Defense wins championships – and in eFootball Mobile 2025, having the right defenders can make the difference between victory and defeat. With faster gameplay, improved ball physics, and more intelligent attackers, building a strong backline is more important than ever.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the top defenders in eFootball 2025, their stats, strengths, weaknesses, and the tactics to use them effectively. Whether you’re building your dream squad or competing in ranked matches, these defenders will help you shut down even the toughest strikers.
⚽ Why Defenders Matter in eFootball 2025
Konami has rebalanced gameplay to make defense more manual-skill based. Relying on AI is no longer enough – you need defenders with:
- High tackling and interception stats 🛡️
- Strong aerial ability to stop crosses and corners
- Speed and acceleration to keep up with agile strikers
- Leadership traits that boost defensive stability
The following players stand out as the best in eFootball Mobile 2025.
🥇 1. Fabio Cannavaro (106 OVR) – The Defensive General
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Leadership, interceptions, tackling
- Weaknesses: Shorter than most CBs (176 cm)
- Best Partner: Van Dijk, Koulibaly
Cannavaro’s 106 OVR card is one of the best in the game. He excels at reading the game, cutting out passes, and tackling with precision. His leadership trait makes him ideal as captain, boosting the entire defense.
👉 Best for players who want a reliable, quick CB with elite defensive IQ.
🥈 2. Virgil van Dijk (105 OVR) – The Wall
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Strength, aerial dominance, composure
- Weaknesses: Acceleration against fast attackers
- Best Partner: Cannavaro, Maldini
Van Dijk remains a monster in defense. With towering height, strength, and aerial power, he dominates in set-pieces. He might feel slower than agile attackers, but pairing him with a fast CB balances his weaknesses.
👉 Best for physical, defensive stability.
🥉 3. Paolo Maldini (105 OVR) – The Maestro of Defense
- Position: CB/LB
- Strengths: Positioning, composure, versatility
- Weaknesses: Not as quick as modern CBs
- Best Partner: Cannavaro or Beckenbauer
Maldini’s legendary card offers world-class positioning and reliability. He rarely makes mistakes and can also play as a left-back if needed. His calm style complements more aggressive defenders.
👉 Best for classic defensive reliability.
🏅 4. Franz Beckenbauer (105 OVR) – The Sweeper
- Position: CB/CDM
- Strengths: Passing, vision, attacking CB role
- Weaknesses: Not as physical as Van Dijk
- Best Partner: Van Dijk or Cannavaro
Beckenbauer is unique – not only is he a great defender, but he can also initiate attacks with pinpoint passes. He’s perfect for players who like to build from the back.
👉 Best for ball-playing defenders.
🏆 5. Ruben Dias (104 OVR) – The Modern Leader
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Tackling, aggression, consistency
- Weaknesses: Passing under pressure
- Best Partner: Cannavaro or Van Dijk
Dias is one of the strongest active defenders in eFootball Mobile 2025. With incredible tackling and marking stats, he’s a reliable defender in any formation. He doesn’t have the passing ability of Beckenbauer, but he’s an excellent stopper.
👉 Best for modern defensive solidity.
🎯 6. Alessandro Nesta (104 OVR) – The Calm Interceptor
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Interceptions, composure, discipline
- Weaknesses: Speed
- Best Partner: Cannavaro or Maldini
Nesta is perfect for players who value clean defensive play. He reads the game like a chess master and rarely overcommits. However, he may struggle against lightning-fast forwards.
👉 Best for patient, tactical defenders.
⚡ 7. Kalidou Koulibaly (103 OVR) – The Powerhouse
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Strength, physical duels, aerial battles
- Weaknesses: Ball control and dribbling under pressure
- Best Partner: Cannavaro or Maldini
Koulibaly’s physical dominance makes him a nightmare for strikers. He’s strong, aggressive, and hard to outmuscle. Not the most technical, but he makes up for it with raw power.
👉 Best for players who want dominance in physical duels.
🏟️ 8. Sergio Ramos (103 OVR) – The Fighter
- Position: CB/RB
- Strengths: Aggression, leadership, clutch goals
- Weaknesses: Discipline (can commit fouls)
- Best Partner: Van Dijk or Maldini
Ramos remains one of the most complete defenders. He can play CB or RB, and his aggressive style makes him a game-changer. He also contributes in attack with headers and long passes.
👉 Best for aggressive, versatile defense.
🛡️ 9. Giorgio Chiellini (103 OVR) – The Warrior
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Tackling, blocking shots, mentality
- Weaknesses: Speed and stamina
- Best Partner: Cannavaro or Koulibaly
Chiellini is a defensive warrior who never gives up. While slower than modern defenders, his determination and tackling ability make him extremely effective in the right setup.
👉 Best for players who value grit and tackling.
🧠 10. Matthijs de Ligt (102 OVR) – The Rising Star
- Position: CB
- Strengths: Strength, composure, youth
- Weaknesses: Experience compared to legends
- Best Partner: Van Dijk
De Ligt is a future-proof defender with incredible potential. He may not yet match the legends in raw stats, but he’s an excellent investment card for long-term play.
👉 Best for young, strong CB options.
📊 Comparison Table – Best Defenders in eFootball Mobile 2025
| Player | OVR | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannavaro (106) | 106 | Leadership, tackling | Height |
| Van Dijk (105) | 105 | Strength, aerial duels | Acceleration |
| Maldini (105) | 105 | Positioning, calm play | Pace |
| Beckenbauer (105) | 105 | Passing, attacking CB | Less physical |
| Ruben Dias (104) | 104 | Aggression, marking | Passing |
| Nesta (104) | 104 | Interceptions, calmness | Speed |
| Koulibaly (103) | 103 | Strength, aerial duels | Technique |
| Ramos (103) | 103 | Aggression, versatility | Discipline |
| Chiellini (103) | 103 | Tackling, mentality | Stamina, pace |
| De Ligt (102) | 102 | Strength, youth | Experience |
✅ Final Verdict – Who is the Best Defender?
The answer depends on your style of play:
- Want a leader with elite intelligence? → Pick Cannavaro 106.
- Need a physical wall? → Choose Van Dijk 105.
- Prefer a ball-playing CB? → Go with Beckenbauer 105.
- Love classic defensive legends? → Maldini and Nesta are your picks.
In reality, the best strategy is to pair two complementary defenders: one strong and tall (Van Dijk, Koulibaly) and one intelligent and fast (Cannavaro, Maldini).
🏆 Final Thoughts
Building the right defensive partnership is the key to success in eFootball Mobile 2025. With Konami’s latest update emphasizing manual defending and tactical awareness, these defenders will give you the stability you need to face world-class attackers.
Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or just building your dream XI, investing in the right CBs will pay off every single game.
