Best of 2025-26: Best Defender
With the curtain having come down on the 2025/26 Ligue 1 McDonald's season, in a new series, the editorial staff picks their favorite moments of what was a thrilling season, continuing with the Best Defender. Join George Boxall, Eric Devin and Luke Entwistle for a bumper review.
Charlie Cresswell, Toulouse FC
Since arriving at Toulouse, Charlie Cresswell has developed into one of Ligue 1 McDonald’s most reliable central defenders. The England U21 international adapted quickly to French football and has continued his upward trajectory this season, becoming an ever-present figure in Carles Martínez Novell’s side. It could well be his last season in France, with admirers everywhere on the other side of the channel. What sets the former Leeds United defender apart is his blend of physicality, positional intelligence, and leadership. His positioning and anticipation enable him to snuff out danger before it develops, while his willingness to put his body on the line has made him one of the division’s most dependable last-line defenders.
A GREAT HEADER BY CHARLIE CRESSWELL! 🏴🌟 pic.twitter.com/Hx1rHisDDz
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 12, 2025
He has also added goals to his game this season, as Toulouse looked to make the most of set-pieces and corners and have effectively used his physical presence in the box. Cresswell ranks among the very best aerial defenders in Europe’s top five leagues, sitting sixth overall for aerial duels won. He also features in Ligue 1’s top 10 for blocks and ranks second for clearances, highlighting both his defensive awareness and his ability to withstand sustained pressure. Beyond the numbers, however, his biggest contribution has been the authority he brings to Toulouse’s back line. -GB
Nuno Mendes, Paris Saint-Germain
While not a bustling centre back like the players my colleagues have plumped for, it's hard too look past Mendes. His club teammate Willian Pacho, impeccable again, and Matthieu Udol, who was one of the signings of the season after joining Lens were also under consideration, but it was the whippet-like Portugal international -- still only 23 -- who takes top honors for me.
Nuno Mendes for the win 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/kuhUkrIRH6
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 1, 2026
Industrious and pacy, he continues to impress both defensively and going forward, and even has been deployed on the left wing at times, aiding Luis Enrique's rotation in a busy campaign. His totals of six goals and five assists are evidence of this, while his interplay with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been key in pushing his side to another Ligue 1 McDonald's title and to the precipice of a second straight Champions League title. -ED
Malang Sarr, RC Lens:
There were concerns about how Lens’ defence would fare this season. The club have been in the habit of selling their strongest players in this position. There were the departures of Kevin Danso and Abdukodir Khusanov midway through last season, and then the exit of Facundo Medina last summer. Those three had become the indispensable, as had Jonathan Gradit, who would ultimately miss most of this season through injury. Pierre Sage needed someone to step up and Malang Sarr was that man. It was less than two years ago that Sarr was the forgotten man at Chelsea.
On the fringes, Mauricio Pochettino appeared not to know the former OGC Nice defender when asked about him in a press conference. Having seen his contract at Stamford Bridge cut short, he has since got his career firmly back on track at Lens. Sarr featured in the UNFP Team of the Year and will feel unlucky to have missed out on Senegal’s World Cup squad. Regardless, it is his assuredness at the back that provided the foundation for Lens’ surprise success in Ligue 1 McDonald’s next season. It was needed, especially in light of the inexperience around him. In that context, Sarr has been a guiding figure. -LE
