Introduction
The Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26 proved that defenders can be just as valuable as premium attackers in Fantasy Premier League. The introduction of the new Defensive Contribution (DC) scoring system rewarded centre-backs for clearances, interceptions, recoveries, and blocks, making consistent defenders more rewarding than ever before.
While attacking full-backs continued to contribute assists and occasional goals, it was commanding centre-backs who dominated the fantasy rankings. Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães finished comfortably on top, while Virgil van Dijk, Marc Guéhi, Marcos Senesi, and James Tarkowski also delivered exceptional returns throughout the campaign.
In this article, we rank the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26, examine their performances, and explain why they became must-have assets for fantasy managers.
1. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – 209 Points
Gabriel Magalhães was the undisputed king among the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26. The Arsenal centre-back produced a phenomenal 209 points, finishing well clear of every other defender in the game.
Arsenal’s organized defensive structure under Mikel Arteta provided frequent clean sheets, while Gabriel added an attacking threat during set pieces. His powerful heading ability resulted in several crucial goals, making him one of the most complete fantasy defenders.
The Brazilian also benefited enormously from the new Defensive Contribution scoring system. His aggressive tackling, interceptions, blocks, and aerial dominance consistently earned extra fantasy points, making him a near-essential pick for managers throughout the campaign.
Gabriel Magalhães – 2025/26 FPL Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Arsenal |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| FPL Points | 209 |
| Strength | Clean Sheets, Goals, Defensive Contributions |
| Fantasy Rating | ★★★★★ |
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2. Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace / Manchester City) – 179 Points
Marc Guéhi enjoyed the finest fantasy season of his career, earning second place among the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26.
The England international impressed with his composure, positional awareness, and ability to consistently collect bonus points. Whether representing Crystal Palace or following his reported move later in the season, Guéhi remained a reliable source of fantasy returns.
His excellent reading of the game translated perfectly into the Defensive Contribution system, allowing him to score steadily even during matches without clean sheets.
Marc Guéhi – 2025/26 FPL Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Crystal Palace / Manchester City |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| FPL Points | 179 |
| Strength | Defensive Contributions, Bonus Points |
| Fantasy Rating | ★★★★★ |
3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 175 Points
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk once again demonstrated why he remains one of the safest premium defensive options in Fantasy Premier League. His consistent performances secured him a place among the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26.
Van Dijk combined elite defensive performances with his trademark aerial threat from corners and free-kicks. Even during games where Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet, he frequently earned points through recoveries, clearances, interceptions, and bonus awards.
His guaranteed starts and leadership role made him a dependable long-term fantasy asset.
Virgil van Dijk – 2025/26 FPL Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Liverpool |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| FPL Points | 175 |
| Strength | Clean Sheets, Bonus Points, Aerial Threat |
| Fantasy Rating | ★★★★★ |
4. Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) – 175 Points
Marcos Senesi emerged as one of the biggest bargains among the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26.
The Bournemouth defender thrived under the new scoring model thanks to his excellent anticipation, interceptions, progressive passing, and composure in possession. He also contributed occasional assists, giving fantasy managers valuable attacking returns alongside defensive points.
Senesi proved that mid-priced defenders could compete with premium options when consistency and defensive contributions are rewarded.
Marcos Senesi – 2025/26 FPL Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Bournemouth |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| FPL Points | 175 |
| Strength | Defensive Contributions, Assists |
| Fantasy Rating | ★★★★☆ |
5. James Tarkowski (Everton) – 170 Points
James Tarkowski completed the Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26 with another outstanding campaign for Everton.
The veteran defender continued to prove why durability and consistency remain crucial in Fantasy Premier League. Tarkowski rarely missed matches and regularly accumulated points through blocks, clearances, interceptions, and bonus awards.
Although Everton weren’t among the league’s highest-scoring teams, Tarkowski’s reliability ensured he remained one of the best value defenders throughout the season.
James Tarkowski – 2025/26 FPL Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Everton |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| FPL Points | 170 |
| Strength | Defensive Contributions, Minutes Played |
| Fantasy Rating | ★★★★☆ |
Conclusion
The Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26 highlighted how valuable elite defenders have become in modern Fantasy Premier League. Gabriel Magalhães led the rankings with a dominant 209-point campaign, while Marc Guéhi, Virgil van Dijk, Marcos Senesi, and James Tarkowski all rewarded managers with remarkable consistency.
As defensive contribution scoring continues to influence FPL strategy, investing in reliable centre-backs is likely to remain one of the smartest approaches. The Top 5 Highest Scoring FPL Defenders in 2025/26 demonstrated that strong defensive performances, clean sheets, and bonus points can be just as decisive as goals and assists in building a championship-winning fantasy squad.
FAQs
1. Who scored the most FPL points among defenders in the 2025/26 season?
Gabriel Magalhães finished as the highest-scoring defender with 209 Fantasy Premier League points.
2. Why were centre-backs so successful in the 2025/26 FPL season?
The introduction of Defensive Contribution points rewarded clearances, interceptions, recoveries, and blocks, making centre-backs more valuable.
3. Which defender offered the best value in the 2025/26 FPL season?
Marcos Senesi was considered one of the best value picks due to his affordable price and impressive 175-point return.
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