Connect with us

SportsNews

The 10 most valuable left-backs in world football in 2025: Calafiori, Gvardiol, Balde…

Published

on

Left-back is one of the most important positions in modern football, capable of elevating a good team into a great one – but who are the 10 highest-valued in the game today?

There is a blossoming set of players who, as you can see from this list, have already been snapped up by the big clubs and look likely to take that next step up relatively soon.

Using figures from Transfermarkt, we’ve taken a look at the 10 highest-valued left-backs in world football, with their figures taking into account their recent form, age and their potential.

10. Alex Grimaldo – €40million

Grimaldo was unfortunate not to feature more for Spain at Euro 2024 after a superb season with Bayer Leverkusen.

The left-back played a big part in their Bundesliga success, netting 10 goals and 15 assists in 33 league appearances.

An excellent set-piece taker with the technique of a high-quality attacking midfielder, Grimaldo’s creativity is invaluable for Xabi Alonso’s team.

9. Andrea Cambiasso – €45million

Versatile wing-back Cambiaso was used in a variety of positions by Massimiliano Allegri during his debut season at Juventus, including an inverted role so beloved by managers today.

Continuing to thrive under Thiago Motta, Cambiasso has caught the attention of Manchester City in recent months and would be a fine addition to any elite squad.

8. Riccardo Calafiori – €45million

Having shone at Bologna last season, before shining at Euro 2024 despite Italy’s abysmal tournament, Calafiori was snapped up by Arsenal in the summer window and hasn’t looked back since.

Announcing himself with a stunning goal against Manchester City, the 22-year-old has suffered from injury in his debut season in England but has looked a fine talent when available.

7. Destiny Udogie – €45million

Udogie was the talk of the Premier League at the start of the 202-/24 season, causing havoc with his bursts into the final third and quality on the ball after joining Tottenham.

That form hasn’t been replicated since, with the Italy international prone to lapses of concentration and having suffered with injuries, but the 22-year-old remains a player of vast potential.

6. Theo Hernandez – €50million

Having been unceremoniously cast aside by Real Madrid, Hernandez quickly found a home at AC Milan and is now in his sixth season in Italy.

The France international has been remarkably consistent with the Rossoneri, rarely bettered by his opposing winger and often chipping in with goals and assists at the other end.

There are few more well-rounded players than Hernandez in world football and he’s the archetypal modern full-back.

READ NEXT: Where are they now? The best predicted XI in world football in 2024 according to FIFA 15

TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 20 defenders with the most assists in Premier League history?

5. Alphonso Davies – €50million

It is easy to dismiss Davies as a speed merchant, a player whose remarkable speed gives him an advantage against flat-footed opponents.

And there is no question that the left-back’s explosiveness is the Bayern Munich star’s most eye-catching attribute.

But Davies is also a superb dribbler, an adept defender and has real vision. It’s no surprise that Bayern are delighted he’s reportedly set to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena.

4. Alejandro Balde – €50million

It appears as if Barcelona have stumbled upon the heir to Jordi Alba’s throne in Catalonia – and it hasn’t cost the infamously cash-strapped club a single penny.

Balde was excellent in 2022-23 as Xavi’s side lifted the La Liga title, but suffered an inconsistent campaign the following year.

But the young Spain international is thriving under Hansi Flick and is justifiably high on this list as a result.

3. Nuno Mendes – €55million

Despite his youth, Mendes is a league champion in two different countries and has all the makings of a superstar.

The PSG and Portugal star is as explosive as they come and his pinpoint crossing ability means he could easily develop into an assist king in the coming years.

2. Federico Dimarco – €60million

Dimarco is one of the best crossers in world football; the Inter Milan defender whips the ball into the box with the kind of pace and accuracy that makes strikers drool.

Now an established Italy international and a key player for Inter, Dimarco has been at the top of his game for several years.

What he lacks in pace he more than makes up for with his technical quality and tactical intelligence. No wonder he’s so high on this list.

1. Josko Gvardiol – €75million

Gvardiol is one of many players to have been transformed by Pep Guardiola, who signed him as a dominant centre-back and turned him into a powerful, goal-scoring left-back.

The Croatia international took a bit of time to adapt to the Premier League following his move to Manchester City in 2023, but has added positional intelligence and an attacking edge to his game.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SportsNews

Court resumes hearing in case involving Anthony Joshua’s driver

Published

on

A Magistrate Court sitting in Sagamu, Ogun State, has resumed hearing in the case against Adeniyi Kayode, the driver of a Lexus SUV involved in the fatal road crash that claimed the lives of two close associates of heavyweight boxing star, Anthony Joshua.

Kayode, 46, was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court on January 2, with Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun presiding.

He is facing a four-count charge bordering on dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage, as well as driving without a valid national driver’s license.

The charges are said to be contrary to various provisions of the Federal Highway Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as applicable in Ogun State.

The court had earlier granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties.

The case stems from a tragic accident that occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where the Lexus SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck.

The crash led to the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both close associates of the former world heavyweight champion.

Joshua and the driver were said to have sustained minor injuries in the incident. The boxer was later discharged from the hospital after being certified medically stable to continue his recovery at home.

Following the tragedy, Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay his last respects as arrangements were made to repatriate the bodies of the deceased to the United Kingdom.

Ayodele and Ghami were laid to rest after a funeral prayer held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque, followed by burial at Hendon Cemetery.

Their deaths, particularly Ghami’s as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach and Ayodele’s as his personal trainer and confidant, drew widespread tributes from across the global boxing community.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Senegal win chaotic AFCON final after Morocco miss penalty and stage walk-off protest

Published

on

Senegal 1-0 Morocco (after extra time): Brahim Diaz fluffed a ‘Panenka’ penalty for the chance to win the Africa Cup of Nations, after the Senegal team had stormed off the pitch in protest | By WILL CASTLE

Pape Gueye’s stunning goal in extra time won the Africa Cup of Nations final for Senegal – after hosts Morocco missed the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years as Brahim Diaz fluffed a ‘Panenka’ penalty following a controversial late decision that sparked an extraordinary protest from the Senegal team.

The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala when Diaz went down the box under the challenge of El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Senegal, who had an opening goal disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimin moments before, were outraged and the majority of the Senegal team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, stormed off the pitch, leading to a 14-minute delay.

When Senegal were convinced to come back onto the pitch by talisman Sadio Mane, Diaz, with the chance to win a historic Africa Cup of Nations title for the hosts Morocco in the 24th minute of stoppage time, chipped his penalty softly down the middle – resulting in the easiest of saves for goalkeeper Mendy.

The final then went to extra time, where Gueye scored a stunning goal to win Senegal their second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years, in a final that will be remembered as one of the most chaotic international matches of all time.

 

 

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Obodo Village Wins Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s Multimillion Naira Football Competition in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

Published

on

 

Mark Chisom, Owerri— January 15, 2026

Obodo Village has emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Samuel Anyanwu Football Competition, clinching the championship after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Egbelu Village. The match, held today at Amaimo Central School in Ikeduru Local Government Area, ended in a 0-0 draw, setting the stage for the nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

After both teams failed to score during regular play, the match proceeded to penalties, where Obodo Village showed exceptional composure to convert five of their attempts, while Egbelu Village could only manage four.

The competition, which began several weeks ago, saw teams from various villages across the community compete for the championship title. The final match was the culmination of months of preparation, with both teams showcasing remarkable skill and sportsmanship.

In his address at the closing ceremony, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the tournament’s sponsor, congratulated both teams for their determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition. “This tournament was not just about winning but about fostering unity and teamwork among our communities,” Senator Anyanwu said. “I am proud of the dedication each team showed, and I look forward to even greater participation in the future.”

Senator Anyanwu also announced plans to sponsor a bigger football competition in December 2026, further emphasizing his commitment to nurturing local talent. Additionally, he promised to sponsor exceptional footballers to modern football academies, offering them the opportunity to develop their skills at a professional level.

Obodo Village’s win has been hailed as a historic achievement for the community, with fans and supporters celebrating their hard-earned victory.

Continue Reading

Trending