The 2024/25 Bundesliga season showcased a remarkable array of defensive talent, with players combining physical prowess, tactical intelligence, and technical skill to anchor their teams’ backlines. As the campaign unfolded, several defenders stood out for their consistency, statistical excellence, and critical contributions to their clubs’ success.
Drawing from performance data and expert rankings, this article highlights the top five defenders who defined the season, shaping their teams’ fortunes in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
1. Dayot Upamecano
Leading the pack is Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich, a centre-back whose performances solidified his reputation as one of the world’s elite defenders. Upamecano’s season was marked by his ability to dominate duels and progress the ball with precision. With 1.7 interceptions and 5.6 duels won per 90 minutes, he posted some of the highest defensive metrics among Bayern’s backline. His 3.2 possession wins in the defensive third trailed only one other defender in the league, underscoring his knack for breaking up opposition attacks.
Upamecano’s partnership with Minjae Kim formed the backbone of Bayern’s title-winning campaign, which boasted the division’s best defensive record. His passing range, often described as unmatched among centre-backs, allowed Bayern to transition seamlessly from defense to attack, making him a pivotal figure in their 34th German title.
2. Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen secured the second spot, continuing his reign as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable centre-backs. Despite Leverkusen’s failure to replicate their invincible 2023/24 season, Tah remained a cornerstone, logging an impressive 2,970 minutes—the most of any outfield player in the squad. His 93% pass completion rate, the highest in the league, highlighted his composure on the ball, while his 68.4% duel success rate marked a significant improvement from the previous campaign.
Tah’s consistency was evident in his near-perfect availability, missing just 90 minutes of action, and his two goals and one assist added offensive value from the back. Leverkusen’s five-match winning streak heading into the winter break owed much to Tah’s steady presence, cementing his status as a model of defensive reliability.
3. Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund earned the third position with a refined and commanding season. Known for his physical and technical qualities, Schlotterbeck thrived in Dortmund’s back four, building on his breakout years at Freiburg. His 3.6 possession wins per 90 minutes in the defensive third led all Bundesliga defenders, showcasing his ability to thwart attacks early.
Schlotterbeck’s versatility shone through in set-piece situations, where he provided assists from corners, notably in a 3-1 win over Mainz on Matchday 27. His blend of aggressive defending and ball-playing ability made him a standout, contributing to Dortmund’s competitive campaign. Schlotterbeck’s growth into a complete defender underscored his importance to both club and country.
4. Maximilian Mittelstädt
Maximilian Mittelstädt of VfB Stuttgart claimed the fourth spot, proving himself as one of the Bundesliga’s premier full-backs. The left-back’s season was a revelation, with seven assists—a personal best in his 10th top-flight campaign. Mittelstädt’s 148 open-play crosses were at least 32 more than any other player, with a 27% accuracy rate that ranked among the league’s best. His 42 chances created in open play surpassed all other defenders, placing him in the top 10 overall.
Off the ball, Mittelstädt’s 66% duel success rate and 54 successful tackles led all outfielders with significant minutes, demonstrating his defensive tenacity. His contributions were vital to Stuttgart’s strong season, including their run to the DFB-Pokal final, making him a dependable and dynamic presence on the flank.
5. Mitchell Weiser
Rounding out the top five is Mitchell Weiser of Werder Bremen, a wing-back who enjoyed a career-best season. At 31, Weiser was involved in 13 Bundesliga goals, scoring five and assisting eight—surpassing his previous assist record from 2023/24. His 113 touches in the opponent’s box trailed only teammate Marvin Ducksch, a remarkable feat for a defender.
Weiser’s 41 chances created in open play and 80 dribbles highlighted his attacking flair, while his four assist-ending carries ranked third league-wide. Defensively, he remained solid, contributing to Bremen’s competitive campaign. Weiser’s ability to influence games on both ends of the pitch made him a standout, proving that age is no barrier to excellence.