A Center-Back (CB) is a defensive position in EA Sports FC 25 (formerly FIFA) and real-world football. Center-backs, positioned in the central part of the defensive line, play a crucial role in a team's defense. Their main jobs are stopping opposing attackers, intercepting passes, winning aerial duels, and organizing the backline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best CBs in EA Sports FC 25, analyzing their strengths, PlayStyles, and key stats to help you find the perfect defensive anchor for your squad—whether you need a rock-solid tackler, a pacey defender, or a ball-playing maestro!r
Also Read: Best Young Midfielders in EA Sports FC 25
Best CBs in EA Sports FC 25
Next up, you'll have a list of the best center-backs in EA Sports FC 25! These defensive powerhouses are the backbone of any top squad, excelling in tackles, interceptions, and aerial duels. Whether you need a brick wall at the back or a composed ball-playing defender, these CBs will give your team the ultimate defensive edge.
1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 89 OVR

Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best center-backs in the world, known for his leadership, composure, and exceptional defensive skills. Standing tall at 6'4", his aerial dominance, physicality, and calmness under pressure make him a formidable presence in defense. Van Dijk is also highly intelligent, reading the game with precision and making crucial interceptions. His ball-playing ability and consistency make him a cornerstone for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
- Key Stats: Pace (78), Defending (89), Physical (86)
- PlayStyle+: Aerial+
2. Rúben Dias (Manchester City) – 88 OVR

RĂşben Dias is a highly skilled center-back known for his defensive solidity, leadership, and tactical awareness. A key figure in Manchester City's backline, Dias is excellent in aerial duels, tackles, and interceptions. His physical strength, combined with a composed passing range, allows him to control the defensive line and initiate attacks from the back. With his leadership qualities, he organizes the defense and remains a reliable presence for both club and country. A true rock at the heart of defense.
- Key Stats: Defending (89), Physical (87), Passing (70)
- PlayStyle+: Bruiser+
3. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) – 88 OVR

Antonio Rüdiger is a dynamic and aggressive center-back known for his powerful presence and high work rate. A key player for Real Madrid, Rüdiger excels in physical duels, both on the ground and in the air. His pace allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, while his fearless style of defending makes him a nightmare for strikers. Rüdiger’s leadership, combined with his ability to make crucial tackles and clearances, ensures he is a vital part of any defense.
- Key Stats: Pace (82), Defending (86), Physical (86)
- PlayStyle+: Bruiser+
4. William Saliba (Arsenal) – 87 OVR

William Saliba is an emerging star in defense, known for his excellent composure, agility, and strong tactical awareness. A key player for Arsenal, Saliba combines pace and physicality, making him a threat in both defensive situations and aerial duels. His ability to read the game and make interceptions is exceptional for his age. Comfortable on the ball, Saliba is also capable of playing out from the back, helping to build attacks while maintaining a solid defensive presence.
- Key Stats: Pace (82), Defending (87), Physical (83)
- PlayStyle+: Anticipate+
5. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) – 87 OVR

Marquinhos is a highly versatile and intelligent center-back, known for his excellent positioning, composure, and defensive acumen. A crucial figure for Paris Saint-Germain, Marquinhos excels in reading the game and making vital interceptions. His ability to play both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder adds flexibility to his role. Strong in aerial duels and tackling, Marquinhos combines technical ability with leadership, making him a key player in any defensive setup. His calmness under pressure is one of his standout qualities.
- Key Stats: Defending (89), Physical (81), Pace (79)
- PlayStyle+: Intercept+
6. Alessandro Bastoni (Lombardia FC) – 87 OVR

Alessandro Bastoni is a composed and intelligent center-back known for his excellent ball-playing ability and tactical awareness. A key defender for Lombardia FC, he excels in passing, allowing him to build play from the back with precision. His height and positioning make him strong in aerial duels, while his defensive instincts help him anticipate and intercept attacks. Bastoni’s calmness under pressure and ability to step into midfield make him a modern, well-rounded defender crucial to both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (87), Physical (83), Passing (75)
- PlayStyle+: Intercept+
7. Gabriel (Arsenal) – 86 OVR

Gabriel is a powerful and aggressive center-back known for his strength, aerial dominance, and tough tackling. A key figure in Arsenal’s defense, he combines physicality with excellent defensive awareness, making him difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His ability to win headers makes him a threat in both defensive and attacking set pieces. Gabriel’s composure on the ball and improving passing range also allow him to contribute to buildup play, making him a vital part of Arsenal’s defensive setup.
- Key Stats: Defending (86), Physical (82), Pace (69)
- PlayStyle+: Bruiser+
8. Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) – 86 OVR

Jonathan Tah is a dominant and physically imposing center-back known for his strength, aerial ability, and defensive awareness. A key player for Bayer Leverkusen, Tah uses his size and power to win duels and outmuscle attackers. Despite his stature, he possesses a good pace, allowing him to cover ground effectively. His composure on the ball and solid passing make him an asset in buildup play. With his combination of strength and tactical intelligence, Tah is a reliable and commanding presence in defense.
- Key Stats: Defending (86), Physical (84), Pace (71)
9. Bremer (Juventus) – 86 OVR

Bremer is a strong and athletic center-back known for his physicality, tackling ability, and aerial dominance. A key figure in Juventus' defense, he combines strength with excellent positioning, making him highly effective in one-on-one duels. His aggressive style allows him to break up opposition attacks, while his speed helps him recover quickly. Bremer is also a threat on set pieces, using his height and heading ability to great effect. His defensive consistency makes him a crucial asset for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (86), Physical (85), Pace (82)
10. David Alaba (Real Madrid) – 85 OVR

David Alaba is a versatile and technically gifted center-back known for his composure, passing ability, and tactical intelligence. A key player for Real Madrid, Alaba excels in building play from the back, thanks to his exceptional ball control and vision. His experience as a full-back and midfielder gives him great positional awareness and adaptability. Strong in one-on-one duels and aerial battles, Alaba also provides leadership and composure under pressure, making him a crucial defensive anchor for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (77), Passing (83)
Also Read: What is a Finesse Shot in FC 25: Step-by-Step Guide
11. Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) – 85 OVR

Ronald Araújo is a powerful and fast center-back known for his aggressive defending, aerial dominance, and exceptional recovery speed. A key figure in Barcelona’s backline, he combines physicality with smart positioning, making him highly effective in one-on-one situations. His strength in aerial duels and ability to block shots make him a defensive rock, while his speed allows him to track back and cover large spaces. With his leadership qualities and determination, Araújo is a rising star and a crucial asset for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (84), Pace (82)
- PlayStyle+: Block
12. Éder Militão (Real Madrid) – 85 OVR

Éder Militão is a dynamic and versatile center-back known for his pace, strength, and defensive intelligence. A key player for Real Madrid, he excels in one-on-one duels, using his speed and aggression to shut down attackers. His aerial ability makes him a threat on set pieces, both defensively and offensively. Militão’s composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back add to his all-around defensive skill set, making him a crucial figure for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (82), Pace (85)
13. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) – 85 OVR

Nico Schlotterbeck is a strong and composed center-back known for his tackling ability, aerial dominance, and ball-playing skills. A key player for Borussia Dortmund, he excels in reading the game and making crucial interceptions. His height and physicality make him a dominant presence in defensive duels and set pieces. Schlotterbeck is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, allowing him to contribute to buildup play. His mix of defensive aggression and technical ability makes him a valuable asset for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (82), Pace (77)
- PlayStyle+: Slide Tackle+
14. John Stones (Manchester City) – 85 OVR

John Stones is a technically gifted and intelligent center-back known for his composure, passing ability, and tactical awareness. A key player for Manchester City, he excels in playing out from the back, making him a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s system. His versatility allows him to operate as both a traditional center-back and a defensive midfielder. Strong in defensive duels and aerial battles, Stones combines elegance with resilience, making him a well-rounded defender for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Passing (75), Physical (77), Pace (69)
15. Francesco Acerbi (Lombardia FC) – 84 OVR

Francesco Acerbi is an experienced and reliable center-back known for his defensive solidity, leadership, and aerial dominance. A key player for Lombardia FC, Acerbi excels in organizing the defense and providing stability at the back. His strong physical presence allows him to win duels and clearances in key situations. Acerbi's intelligence and positioning make him effective in reading the game, while his ability to win headers in both defensive and offensive situations adds to his value. His consistency and maturity make him a trusted figure in defense.
- Key Stats: Defending (86), Physical (80)
16. Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) – 84 OVR

Manuel Akanji is a powerful and versatile center-back known for his speed, strength, and excellent defensive positioning. A key player for Manchester City, Akanji is effective in one-on-one duels, using his quick reactions and physicality to neutralize attackers. His pace allows him to recover quickly and cover ground, while his solid tackling and aerial ability make him a threat in both defensive and set-piece situations. Akanji’s ball-playing skills also contribute to building attacks, making him a well-rounded defender for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Pace (78), Physical (82), Passing (71)
17. Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United) – 84 OVR

Matthijs de Ligt is a composed and strong center-back known for his leadership, tactical awareness, and aerial dominance. A key player for Manchester United, de Ligt combines his physicality with excellent positioning and decision-making to neutralize opposing attackers. His ability to read the game allows him to make crucial interceptions and tackles, while his aerial strength makes him a constant threat in set-piece situations. De Ligt is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, contributing to buildup play and adding versatility to his defensive skill set.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (83)
18. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) – 84 OVR

Kalidou Koulibaly is a powerful and dominant center-back known for his physicality, aerial ability, and aggressive defense. A key figure for Al Hilal, Koulibaly is renowned for his strength and resilience, making him a formidable force in duels against attackers. His leadership and experience shine through in organizing the defense and maintaining composure under pressure. Koulibaly’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions, combined with his aerial dominance, make him a complete and reliable defender.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (84), Pace (76)
19. Lisandro MartĂnez (Manchester United) – 84 OVR

Lisandro MartĂnez is a tenacious and technically gifted center-back known for his aggressiveness, intelligence, and versatility. A key player for Manchester United, MartĂnez excels in one-on-one situations, using his physicality and sharp positioning to shut down attackers. Despite his smaller stature, he is a dominant force in aerial duels and a threat in tackles. His ball-playing ability and passing range make him an asset in possession, contributing to buildup play from the back. MartĂnez’s leadership and fierce determination make him a key figure for both club and country.
- Key Stats: Defending (85), Physical (81), Pace (71), Passing (78)
20. Benjamin Pavard (Lombardia FC) – 84 OVR

Benjamin Pavard is a versatile and solid center-back known for his defensive reliability, composure, and technical ability. A key player for Lombardia FC, Pavard is effective in both central defense and as a right-back, showcasing his adaptability across the backline. His strong positioning, aerial dominance, and tactical awareness allow him to shut down attackers and make crucial interceptions. Pavard is also known for his impressive passing range, helping to initiate attacks from the back. His all-around skill set and consistency make him a key defensive asset.
- Key Stats: Defending (86), Passing (75), Pace (75), Physical (81)
- PlayStyle+: Jockey+
Also Read: How to Defend Like a Pro in FC 25
Final Words
Finding the perfect defender can make all the difference in EA Sports FC 25, and this list of best CBs highlights the very best in the game. Whether you need a rock-solid leader like Virgil van Dijk, a pacey defender like Ronald AraĂşjo, or a ball-playing maestro like Alessandro Bastoni, each player brings unique strengths to the pitch.
From dominant aerial threats to aggressive tacklers and elite passers, the top center-backs will help you shut down attacks, control possession, and build from the back. No matter your playstyle—whether you prefer a high defensive line or a deep-lying backline—these defenders will give you the stability you need to win matches.
You're finished reading, but we have more informative content that you could learn from. In addition, we offer game-changing services that can elevate your gaming experience to the next level. What would you like to do next?