The ten best defenders in FIFA 23

FIFA 23 lands on Friday 30 September and the highly-anticipated game is the 30th and final link up between EA Sports and world football's governing body.

With the player ratings now confirmed, we’ve taken a look at the top ten defenders on the game.

Virgil van Dijk - 90

Liverpool’s imperious centre-back is, unsurprisingly, ranked as the best defender in FIFA 23.

There’s almost unanimous agreement - a rare occurrence in modern football - that Van Dijk is the best defender in the world, and EA clearly concur.

Marquinhos - 88

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian centre-back has been given an upgrade from last year’s edition of the game, when he was rated 87. 

The 29-year-old has captained PSG since September 2020 and, along with Marco Verratti, is set to pass 400 games for the club this season if he remains fit, joining Jean-Marc Pilorget as the only people to have passed that milestone for the French giants.

Joao Cancelo - 88

Pep Guardiola - just like EA, it seems - is an admirer of Cancelo and it’s easy to see why. 

The Portuguese full-back, who can play on either side, has the technique to match the most gifted midfielders and the athleticism of a natural wing-back.

Ruben Dias - 88

Manchester City’s back four has looked a lot more stable since the signing of Cancelo's team-mate Dias in 2020.

The Portuguese centre-back, whose ranking has improved by one from FIFA 22, is a key part of Guardiola’s relentless winning machine.

Andy Robertson - 87

Few would have expected the unassuming Scot to be listed amongst the best players in the world when he left Hull for Liverpool in 2017.

But Robertson has been a revelation under Jurgen Klopp. His tireless running down the left wing, precise delivery into the box and intelligent reading of the game are exactly why he’s rated - alongside the man on Liverpool’s other flank.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 87

Some might question his defensive ability, but Alexander-Arnold is without question one of the most creative full-backs in Europe.

His eye for a pass, his devastating crosses and set-pieces, and his ability to shoot from range make him a truly unique right-back and a favourite with many FIFA players.

Antonio Rudiger - 87

Despite Chelsea agonisingly missing out on two domestic trophies, Rudiger was a shining light for the Blues before his departure to Real Madrid, earning a spot in the Champions League Team of the Season and the PFA Premier League Team of the Year (as well as a huge rating rise from 83 in FIFA 22). 

Kalidou Koulibaly - 87

Koulibaly's start to life at Chelsea has not gone swimmingly after Thomas Tuchel's abrupt sacking, but the Africa Cup of Nations winner with Senegal earlier this year hasn't amassed nearly 500 career club appearances for no reason and should hit more consistent form sooner rather than later. 

Aymeric Laporte - 86

After a frustrating couple of seasons with injury, Laporte bounced back excellently last season as he and Ruben Dias formed a rock-solid partnership at the heart of Manchester City's defence. 

Thiago Silva - 86*

Many doubted what Chelsea were doing in the summer of 2020 when they signed, despite Silva's great qualities, a centre-back in his mid-30s, but the Brazilian has shone in the Premier League and made 48 appearances for the Blues in all competitions last term, his most in a single season since 2007. 

*David Alaba and Milan Skriniar are also rated 86