Kicker Summer Rankings: Top Centre‑Backs in Bundesliga

Kicker has released the first part of its 2026 summer rankings, evaluating performances from the second half of the 2025/26 season. The publication splits selections by position, offering insight into which defenders are viewed as the elite at each level. For centre‑backs, the list is divided into World Class, International Class and National Class categories.

International Class Centre‑Backs

The International Class tier provides a snapshot of the most reliable centre‑backs in the German‑league system after the season’s second half. Eight players earned spots, reflecting consistent performances across a challenging schedule. Clubs like Bayern, Freiburg, Dortmund, Stuttgart and Brighton are well represented in this group.

Dayot Upamecano leads the group, anchoring FC Bayern’s defense with a reputation for aerial dominance and composure under pressure. Matthias Ginter follows, providing steady leadership at Freiburg after a season of remarkable resilience. Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba add depth, each contributing key tackles for their respective clubs. Nico Schlotterbeck, Jeff Chabot and Luka Vuskovic round out the International Class with solid performances for Dortmund, Stuttgart and Brighton.

National Class Centre‑Backs

The National Class highlights ten defenders recognized for steady play within the domestic landscape. The highest‑rated among them is Nico Elvedi, who anchors Borussia Mönchengladbach’s back line with consistency. Waldemar Anton follows, offering reliability for Borussia Dortmund, while Nicolas Capaldo contributes at Hamburger SV.

Albian Hajdari and Ozan Kabak both shine for TSG Hoffenheim, providing a strong central pairing. Ramy Bensebaini delivers quality for Borussia Dortmund, and Finn Jeltsch partners with Kabak at VfB Stuttgart. Kim min‑Jae adds experience to FC Bayern’s ranks, and Patrick Mainka proves his worth with FC Heidenheim. Jarell Quansah caps the National Class list, representing Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive effort.

What the Rankings Mean for Clubs

The International Class names highlight players who are still viewed as top‑flight material despite the World Class slot being empty. Clubs such as Bayern, Leverkusen, Dortmund and Stuttgart dominate the upper positions, reflecting their defensive depth. National Class selections often underline consistency for players who may not yet be considered elite but are recognised for steady performances. Fans and scouts use the Kicker list as a benchmark for evaluating centre‑back quality throughout the season.