Defenders to consider for the start of the 2025/26 season

Need some help with your Fantasy Bundesliga team before the new season kicks off? Here are the defenders you should consider bringing into your squad.

With the new Bundesliga season just around the corner, we are ready to give you a helping hand with your Fantasy Bundesliga team.

In the second article of our series highlighting top picks by position, we take a closer look at the defenders you should have on your radar when building your squad.

Budget options:

Filippo Mané, Dortmund – 1m

Priced at the lowest possible price, the young centre-back filled in for the injured Niklas Süle in Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 DFB-Pokal win over Rot-Weiss Essen. After an assured display, he’s expected to keep his place when BVB kick off their Bundesliga campaign against FC St. Pauli. If he does, he’s a genuine bargain

Luca Jaquez, Stuttgart – 2.3m

Jaquez has seen plenty of action in preseason and most recently started alongside Jeff Chabot in Stuttgart’s 2-1 Supercup defeat to Bayern Munich. Ahead of the game, coach Sebastian Hoeneß suggested that Jaquez held a slight edge over Fin Jeltsch in the pecking order. And while he didn’t have his best outing against Bayern, the 20-year-old is still widely expected to keep his place for Stuttgart’s Bundesliga opener against Union Berlin. At just 2.3 million, he should be a low-risk, high-upside pick.

Christian Günter, Freiburg – 5.7m

At 32, Freiburg’s captain may be past his peak, but he was still involved in a decent amount of goals last season (two goals, four assists). His low price makes him an interesting option from the start – especially considering Freiburg’s favorable opening fixtures.

Mid-range options:

Kevin Diks, Gladbach – 6.3m

A new signing from FC Copenhagen, Diks is expected to fill the void left by Ko Itakura’s departure to Ajax. The 28-year-old has made a strong impression in preseason and took Gladbach’s most recent penalty, which could indicate that he will be their penalty taker for the upcoming season – at least while Tim Kleindienst is sidelined with injury. The Indonesia international scored plenty of goals at his former club too, finding the net 22 times in 170 games for FC Copenhagen – not bad for a defender. Gladbach begin the season with a favorable home game against Hamburger SV, which only adds to Diks’ appeal. However, Diks’ availability for the match is in doubt after he was forced off at halftime of his side’s 3-2 DFB-Pokal win over Delmenhorst with a muscle problem. If you’re considering him, be sure to monitor injury updates ahead of the weekend

Here’s a video of the penalty Diks scored in a friendly against Valencia:

Daniel Svensson, Dortmund – 8.7m

Svensson was one of the breakthrough stars in the second half of last season, making an immediate impact after his move from Danish side FC Nordsjælland. An attacking full-back with an impressive left foot, the Swede continued to shine at the Club World Cup, where he both scored and assisted a goal. This bodes well for the new season, where he is set to be a nailed-on starter at left wing-back.

Jonathan Tah, FC Bayern – 9.4m

The new leader of Bayern’s defense, Tah’s price of 9.4 million seems surprisingly low compared to the other defenders representing the German champions. Big, strong, and a skilled passer of the ball, Tah is poised to rack up plenty of points through winning duels and distributing the ball effectively.

Premium options:

Anthony Caci, Mainz – 11.3m

Caci was one of Mainz’s standout performers last season, with his strong displays translating well into Fantasy Bundesliga points. The French wing-back recorded eight goal contributions and earned plenty of points through winning duels. His price has increased following his impressive campaign, but if he continues in the same vein, he could prove well worth the investment.

Rasmus Kristensen, Eintracht Frankfurt – 12.1m

The Danish powerhouse grew in importance for Eintracht as the season progressed, finishing strong by scoring in each of his last three Bundesliga games and bringing his total to five goals in the league for the season. An energetic and physical right-back with an attacking mindset, Kristensen should be one of the better defensive picks.

Alejandro Grimaldo, Leverkusen – 18.2m

Unlike many of Bayer Leverkusen’s stars from recent seasons, Grimaldo has remained at the club and looks set to continue as the left wing-back under new coach Erik ten Hag. The Spaniard’s attacking prowess and left foot are undeniable, but whether he can justify his steep price tag is questionable.