If you need a centre-back, left-back or right-back to anchor your backline in EA FC 25, we’ve compiled a list of the best young defenders with high potential in Career Mode.
Full-backs are no longer a position in FC 25. Instead, full-backs can have a full-back role which makes them more capable of moving forward and taking on more of an attacking role.
When Career Mode fans build their squad, finding players with their preferred roles comes into play, whether you’re developing youth academy prospects or creating a transfer shortlist.
Courtesy of EA FC DatabaseWe’ve shortlisted the best defenders in the game, noting their age (under 24), overall rating, potential, value and contract expiration date in Career Mode.
Best Young Central Defenders (CD)
Players we recommend
- Giorgio Scalvini
- Antonio Silva
- Gonçalo Inácio
At 20 years old, Giorgio Scalvini He is already one of the best centre-backs in Italy and will only get better thanks to his 88 potential. Most mid- and big-name clubs should be able to convince the centre-back to leave, and the €29m valuation won’t break the bank.
In recent seasons, several superstars have emerged from La Liga Portugal and become household names in the European giants. Antonio Silva should be the next player to emerge from Portugal, and the centre-back comes at a reasonable price, considering the world-class quality he offers.
Four Sporting CP centre-backs are on our list, meaning there won’t be enough playing time for everyone. Goncalo Inacio The 87 potential is the highest of the bunch, and every Career Mode player should at least consider integrating one of their backline pairing options.
Best Young Fullbacks (RB/LB)
Players we recommend
- Jorrel Hato
- Bad taste
- Rico Lewis
Ajax had a disastrous 2023-24 season, finishing fifth in the Eredivisie. As a result, some players will want a more ambitious club, which Jorrel Hato a prime candidate to leave. The lightning-quick fullback would slot easily into most teams’ starting XI.
Chelsea are struggling to make headway at right-back. Due to Reece James’ injury problems, Bad taste James has had plenty of playing time. However, once James is fully fit and healthy, Gusto will be too talented to not be a starter. So we recommend making a trade and signing the versatile guard.
Rico Lewis Lewis Lewis is set to take over from Kyler Walker as Manchester City’s starting right-back when the latter retires. However, Walker has shown no signs of slowing down at 34, meaning Lewis could be a candidate for a transfer.
There are options for all budgets and age groups above, so take a look around and see if anything catches your eye.
In a few seasons, the youngest players on this list will all be playing for the biggest teams in the world, so getting there early could give you a huge advantage.
Now that you’ve found your next star for this role, take a look at each high-potential winger.
