Building a strong defense in FIFA 22 Career Mode is just as important as signing top strikers. While goals win matches, a solid backline wins championships. Whether you’re managing a top club or building a team from scratch, choosing the right defenders can make a huge difference. Below, we break down the best defenders in FIFA 22 Career Mode, from established veterans to young wonderkids with huge potential.

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

  • Position: CB

  • Overall: 89

  • Potential: 89

  • Why Choose Him: Van Dijk is still one of the best defenders in FIFA 22. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and defensive awareness make him the perfect leader for any backline.

2. Raphaël Varane (Manchester United)

  • Position: CB

  • Overall: 86

  • Potential: 88

  • Why Choose Him: Varane is a rock in defense with excellent pace and tackling. He’s a perfect signing if you want a reliable world-class center-back.

3. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

  • Position: RB

  • Overall: 85

  • Potential: 88

  • Why Choose Him: Hakimi is arguably the best right-back in FIFA 22 Career Mode. His blistering pace and stamina allow him to dominate both in attack and defense.

4. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

  • Position: LB

  • Overall: 87

  • Potential: 89

  • Why Choose Him: Robertson is a top choice at left-back, combining speed, crossing, and defensive ability. Ideal for teams that rely on attacking full-backs.

5. Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)

  • Position: CB

  • Overall: 85

  • Potential: 90

  • Why Choose Him: De Ligt is already a top defender at just 21 years old. With a potential rating of 90, he’s a long-term investment for any team.

6. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

  • Position: CB

  • Overall: 82

  • Potential: 89

  • Why Choose Him: Fast, strong, and reliable — Upamecano is a beast in defense and grows into one of the world’s best center-backs in Career Mode.

7. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

  • Position: RB

  • Overall: 87

  • Potential: 92

  • Why Choose Him: If you want a right-back who can dictate play like a midfielder, TAA is your man. His passing and crossing stats are unmatched.

8. Jules Koundé (Sevilla)

  • Position: CB

  • Overall: 83

  • Potential: 89

  • Why Choose Him: Koundé’s pace and tackling ability make him an excellent young defender. Affordable compared to top names, yet world-class in the future.

9. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

  • Position: LB

  • Overall: 82

  • Potential: 89

  • Why Choose Him: Known as one of the fastest players in FIFA 22, Davies dominates the left side of the pitch. He’s a must-sign if you want a modern full-back.

10. Theo Hernández (AC Milan)

  • Position: LB

  • Overall: 84

  • Potential: 90

  • Why Choose Him: Hernández is one of the best young left-backs in the game. His speed, stamina, and attacking instincts make him a future superstar.

Honorable Mentions

  • Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli) – rock-solid CB.

  • Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan) – powerful and reliable.

  • Pau Torres (Villarreal) – affordable and great potential.

  • Nuno Mendes (PSG) – young LB with a bright future.

Conclusion

In FIFA 22 Career Mode, the best defenders aren’t always about current overall ratings but also about potential growth. If you’re managing a top club, stars like Van Dijk and Robertson bring immediate impact. For long-term saves, signing young talents like De Ligt, Davies, or Koundé ensures your defense will remain strong for years.

👉 Tip: Always pair a physical, tall defender with a pacey, agile one for the perfect balance in your backline.