A reliable last line of defense is one of the most important things to get right in modern football. A stellar man-of-the-match winning display from Thibaut Courtois was crucial to Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League victory against Liverpool in 2021, while the penalty-saving ability of Portuguese icon Ricardo was one of the sole reasons why Portugal secured back-to-back quarterfinal victories against England at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
In modern times, the role of the goalkeeper has changed somewhat, with more and more emphasis being placed on their ball-playing skills, and that has only seen their value increase in recent years. Chelsea made Kepa Arrizabalaga the most expensive goalkeeper in history back in 2018 when they brought him in from Athletic Bilbao for a whopping €80m. That will go down in history as perhaps the worst transfer of all time, but which shot-stoppers are following in the Spaniard's footsteps with their current valuations?
1. Giorgi Mamardashvili
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has emerged as a standout performer in recent seasons, and his recent heroics for Georgia at UEFA Euro 2024 were crucial in helping the rank outsiders reach the knockout stages against all odds. His blistering displays managed to hold the Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw in their second game, with his performances practically garnering the point for his team on his own. He was then at his scintillating best once more as the tournament debutants stunned 2016 champions Portugal to emerge as 2-0 victors.
The 23-year-old sensation has seen his market value soar to €45 million following those performances, making him the most valuable goalkeeper on the planet at present. Known for his towering presence and incredible reflexes, Mamardashvili has been instrumental for Valencia CF since moving to the Spanish outfit from Dinamo Tbilisi. His shot-stopping abilities are second to none, and he's often seen making crucial saves that keep his team in the game.
Mamardashvili’s distribution is also noteworthy, as he can launch counter-attacks with pinpoint accuracy as we witnessed time and again at the recent European Championships. Another reason for his huge market value is that his potential is through the roof, and many pundits believe that his best is still yet to come.
The six-time Spanish champions have fallen off a cliff in recent years and the latest odds from the online sportsbook at Bovada make Los Ches a +600 candidate for the drop next season. Their Georgian giant in goal will have to be at his very best to stop those predictions coming to fruition.
2. Diogo Costa
Portugal's Diogo Costa has been a revelation for FC Porto and his national team. He followed in the footsteps of the aforementioned Ricardo to save all three penalties he faced in the recent Euro 2024 second-round shootout victory against Slovenia, and he will be aiming to continue his impressive run of form into the new campaign. The Selecao have long been known for producing top-quality goalkeepers, with former Sporting Lisbon man Rui Patricio racking up over 100 appearances throughout his career.
At just 23 years old, Costa already exhibits the maturity of a seasoned veteran, and he will be looking to live up to the lofty expectations of the Portuguese 'keepers of old. He currently has a market value of €40 million, and don't be surprised to see some of Europe's finest come knocking at the doors of the Estádio do Dragão to enquire about his availability.
The FC Porto number one's shot-stopping skills are complemented by his ability to read the game, making him a formidable presence between the sticks. His performances in domestic and European competitions have earned him plenty of accolades, and he is seen as a future star, similar to the aforementioned Mamardashvili. HE will surely command a mega-money transfer fee if he is to leave his homeland in the not-too-distant future.
3. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is a name that needs no introduction. The Italian goalkeeper is also valued at €40 million and following his displays for both club and country, it's clear to see why. He broke into the first team with boyhood club AC Milan at just 16 years of age, racking up over 250 appearances by the time he was 21. Now 25, the PSG star has been one of the best goalkeepers on the planet for the better part of a decade.
His crowning moment came when he led his beloved Azzurri to the European Championships back in the summer of 2021. He masterminded two penalty shootout victories in both the semifinals and final, firstly against Spain and then memorably against England. His save from Bukayo Saka's fifth and final penalty was a heartbreaking moment for the Englishman, but a moment that Donnarumma is still remembered for even today.
Despite making his way initially with the Rossoneri, the giant shot-stopper has become vilified with his boyhood club after leaving them on a free transfer shortly after leading Italy to Euro 2020 glory. Now with PSG, he will be aiming to add more silverware to the club's already overflowing trophy cabinet.