Best Defenders in FIFA 23

The phrase “defense wins championships” is an adage that applies to all sports. So, while everyone craves the glory of offensive success, if your defense isn't up to pace, you'll most certainly lose that lead as quickly as you gained it. As a result, there is no option but to build a strong defensive core in FIFA 23. However, if you're not sure which players to build your defense around, then keep reading because we have compiled a list of the best defenders in FIFA 23 for you right below.

6. Antonio Rüdiger

Starting things off we have Antonio Rudiger, the 30-year-old Center Back for Real Madrid. His overall rating in FIFA 23 sits at an 87 with the potential to reach 88. While that may not seem very high, it's just a couple points shy of the other best defenders on this list. As a result, if you get Rudiger, don't hesitate to put him in your lineup right away.

Antonio Rudigers' has a Slide Tackle rating of 84 and a Stand Tackle of 87. Mix that with his 90 overall for physical strength and you're looking at one of the best defenders in FIFA 23. Safe to say, if any strikers want to get by this defender, they'll either be getting a card or have to sacrifice their body trying.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly

Sitting in Left Center Back for Chelsea, we have Kalidou Koulibaly. With a rating of 87, Koulibaly posts slightly better stats than Rudiger. He has a 93 for physical strength, an 86 Slide Tackle, and an 89 Stand Tackle rating. As you can see, he is just a step higher than Rudiger in these departments. However, where Koulibaly really takes off is with his sprint speed. With an 88 Sprint Speed rating, Koulibaly is the one you want defending against the game's fastest players, such as Kylian Mbappe.

4. João Cancelo

At first glance, Joao Cancelo may not seem like one of the best defenders in FIFA 23. His Slide Tackle sits at 79 and his Stand Tackle at 83. Furthermore, his strength is a whopping low of 62. So, you may be asking yourself how Cancelo will help improve your teams defense. However, defense isn't always measured by physical aggression or the player's ability to take out their opponent's feet.

What Joao Cancelo excels at is his ball control, stamina, and acceleration. As a result, you can always count on Cancelo being back to support your netminder. He rarely gets lost out of position or stuck behind the play for that matter. So, if you need a shutdown stay-at-home defender who can keep a high intensity for a full 90 minutes, Cancelo is your guy.

3. Rúben Dias

Next up we have the right center back for Manchester City, Ruben Dias. In a similar vein to our first two entries on this list, Dias has a great Slide Tackle, Stand Tackle, and physical strength. Dias is also one of the only defenders in FIFA 23 with the potential to achieve a 91 overall rating, although most of the time you'll see him as an 88 overall.

A key feature of Ruben Dias is his ability to contest corner kicks with his 87 Heading rating. So, if someone goes up for a header, Dias will be right next to them, sacrificing his body to make a great shutdown defensive play. That is the kind of defense that will help you win championships.

2. Marquinhos

Marquinhos is a Left Centre Back for Paris SG with nearly a decade of experience. That's why it's no surprise to see him boast the second highest Slide and Stand Tackle of all defenders at 89, respectively – most even keel rating of all defenders. His expertise also gives further reasoning to his 89 Interceptions and 88 Reactions rating. Safe to say, Marquinhos is a mastermind when it comes to the defensive side of the ball.

So, if you're looking for a player who can help improve the performance of every player on your back end, Marquinhos is one of the best defenders in FIFA 23 for it. He is an outright team player and wants nothing more than to see a big fat zero on the scoreboard at the end of the game.

1. Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk is the first name that should come to mind for everyone when thinking of the best defenders in FIFA 23. Despite being hard stuck at an overall rating of 89, you won't find a player who will do more justice for your back end the Dijk. He has an 86 Slide Tackle and the highest Stand Tackle of all defenders at 91. What's more, he has a 93 Strength rating and 88 Heading ability. As a result, he combines the best aspects of all the defenders in this list into one.

So, it's no secret Virgil Van Dijk is the single best defender you can get in FIFA 23. That being said, you'll have to get pretty lucky to get him on your team, if not give up a big piece to acquire him. However, when it comes to a defender of this caliber, the trade-off is well worth it. Especially since we all know that “defense wins championships,” and this is a player who will make that a reality.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our picks? Are there other defenders in FIFA 23 that you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!