NCAA Women's Goalkeeper Rankings (Preseason Fall 2024)

Seniors

1. Elizabeth Beardsley (Maryland)
2. Macy Enneking (Iowa)
3. Nadia Cooper (Washington State)
4. Stephanie Sparkowski (Michigan)
5. Tyler McCamey (Princeton)
6. Leah Freeman (Duke)
7. Mia Justus (Texas)
8. Marzia Josephson (Kentucky)
9. Maddie Smith (Florida State)
10. Megan Plaschko (TCU)

11. Ryan Campbell (UCLA)
12. CJ Graham (Utah Valley)
13. Wiebke Willebrandt (Boston College, Germany)
14. Ashley Naylor (UC Irvine)
15. Anna Karpenko (Georgetown, Canada)
16. Shu Ohba (Mississippi, Japan)
17. Genevieve Crenshaw (Boise State)
18. Keara Fitzgerald (Washington State)
19. Camielle Day (Missouri State)
20. Jenna Moran (Charleston Southern)

One to Watch: Maddie Smith. After a leg injury kept Smith out of 2023, Smith left the University of Maryland for a chance at Florida State, marking her fourth college in six years. Smith stayed busy this summer with the California Storm, ultimately winning the WPSL for the club’s fifth time since the league’s inception in 1998. Playing at Florida State brings significant perks, but coaches at this level are willing to change goalkeepers much more quickly after one or two mistakes. If Smith can regain her consistency and help FSU stay competitive in November, look for the former Lake Tahoe Community College goalkeeper’s stock to continue to rise for a chance at the NWSL.

Juniors

1. Bella Hollenbach (Missouri)
2. Olivia Pratapas (NC State)
3. Teagan Wy (California)
4. Shea Vanderbosch (Syracuse)
5. Ashton Blair (East Tennessee State)
6. Pauline Nelles (Arizona State, Germany)
7. Caroline Duffy (Oklahoma)
8. Sally Rainey (New Hampshire)
9. Ashlee Zirkel (Baylor)
10. Alli Davis (New Mexico)

One to Watch: Teagan Wy. Wy enters her junior year with 24 games played already attached to her name and will likely finish close to 70. However, it’s the small things from here on out that will determine if she’ll be a good or great goalkeeper. Similar to Alyssa Naeher, Wy possesses significant power in her game to stretch out for a big save. And also similar to Naeher, the finer points eluded her at times last fall. Last October’s 2-0 loss to USC was a good example in how Wy could sharpen her movement to give herself a chance in, admittedly, two difficult situations. But these small tweaks could very well impact her chance in staying in the national team pool or retiring early.

Sophomores

1. Lynette Hernaez (BYU)
2. Victoria Safradin (Virginia)
3. Kyla Holmes (Yale)
4. Nona Reason (Clemson)
5. Addie Todd (Florida State)
6. Olivia Bodmer (Rutgers)
7. Valentina Amaral (Wake Forest)
8. Abby Gundry (North Carolina)
9. Mackenzie Gress (Penn State)
10. Alyssa Savig (Stanford)

One to Watch: Lynette Hernaez. BYU’s 2023 Final Four run featured freshman goalkeeper Lynette Hernaez in net for the Cougars and she did not disappoint. The most impressive aspect of Hernaez’s game surrounds her footwork and mobility. For goalkeepers at 5’11”, it’s common to see them struggle to get post-to-post but Hernaez is extremely mobile and possesses a level of fluidity that allows her to either quickly move her feet laterally or prep for an impressive extensive save. Look out for Hernaez as she tries to recapture BYU’s magic from 2023 and make a similar run this year.

Freshmen

1. Kealey Titmuss (Penn State)
2. Hannah Johann (North Carolina, Germany)
3. Cameron Gabrielson (Georgetown)
4. Maja Poulsen (Harvard, Denmark)
5. Caroline Dysart (Duke)
6. Gaby Rourke (Kentucky)
7. Grace Pilling (Texas Tech, England)
8. Jamie Campbell (Colorado)
9. Sonoma Kasica (Notre Dame)
10. Sina Tolzel (NC State, Germany)

One to Watch: Kealey Titmuss. It’s tricky to know what to expect from incoming freshmen but if there’s one to keep an eye on, it might be USYNT product Kealey Titmuss. The highly touted goalkeeper has been a staple in YNTs and earned high praise from Top Drawer Soccer and as the top goalkeeper in the 2024 class. It may be some time until we see Titmuss as one does not merely walk into Penn State’s number one spot but don’t be surprised if her name does show up on a boxscore this fall.

Past Collegiate Goalkeeper Rankings

2023: Preseason and Final
2022: Preseason and Final
2021: Preseason and Final
2020: Preseason and Final
2019: Preseason and Final
2018: Preseason and Final
2017: Preseason and Final
2016: Preseason and Final
2015: Preseason and Final

3 Most Valuable Goalkeepers in the World

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.

The Future of American Goalkeepers in the Premier League

The English Premier League has a long history with American goalkeepers. From Kasey Keller to Brad Guzan, there’s been a raft of top-level stoppers. However, while there are American goalkeepers at Premier League clubs as we speak, next season, there could be zero registered to play.

At the time of writing, there are two American goalkeepers attached to first-team squads of Premier League outfits. They are Gabriel Slonina of Chelsea and Matt Turner of Nottingham Forest. The former is still a youngster at twenty and looking to make the breakthrough, while the latter is an experienced thirty-year-old campaigner.

In Slonina’s case, he was a highly sought-after young goalkeeper playing his trade for Chicago Fire in the MLS, a division in which he made over forty senior appearances. Other Premier League teams, such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, were keen to acquire Slonina’s signature, but Chelsea spent the money to take him to West London.

After around a decade of playing in the USA with a variety of teams, Arsenal signed Turner in 2022 from New England Revolution, and he arrived at the Emirates as a backup keeper. However, one year later, he was sold to Nottingham Forest to be the number one at the City Ground for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

Looking at their current situations and respective futures, it’s highly unlikely that both will be playing in the Premier League next season. Chelsea bought Slonina from Chicago Fire and immediately loaned him back to his former employers. The American then returned and was sent on loan the following season at KAS Eupen in Belgium, where he’s recently returned from.

The next step for Slonina will be another loan spell as the number one goalkeeper so he can continue to develop. It could even be a return to Belgium, where he played over thirty times last season. Slonina is currently with the USA team at the Olympic Games in Paris, so his future will be decided soon after.

As mentioned above, Turner arrived at Nottingham Forest last summer as their new number one. But things quickly unravelled. Football match betting odds were all against Forest, and they were embroiled in a relegation scrap, which saw Turner taken out of the team.

From the start of February onwards, Turner didn’t play in the Premier League, and now he will likely be moved on as the club has already acquired a new keeper in Carlos Miguel, who will compete with Matz Sels for the gloves. Turner is surplus to requirements at the City Ground, and it’s hard to see another top-flight team seeing him as an option to play week in, week out at this stage.

If Chelsea loan Slonina out, which is almost certain to happen, and if Forest dispense of Turner’s services this summer, which they are actively attempting to do according to reports, there will be no American goalkeepers registered to play in the Premier League, for the first portion of 2024/25 at least.

Top 7 Most Expensive Goalkeepers in Soccer

The modern goalkeeper is now expected to be as skilled with their feet as they are with their hands. Here, we explore the 10 most expensive goalkeepers of all time and how they performed after their big-money transfers. Only the initial transfer fees were considered, excluding any potential add-ons.

The Most Expensive Goalkeepers

1 Kepa Arrizabalaga - 71.6m

The price gap between Alisson Becker and Kepa Arrizabalaga is significant. Kepa, who joined Chelsea in 2018 for £71.6m, is the most expensive goalkeeper in football history. However, if you asked most fans, they'd likely say Alisson is the better player. Kepa has struggled to consistently secure a starting spot at Chelsea and was loaned to Real Madrid last year as a temporary replacement for Courtois. This summer, he's been linked with a move back to Madrid or possibly to the Saudi Pro League. Wherever he goes, it's unlikely the transfer fee will match the £71.6m Chelsea once paid.

2 Alisson Becker – 56m

After Loris Karius’ unfortunate performance in the 2018 Champions League final, Liverpool signed Alisson Becker for £56 million. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been a game-changer, leading the Reds to victory in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Alisson has also received numerous individual honors, including the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award, the Yashin Trophy, and two Golden Gloves. "If I knew Alisson was this good, I would have paid double," former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confessed.

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3 Andre Onana - 43.8m

Andre Onana joined Manchester United with high expectations, and while he hasn’t fully reached his potential yet, there are many factors beyond his control. In his first season, Onana showcased his talent multiple times, notably helping the Red Devils win the 2024 FA Cup against Manchester City. The recent addition of renowned goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar is expected to help Onana elevate his game in the upcoming season.

4 Ederson – 34.7m

Buffon's 16-year reign as the world's most expensive goalkeeper ended in 2017 when Manchester City signed Ederson for £34.7 million from Benfica. Ederson quickly replaced Claudio Bravo in Pep Guardiola's starting XI and became renowned as one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers globally. Since then, the Brazilian international has won six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, and two FA Cups. He also played a pivotal role in Manchester City's 2022/23 Champions League victory, delivering a stellar performance against Inter Milan in the final.

5 Gianluigi Buffon - 32.6m

What makes this transfer so extraordinary is its timing. Gianluigi Buffon's move from Parma to Juventus for £32.6m in 2001 was mind-blowing, especially since we associate inflated transfer markets with the last five years. This fee made Buffon the most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time, a record he held for 16 years. Juventus's investment, funded by selling Zinedine Zidane, paid off massively. Buffon played over 600 matches for Juve, winning nine Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues, and four Coppa Italias.

6 Thibaut Courtois – 31.4m

Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid for £31.4 million in 2018 after not extending his Chelsea contract. His first season was challenging, but he is now regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers. Courtois has been pivotal in Madrid’s success, contributing to three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Notably, he made a record number of saves in the 2021/22 Champions League final against Liverpool.

7 Jasper Cillessen - 31.4m

Valencia's £31.4m signing of Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in 2019 was a high-stakes gamble that didn't pay off. Acquired from Barcelona after only five La Liga appearances, Cillessen's tenure at Valencia was plagued by injuries. He managed just 51 league appearances before losing his spot and being transferred to NEC Nijmegen for a mere €1 million. This move resulted in significant financial loss for Valencia and left fans questioning the decision.

Conclusion

Money is the most important thing in football now. The proof of this is the phenomenon of transfers and their cost for the best players in any position in football. Now you know about the most valuable and expensive goalkeepers in football in 2024.