The World's Best Goalkeepers

Everybody Soccer returns with its installment of the top goalkeepers in the world. Goalkeepers are rated on their form with club and country, taking into account their success in shot-stopping, distribution, cross-management, and ability to improv on a broken play. To view past rankings, you can click here to see the prior lists in a spreadsheet or visit the list of the top 24 goalkeepers under 24 years old. Cover photo from Srdjan Stevanovic and Getty Images.

The rankings were last updated December 1st, 2024.

1. Alisson

Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s star goalkeeper, known for his composure and exceptional shot-stopping ability. He won the Yashin Trophy in 2019, a testament to his brilliance during a season that saw Liverpool lift the Champions League. Beyond football, he has a passion for farming and even owns land in Brazil, where he spends time when he’s away from the pitch. Alisson’s knack for stepping up in critical moments, like his unforgettable header against West Brom in 2021, has made him a fan favorite and a vital part of Liverpool’s success.

2. Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is the first-choice goalkeeper for Real Madrid, where his commanding presence and agility have made him a key player. Before becoming a goalkeeper, he actually started his football journey as a left-back, showcasing his versatility at a young age. In 2018, he was awarded the Lev Yashin Award for his outstanding performances at the FIFA World Cup, helping Belgium achieve a historic third-place finish. Courtois is celebrated not only for his shot-stopping ability but also for his calmness under pressure, which has been crucial in many high-stakes matches.

3. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma is the starting goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, renowned for his agility and composure in high-pressure situations. He earned the Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2020, playing a pivotal role in Italy’s championship win. Donnarumma made his professional debut for AC Milan as a 16-year-old, instantly becoming a sensation in Italian football. Interestingly, he grew up idolizing his older brother Antonio, who is also a professional goalkeeper, and credits him as a major influence on his career.

4. David de Gea

David de Gea plays for Fiorentina in Serie A, bringing his vast experience to the Italian top flight after over a decade with Manchester United. He was awarded the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year four times, underlining his immense contribution during his time at Old Trafford. Known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and calmness under pressure, De Gea has been a decisive figure in countless matches. His transition to Serie A marks a new chapter in his career, showcasing his resilience and adaptability as one of football’s elite goalkeepers.

5. David Raya

David Raya is the first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal FC, having joined the club on loan from Brentford in August 2023 before making the move permanent in July 2024. His exceptional performances earned him the Premier League Golden Glove award for the 2023/2024 season, highlighting his defensive prowess. In August 2024, he was also honored with the Premier League Save of the Month award for his remarkable stop against Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Raya's journey to the top tiers of English football is notable; he began his career in Spain before moving to England, where he played in non-league football with Southport on loan from Blackburn Rovers, showcasing his determination and resilience.

6. Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martínez is the goalkeeper for Aston Villa, known for his commanding presence and sharp reflexes. He won the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award in 2022 after playing a key role in Argentina's World Cup triumph, including a heroic penalty shootout performance in the final. Early in his career, Martínez spent years on loan at various clubs while at Arsenal, which helped him develop resilience and adaptability. He is also known for his leadership on the pitch, often organizing his defense with a fiery passion that inspires his teammates.

7. Jan Oblak

Jan Oblak is the goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, where his consistency and shot-stopping abilities have made him a cornerstone of the team. He has won the Zamora Trophy multiple times, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in La Liga. Before becoming a goalkeeper, Oblak briefly played as a midfielder in his early youth days, which helped him develop his excellent footwork. His calm demeanor and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

8. Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Marc-André ter Stegen is the goalkeeper for FC Barcelona, renowned for his precise distribution and remarkable reflexes. He won the Zamora Trophy in the 2022-23 season after conceding the fewest goals in La Liga, solidifying his status as one of the league's best. Early in his career, Ter Stegen played as a striker for a short time in youth football, which contributed to his understanding of attacking play and ball control. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him a key figure in Barcelona’s successes over the years.

9. Alphonse Areola

Alphonse Areola is the goalkeeper for West Ham United, bringing stability and experience to their defense. He was part of the French squad that won the FIFA World Cup in 2018, serving as a reliable backup during their triumphant campaign. Areola once played as a winger during his early youth days before transitioning to the goalkeeper role, showcasing his versatility on the field. Known for his athleticism and composure, he has delivered crucial performances in both domestic and European competitions for his club.

10. Ederson

Ederson is the goalkeeper for Manchester City, where his precise passing and composure make him integral to their style of play. He has won multiple Premier League titles and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2020-2021 season. Ederson started his career as a left-back before transitioning to goalkeeper, which explains his exceptional ability with the ball at his feet. Known for his incredible distribution, he once recorded a goal kick that traveled over 75 yards, showcasing his unmatched kicking power.

Best of the Rest
rank. name - club, nationality (age)

11. Kevin Trapp - Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany (33)
12. Kepa Arrizabalaga - Chelsea, Spain (30)
13. Arnau Tenas - PSG, Spain (23)
14. Alex Remiro - Real Sociedad, Spain (29)
15. Iñaki Peña - Barcelona, Spain (25)
16. Dominik Kotarski - PAOK Salonika, Croatia (24)
17. Julen Agirrezabala - Athletic Bilbao, Spain (24)
18. Manuel Neuer - Bayern Munich, Germany (38)
19. Andriy Lunin - Real Madrid, Ukraine (25)
20. Unai Simón - Athletic Bilbao, Spain (27)

21. Mike Maignan - AC Milan, France (29)
22. Justin Bijlow - Feyenoord, Netherlands (26)
23. Edouard Mendy - Al-Ahli, Senegal (32)
24. Lukasz Fabianski - West Ham, Poland (39)
25. Jordan Pickford - Everton, England (30)
26. Bernd Leno - Fulham, Germany (32)
27. Kjell Scherpen - Brighton, Netherlands (24)
28. Matheus - Braga, Brazil (32)
29. André Onana - Manchester United, Cameroon (28)
30. Giorgi Mamardashvili - Valencia, Georgia (24)

31. Walter Benítez - PSV, Argentina (31)
32. Kasper Schmeichel - Celtic, Denmark (38)
33. Robert Sanchez - Chelsea, Spain (27)
34. Caoimhin Kelleher - Liverpool, Ireland (26)
35. Paul Bernardoni - Yverdon Sport, France (27)
36. Diogo Costa - Porto, Portugal (25)
37. Aaron Ramsdale - Southampton, England (26)
38. Franco Israel - Sporting CP, Uruguay (24)
39. Mathew Ryan - Roma, Australia (32)
40. Guglielmo Vicario - Tottenham, Italy (28)

41. Peter Gulacsi - RB Leipzig, Hungary (34)
42. Wojciech Szczesny - Barcelona, Poland (34)
43. Illan Meslier - Leeds United, France (24)
44. Matvey Safonov - PSG, Russia (25)
45. David von Ballmoos - Young Boys, Switzerland (30)
46. Andries Noppert - Heerenveen, Netherlands (30)
47. Ugurcan Cakir - Trabzonspor, Turkey (28)
48. Gregor Kobel - Dortmund, Switzerland (27)
49. Sam Johnstone - Wolves, England (31)
50. Dominik Livakovic - Fenerbahce, Croatia (29)