RSL Fantasy: 5 Top Defensive Options | OneFootball

With your Roshn Saudi League Fantasy candidates for the goalkeeping positions in the bag, we continue our preview series with a look at the guys charged with protecting that last line of defence.

Can you spot a bargain? Or do you need to go big to ensure the points keep rolling in?

Check out our suggestions below, with five defensive picks that certainly require review ahead of the highly anticipated 2025-26 RSL season.

--------

Joao Cancelo – Al Hilal (6.0 million)

This flying full-back is a no-brainer for your short-list. The Al Hilal star was superb on RSL debut last season, earning 143 points as he proved brilliant at both the back and going forward.

Al Hilal rely heavily on Cancelo, who played 1,812 minutes in his first campaign and helped the then-defending champions keep nine clean sheets. Even better, he picked up only five yellow cards.

But that’s not all the story: Cancelo provided six assists for his teammates. And the promise is his second campaign could offer even more.

--------

Roger Ibanez – Al-Ahli (6.0m)

Last season's joint top-scoring defender, the Brazilian demonstrated his vital importance to Al Ahli in his second season in the RSL – evidenced by the fact he was the only defender nominated for the league’s Player of the Season award.

It's only natural given Ibanez concluded last season with 224 points, playing an increasingly effective role in maintaining his team's defensive strength – Al Ahli ranked among the league’s lead trio of back-lines (10 clean sheets).

Looking at Ibanez's appearances, there's a huge uptick between his minutes played the season before last and last term (1,230 more), demonstrating a strong chemistry with his teammates.

--------

Fares Abdi – NEOM SC (5.0m)

Newly signed by NEOM SC, the former Al Fayha full-back has always attracted attention having played for three clubs in three seasons.

Abdi contributed to Al Qadsiah’s return to the RSL the season before last, and then was a key player with Al Fayha last term. Now at NEOM SC, he should form a crucial part of the Tabuk-based side’s historic participation in the top flight.

In 2024-25, Abdi amassed 142 points, showcasing his ability to perform his roles with high efficiency. He also contributed two goals – try checking out his brilliant strike against Al Raed - in addition to his assist for Khaled Kaabi in the crunch Matchweek 29 clash against Al Orobah.

With the remodelled NEOM SC tipped to challenge at the top end of the table, Abdi could prove an astute Fantasy signing.

--------

Mansour Hamzi – Al Khaleej (4.5m)

Al Khaleej's 2024-25 wasn't entirely successful, as the team experienced difficult times during the second half of the season, nearly leading to a relegation scrap.

However, Hamzi's individual performances, along with the efforts of several other teammates, represented a catalyst for the team when the collective effort waned.

Hamzi earned 120 points, including two goal contributions – he scored one and created another – meaning he might pique the interest of Fantasy managers seeking value for money.

--------

Naif Asiri – Al Okhdood (4m)

The Al Okhdood defender was one of the standouts at the club last season who fought back against the drop and ultimately managed to deliver of what appeared slim hopes of remaining in the RSL.

Asiri racked up 82 points, highlighted by his equaliser against Al Fateh, which paved the way for his team's 4-2 victory. The win proved critical in that fight for survival.

Also, Asiri created five chances last season and, with this season’s Fantasy now awarding a point for each big chance a defender conjured, give serious consideration to this Al Okhdood mainstay.