilled. Their smart teamwork made Inter tough to beat and helped them challenge for trophies again.
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5. Marquinhos & Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)
For PSG, the centre-back partnership of Marquinhos and Pacho worked very well in the 2024/25 season. Marquinhos, the captain, was a natural leader who controlled the defence with experience. Pacho brought speed, fresh energy, and strong tackling.
Their combination helped PSG keep clean sheets in Ligue 1 and perform well in the Champions League. Marquinhos was always composed, blocking shots and organizing teammates. Pacho added the ability to chase down quick strikers and win the ball cleanly.
Their teamwork stood out—Pacho often took risks moving forward while Marquinhos stayed back to cover. They had great timing and rarely let strikers get through. This partnership was key for PSG’s strong results and made them one of the most balanced teams in Europe. Both players improved because of their connection, and their performances were praised across France and beyond.
4. Ibrahima Konaté & Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s defence was one of the best in the world during the 2024/25 season, mainly because of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk brought calm leadership, strong aerial ability, and perfect positioning. Konaté added pace, strength, and aggressive tackling.
Together, they kept Liverpool safe against even the most dangerous forwards. Van Dijk was the organiser, making sure the line stayed tight, while Konaté closed down fast strikers and made big clearances.
They were also strong in set pieces and helped score goals from corners. When they played together, Liverpool’s defence was much more stable. They were always trusted to start big games in the Premier League and Champions League. Their strong bond and understanding made Liverpool hard to break down. Fans and experts saw them as one of the most complete centre-back duos in world football.
3. Gabriel Magalhães & William Saliba (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s centre-back duo of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba had an amazing 2024/25 season. Gabriel was strong, aggressive, and good in the air. Saliba was calm, smart, and passed the ball well.
They worked perfectly together—Gabriel stopped attacks, and Saliba started plays from the back. They helped Arsenal keep many clean sheets and allowed very few shots on target.
Gabriel often won battles with big strikers, while Saliba read the game and stayed one step ahead. Their balance made Arsenal’s defence one of the best in England. Coach Mikel Arteta trusted them every week, and they rarely missed games. Their strong performances helped Arsenal compete at the top of the Premier League and in Europe. This duo became an example of how modern centre-backs can defend and play with the ball. Fans loved their mix of power and elegance.
2. Iñigo MartÃnez & Pau Cubarsà (FC Barcelona)
FC Barcelona’s Iñigo MartÃnez and Pau Cubarsà were one of the most surprising and effective centre-back pairings in the 2024/25 season. MartÃnez brought experience and strength. CubarsÃ, a young talent, added speed, calmness, and maturity beyond his age.
Together, they stopped many attacks in La Liga and helped Barcelona control games from the back. MartÃnez was great at winning headers and keeping the defence organised. Cubarsà was smooth with the ball and smart in choosing when to tackle.
Their chemistry grew fast, and they quickly became the first-choice pairing. They helped Barcelona stay strong defensively, especially in close games. Their clean sheet record was among the best in the league. This combination of veteran leadership and youthful talent gave Barcelona a solid base. They showed how different styles and generations can work perfectly together in defence.
1. Ronald Araújo & Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)
Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé were considered the best centre-back pairing in the world during the 2024/25 season. Playing for FC Barcelona, they combined physical strength, speed, and football intelligence.
Araújo was dominant in duels, excellent in the air, and always led with passion. Koundé was quicker, great at reading the game, and helped bring the ball out from the back.
They worked in perfect balance—Araújo often took on the toughest striker, while Koundé covered space and supported in build-up. Their partnership helped Barcelona keep one of the best defensive records in Europe. They played with heart and confidence in both La Liga and the Champions League. Fans loved their commitment, and opponents struggled to break through.
Together, they became the foundation of Barcelona’s success in 2024/25. Their mix of strength and skill made them unbeatable and earned them the top spot on this list.
FAQ’s:
What qualities make a strong centre-back partnership in football?
A strong centre-back partnership combines physical strength, good communication, smart positioning, and trust between players. One defender may focus on tackling and aerial battles while the other supports with calm passing and reading the game. Balance in playing style and teamwork is key to building a solid defence.
Why are young centre-back duos like Dean Huijsen & Illya Zabarnyi gaining attention?
Young centre-back duos like Huijsen and Zabarnyi stand out because they show maturity, confidence, and strong defensive skills despite their age. Their performances help smaller clubs compete against bigger teams, proving that talent and good teamwork can overcome experience gaps.
How do top centre-back partnerships contribute to a team’s success?
Top centre-back partnerships provide a reliable defensive foundation, helping to prevent goals and build play from the back. Their coordination improves the team’s overall stability, allowing midfielders and attackers to focus on offense. This balance often leads to better results in both domestic leagues and international competitions.
