The new season of Li Liga, which is the 2025/2026 season, starts on the 15th of August, whereas the last matchday is on the 24th of May 2026. Barcelona is already set to defend its La Liga title, and defense will play a key role in that. Let us have a look at the top 5 defenders, the most popular and effective in the La Liga 2025/26.
After having one of the worst seasons with a lot of defensive struggles, almost conceding more than 80 goals the previous season, Real Madrid has made three top defensive signings. They have brought in Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras. Barcelona, the champions of the previous edition, have lost a key defender. Inigo Martinez has moved to Al Nassr. Sergio Ramos, Carlos Puyol, Pepe, Marcelo, Pique, Raphael Varane, Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves, and Ronald Koeman are some of the best defenders to play La Liga.
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Top 5 defenders the most popular and effective in the La Liga 2025/26
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Cubarsi is just 18 years old and the most valuable defender in the Spanish League, La Liga. He came from La Masia and is now making things tough for the top players in the world in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
With no Inigo Martinez this season, Pau Cubarsi will be the most important centre back in the Hansi Flick system, along with Ronald Araujo, to manage the offside trap. This season, he will have to lead the line in defence with his maturity. He has a great passing range with smart tactical understanding.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold just before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup. The price of signing him was €10 million, as Real Madrid wanted him before his contract ended. Trent Alexander-Arnold will be the main starter in the team and will be the long-term replacement for the legendary right-back Dani Carvajal.
He is surely the best attacking full-back in the world, but there are concerns about his defensive contribution. Trent Alexander-Arnold can also play as a midfielder.
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
When he was at Sevilla, Jules Kounde used to play as a centre back, and in the initial days, he wasn’t happy to play as a right back. As he looks back now, he will surely be proud. The way he has played the last season with his understanding with Lamine Yamal is just a pleasure to watch for all football fans, especially for a Barcelona fan.
They remember the days of Lionel Messi and Dani Alves. He has a great pace and looks very comfortable on the ball. It is very hard for the wingers to take on Jules Kounde in one-on-one situations.
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)
Another La Masia product that came into the scene because of Xavi, and is winning hearts with his style of play, is Alejandro Balde. He is surely one of the top three left-backs in the world right now.
Alejandro Balde is an attacking full-back with excellent dribbling, and he makes it into the box when necessary. He also has a good amount of pace and can carry the ball very well.
Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)
The performance that Dean Huijsen has shown in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 suggests that he is a steal at £50m. Just to let you know, he is the most expensive defender signing for the kings of the world, Real Madrid. He is a proper ball-playing player who has great long-ball accuracy.
Real Madrid needed this kind of defender in their team, and he surely starts all the matches for Real Madrid this season. Dean Huijsen is strong in aerial duels and has increased his pace a bit as well.
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