Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes has been ranked the best left-back in world football, ahead of Real Madrid’s Marc Cucurella and Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, in a new ranking published by Planet Football.
The Portuguese international occupies the top position on the list of 10 outstanding left-backs, with Cucurella ranked second and Dimarco completing the top three.
According to Planet Football on Wednesday, Mendes’ defensive qualities, ability to win one-on-one duels and attacking contributions have made him one of the most influential players in his position.
The report also highlighted his importance to PSG’s success in the UEFA Champions League, alongside right-back Achraf Hakimi.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who plays for Arsenal, occupies fourth position, while Atletico Madrid’s Alex Grimaldo is ranked fifth.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall takes sixth place, followed by Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly in seventh position.
Bayern Munich’s Nathaniel Brown is ranked eighth, while Alphonso Davies occupies ninth place despite concerns over injuries that have affected his consistency.
Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie completes the top 10.
Explaining Davies’ position, Planet Football noted that injuries had disrupted his development and affected the explosive performances that previously made him one of the most exciting full-backs in world football.
However, the publication acknowledged that recent encouraging performances suggested the Canadian still had plenty to offer.
On Brown, the report praised his comfortable adaptation to Bayern Munich, noting that he contributed a goal and two assists in his first eight Bundesliga appearances.
The publication also highlighted Calafiori’s defensive ability and growing attacking influence, while acknowledging that injuries had affected his availability for Arsenal.
Dimarco’s impressive record at Inter Milan also earned him third place, with the Italian having established himself as one of the club’s most important players through his goals and assists.
Cucurella was praised for his defensive discipline, positional awareness and performances in major matches, including his contribution to Real Madrid’s recent successes.
Planet Football described Mendes as an outstanding all-round defender whose defensive strength and attacking ability have helped make him a key figure in PSG’s system under Luis Enrique.
The ranking reflects the growing importance of modern full-backs, who are increasingly expected to contribute both defensively and offensively while adapting to different tactical demands.
The players as rated by Planet Football
Nuno Mendes
Marc Cucurella
Federico Dimarco
Riccardo Calafiori
Alex Grimaldo
Lewis Hall
Nico O’Reilly
Nathaniel Brown
Alphonso Davies
Piero Hincapie
