In 2025, MLS has seen its center back position rise in profile: more athleticism, more anticipation, and defenders who aren’t just clearing balls but starting attacks. Below, SantaKick has analyzed statistics, team impact, defensive metrics, and consistency to pick the top 5 best center backs MLS 2025. Whether you’re scouting, fantasy-managing, or just love quality defensive play, these are the ones standing above the rest.
Criteria for Selection
To pick these five, SantaKick evaluated:
- Minutes played & starts (consistency)
- Defensive metrics: interceptions, clearances, blocks, duels won
- Contribution to clean sheets and goals conceded
- Passing ability, especially progressive passes / playing out from the back
- Team impact and role in defensive organization
The Top 5
1. Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Blackmon has been a revelation at center back in 2025, having transitioned. He ranks very highly in advanced metrics: one report places him among the top central defenders in MLS by net goals added, which measures how often the opposition is prevented.
On the stat sheet: appearances are high (consistent starter), strong passing accuracy, multiple games with clean sheets, plus a few goals/assists mixed in. otystats.org)
Strengths: Ball-playing, anticipation, composure under pressure.
2. Nicolás Romero (Minnesota United FC)
At just 21, Romero has settled quickly at level. Signed from Tucumán, he came in with solid experience but has shown maturity beyond his years. He has made many starts, registered several assists — unusual for a center back — showing he’s not just defensive but also useful going forward.
His market value reflects his promise, and Minnesota United clearly view him as part of a long-term defensive core.
3. Walker Zimmerman
Experience counts, and Zimmerman has it in spades. As of 2025 he’s still one of the top paid defenders in MLS, which reflects his perceived value.
He’s a leader in defense, especially on set pieces, with physical presence, aerial threat, and organizational skills. Even when coming back. (Note: due to the shifting nature of games and injuries, his numbers aren’t always up.)
4. Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Robinson brings speed, recovery, and a strong defensive record. After moving to FC Cincinnati, he’s had to adapt to different defensive partners and styles, and so far he has done well. He makes many clearances and tends to win duels. He is also one of the higher-earning center backs in 2025 MLS, which shows both his past performances and the pressure on him going forward.
Robinson’s ability to cover ground and his defensive intelligence make him hard to beat one-on-one.
5. Henry Kessler (St. Louis City SC)
Steady, reliable, and improving. Kessler doesn’t always grab headlines but has delivered consistency, strong aerial ability, and physicality. At 1.93m height, he’s a backbone in set-piece defense. He also has chipped in occasional goals. His move to St. Louis City has given him more visibility, and so far his performances have made him among the top center backs in the league this season.
Honorable Mentions
- Thiago Martins (NYCFC) — excellent when fit; command and reading of the game strong.
- Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati) — brings experience and leadership.
- Marlon (LAFC) — former Europeans, good in possession and defense.
Comparing Styles & What Makes Them Shine
Here are some contrast-notes to understand what makes each of the top 5 special:
| Player | Defensive Style | Ball-Playing / Passing | Leadership / Experience |
| Blackmon | Agile and anticipative, good in one-vs-one, rarely caught flat | High accuracy in progressive passing, good with exits from back | Younger than Zimmerman, but stepping up; adaptability from fullback background |
| Romero | Strong in reading danger, good timing on interceptions | Contributes assists; comfortable in build-up play | Growth trajectory strong; less veteran baggage but rising fast |
| Zimmerman | Physicality, aerial dominance, staying calm under pressure | Not flashy with passes, but very functional and safe | Veteran presence; the benchmark many others are measured against |
| Miles Robinson | Speed, ability to recover, aggressive in defensive duels | Mix of long balls and passes into midfield; trying to improve link-up | Younger veteran; leadership growing |
| Henry Kessler | Tall, solid in marking and clearances; very reliable | Good in set aerial situations; moderate with progressive drives | Gaining reputation; less international profile but growing importance |
Why These 5 Stand Out Over Others in 2025
- They help their teams consistently keep clean sheets or limit goals conceded.
- They are relatively injury-resilient / have played enough minutes to matter.
- Their defensive metrics (clearances, duels won, interceptions) are among top players in MLS for their position.
- They also contribute beyond pure defending: with assists, with passing, with reading the game early, which is increasingly what modern center backs are expected to do.
Potential Upside & Risks
- Some younger ones like Romero are still developing; mistakes may come in high-pressure games.
- Zimmerman, while still excellent, could decline physically; keeping match fitness and avoiding injury will be key.
- Consistency under tactical changes (different coaches, different backlines) is a risk for those with less experience.
Conclusion
The top 5 best center backs MLS 2025 are Tristan Blackmon, Nicolás Romero, Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, and Henry Kessler. Each combines defensive reliability with enough on-ball skill and mental strength to make a real difference. SantaKick believes these five are setting the standard for what a center back should be in MLS right now.
If you liked this breakdown, SantaKick can also do top 5 rising center backs, budget CBs, or compare MLS vs European CBs. Want me to put one of those together next?
