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 July 1st, 2025.

1. Alisson

Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s Brazilian wall, has redefined goalkeeping in the Premier League since joining from AS Roma in 2018 for a then-record £66.8 million. His knack for jaw-dropping saves and pinpoint distribution helped Liverpool win the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League, ending a 30-year title drought. A soccer tidbit: he scored a dramatic header against West Brom in 2021, becoming the first goalkeeper to net a competitive goal for Liverpool. In 2024-25, his 12 clean sheets kept Liverpool atop the league. At 33, he’s still Brazil’s No. 1, pushing for another World Cup run in 2026.

2. Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s towering Belgian, has been a defensive cornerstone since arriving from Chelsea in 2018, helping secure three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues by 2025. His 6’7” frame and cat-like reflexes shone in the 2022 Champions League final, where he made nine saves to stifle Liverpool. At the 2018 World Cup, he won the Golden Glove, proving his clutch factor on the global stage. Despite a 2023 ACL injury, he returned to form, posting 15 clean sheets in 2024-25. At 33, he’s still Real Madrid’s undisputed No. 1, eyeing more silverware.

3. Jan Oblak

Jan Oblak has been a brick wall since joining from Benfica in 2014, racking up five Zamora Trophies as La Liga’s best goalkeeper. His calm demeanor and uncanny shot-stopping led Atlético to the 2021 La Liga title and a 2024 Champions League semifinal run. Oblak holds the record for the fastest to 100 clean sheets in La Liga, hitting the mark in just 182 games. In 2024-25, his 14 clean sheets kept Atlético in the title race. At 32, he’s still the backbone of Diego Simeone’s gritty squad.

4. David de Gea

David de Gea, now with Fiorentina in Serie A after a storied 12-year stint at Manchester United, was once the Premier League’s gold standard, winning the Golden Glove in 2018 and 2023. His acrobatic saves, like the iconic 14-stop masterclass against Arsenal in 2017, defined his United legacy. He’s still the only goalkeeper to win Manchester United’s Player of the Year award three years running (2014-16). Since joining Fiorentina in 2024, he’s posted eight clean sheets in 2024-25, proving at 34 he’s still got it. He’s aiming to lead Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

5. David Raya

David Raya went from Brentford’s breakout star to the Gunners’ main man in net after a £27 million transfer in 2024. His fearless distribution and quick dives were crucial in Arsenal’s 2024 Premier League title push, where he notched 16 clean sheets. Raya is one of only two goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in his first three Arsenal starts, matching a club record set in 1997. In 2024-25, his 13 shutouts have kept Arsenal in the hunt for the title. At 29 and a crowded depth chart, Raya has his work once again cut out for him to maintain his number one spot.

6. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma has been a prodigy since debuting for AC Milan at 16 in 2015, and now, at 26, he’s already a Euro 2020 champion. His penalty shootout heroics against England in that final earned him the tournament’s Player of the Year. Donnarumma is the youngest goalkeeper to start a Champions League knockout match, doing so at 18 for Milan in 2017. With 11 clean sheets for PSG in 2024-25, he’s kept them atop Ligue 1. He’s now targeting a 2026 World Cup to cement his legacy as Italy’s greatest.

7. Emiliano Martinez

Emiliano Martínez went from Arsenal’s bench to World Cup glory in 2022, saving four penalties in shootouts to clinch the title for Argentina. His move to Villa in 2020 sparked a career revival, with his 15 clean sheets in 2022-23 earning him the Premier League Golden Glove. In back-to-back years (2022, 2023) Martínez won the Yashin Trophy. In 2024-25, his 10 clean sheets have Villa eyeing a Champions League spot. At 33, he’s Argentina’s undisputed No. 1, hungry for more trophies.

8. Alphonse Areola

Alphonse Areola has been a steady force since joining permanently from PSG in 2022, helping the Hammers win the 2023 Europa Conference League. His loan spells at Real Madrid and Fulham showcased his agility, but it’s at West Ham where he’s truly shone, with 12 clean sheets in 2024-25. Interestingly, he’s the only French goalkeeper to win a European trophy with an English club in the last decade. His dual Filipino-French heritage makes him a fan favorite globally. At 32, he’s pushing for a France recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

9. Iñaki Peña

Iñaki Peña, Barcelona’s homegrown goalkeeper, has been Marc-André ter Stegen’s deputy since breaking into the first team in 2018, stepping up in 2024-25 with 10 starts and five clean sheets during ter Stegen’s injury spells. A La Masia product, he won the 2023 La Liga title as a backup, but his recent performances show he’s ready for more. In 2023, Peña became one of only three goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in El Clásico as a substitute. At 26, he’s patient but ambitious, eyeing Barcelona’s No. 1 spot and a Spain call-up.

10. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich’s legendary German goalkeeper, revolutionized the position with his “sweeper-keeper” style, winning 11 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues since joining in 2011. His heroics in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph earned him the Golden Glove. Neuer’s longevity led him to rack up such records as most clean sheets in the Bundesliga, surpassing 200 in 2023. Despite a 2023 leg injury, he returned to form with 14 clean sheets in 2024-25, keeping Bayern dominant. At 39, he’s still Germany’s top choice, aiming to bow out at the 2026 World Cup.

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

11. Kepa Arrizabalaga - Arsenal, Spain (30)
12. Unai Simón - Athletic Bilbao, Spain (28)
13. Ederson - Manchester City, Brazil (31)
14. Julen Agirrezabala - Athletic Bilbao, Spain (24)
15. Marc ter Stegen - Barcelona, Germany (33)
16. Keylor Navas - Newell's Old Boys, Costa Rica (38)
17. Arnau Tenas - PSG, Spain (24)
18. Alex Remiro - Real Sociedad, Spain (30)
19. Kasper Schmeichel - Celtic, Denmark (38)
20. Andriy Lunin - Real Madrid, Ukraine (26)

21. Kjell Scherpen - Brighton, Netherlands (25)
22. Dominik Kotarski - FC Copenhagen, Croatia (25)
23. Kevin Trapp - Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany (34)
24. Matvey Safonov - PSG, Russia (26)
25. Jordan Pickford - Everton, England (31)
26. Mike Maignan - AC Milan, France (30)
27. Edouard Mendy - Al-Ahli, Senegal (33)
28. Wojciech Szczesny - Barcelona, Poland (35)
29. Giorgi Mamardashvili - Liverpool, Georgia (24)
30. Yann Sommer - Inter Milan, Switzerland (36)

31. Fernando Muslera - Estudiantes, Uruguay (39)
32. Robert Sanchez - Chelsea, Spain (27)
33. Bernd Leno - Fulham, Germany (33)
34. Illan Meslier - Leeds United, France (25)
35. André Onana - Manchester United, Cameroon (29)
36. Philipp Köhn - Monaco, Switzerland (27)
37. Caoimhin Kelleher - Brentford, Ireland (26)
38. Aaron Ramsdale - Southampton, England (27)
39. Ortwin De Wolf - KV Mechelen, Belgium (29)
40. Dean Henderson - Crystal Palace, England (28)

41. Bartlomiej Dragowski - Panathinaikos, Poland (27)
42. Diego Conde - Villarreal, Spain (26)
43. Diogo Costa - Porto, Portugal (25)
44. Robin Zentner - Mainz, Germany (30)
45. Peter Gulacsi - RB Leipzig, Hungary (35)
46. Gerónimo Rulli - Marseille, Argentina (33)
47. Marwin Hitz - FC Basel, Switzerland (37)
48. Lucas Perri - Lyon, Brazil (27)
49. Paul Bernardoni - Yverdon Sport, France (28)
50. Colin Coosemans - Anderlecht, Belgium (32)

The Most Capped Goalkeepers in USMNT History

Over the years, we have struggled in certain positions across the soccer field, depending on the heroics of the likes of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to propel us in major tournaments. But one position we have not struggled with is between the sticks. Our shores have provided a conveyor belt of steadfast goalkeepers, culminating with our current number one, Zack Steffen. The former Columbus Crew man joined English champions Manchester City for a reported $7.5m back in 2019, the most expensive transfer fee ever paid for an American goalkeeper. 

Steffen is the latest in a long line of reliable shot-stoppers to represent the USMNT. With that being said, let's take a look at the most capped goalkeepers to represent the United States. 

5th - Brad Guzan - 64 caps

Atlanta United’s captain is still going strong to this day, playing in the first four of The Five Stripes’ games in the new MLS campaign. Despite being a safe pair of hands for United though, he hasn’t featured for the USMNT since 2019 though.

The big shot-stopper racked up an impressive 144 appearances for Aston Villa in the Premier League, before returning stateside in the summer of 2017, and he will be hoping to add to his 64 international caps in Qatar this winter, as the US gear up for their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2014. 

4th - Brad Friedel - 82 caps 

Ohio-native Friedel is a legend of the English Premier League. He racked up a mammoth 450 Premier League appearances across four different clubs: Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. 

He’s also the fourth oldest player to ever play in the top flight. He was aged 42 years and 176 days when he played in Spurs’ 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle United in November 2013. Amazingly, that appearance came over nine years after his last international cap. Age is just a number for goalkeepers mind you, with Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary appearing in the last World Cup aged 45, saving a penalty in the process. 

3rd - Tony Meola - 100 caps 

Both Friedel and Guzan are household names primarily due to their time spent across the pond, but Tony Meola is most definitely one of the MLS’ finest productions. Despite starting his career in England - featuring in the second tier with Brighton - it was with the formerly named Kansas City Wizards where Meola made his name, making 142 appearances between 1999 and 2004. 

In the colors of the USMNT, the University of Virginia graduate was first-choice between 1990 and 1993, before becoming number two to Friedel. 

2nd - Kasey Keller - 102 caps 

After being named MVP for the Portland Timbers in his first campaign as a professional, Keller also traveled across the Atlantic to make his name, signing for Millwall in 1992. The notoriously troublesome fans at The Den took to their American keeper, and he would feature for the South London club on 201 occasions, becoming a fan favorite along the way. 

From there, he would go on to feature for a host of clubs, including illustrious names such as Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Monchengladbach, before returning to his native Seattle in 2009. 

1st - Tim Howard - 121 caps 

Was there any doubt, really? Tim Howard is arguably the greatest goalkeeper the US has ever produced. He delivered the performance of a lifetime against a much-fancied Belgium in the last 16 of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, cementing his legacy. His sixteen saves is still a World Cup record as we approach the 2022 curtain-raiser. 

The New Jersey local shocked the world when he was chosen to be Fabien Barthez’s replacement at Manchester United in 2003. Things didn't really work out at Old Trafford however, he found a new home some 35 miles away, at Goodison Park. Howard was Everton’s undisputed number one for almost nine years, playing 414 times for The Toffees. He returned to the states in 2016 and would appear another 103 times for the Colorado Rapids, taking his career total to an astounding 819.

Goalkeepers Who’d Make Great NFL players and Who They’d Play Like

There is a long history of goalkeepers from the United States performing well in Europe over the last 20 years. Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan are just some examples of American goalkeepers who successfully made a name for themselves in the Premier League. Their modern-day counterparts, like Manchester City’s Zack Steffen and Matt Turner (who will become an Arsenal player in July) will hope to follow suit. There have been many theories over the years as to why the USA produces better players in this position than any other, and while none have been proven definitively right there are certainly some that provide food for thought. One of the most interesting theories states that the reason the United States develops so many top goalkeepers is due to the similarities there are between playing that position, and playing American Football. This certainly makes sense as there are several transferable skills that can be used in both sports. Also, most goalkeepers from the US will probably have been introduced to American Football before soccer, which means their parents would have probably imagined they’d be more likely to be featured as MVP favorites in Super Bowl betting from sites like OddsChecker, rather than World Cup finalists with the USMNT.

There are several goalkeepers in soccer today that one could easily imagine playing in the NFL thanks to their handling, agility, leadership and kicking ability. So, here are some of the goalkeepers we can imagine playing American Football, as well as the players they’d likely resemble.

Ederson

Since moving to five-time Premier League winners Manchester City in 2017, Ederson has impressed fans all over Europe with his performances. One of the most impressive aspects of his game is his kicking as he is especially adept with his left foot, managing to find teammates wherever they are on the pitch. Both the power and accuracy of his kicking would make him a great NFL kicker, especially considering the fact that most kickers in the league now use a technique heavily influenced by soccer. He’d be able to kick many field goals and 2-point conversions for his team thanks to this skill-set.

If Ederson played football in the NFL he would probably be one of the league’s top placekickers. His technique is not too dissimilar from Morten Anderson, the Danish Hall of Famer who enjoyed a 25-year career in the league. He spent 12 years at the New Orleans Saints before moving to Atlanta Falcons, where he played from 1995-2000, before spells in New York, Kansas and Minnesota. Like Ederson, Anderson was left-footed, which gave his kicks the same aesthetically pleasing quality as the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Manuel Neuer

As well as being one of the best in the world in his position, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer revolutionized the position from the moment he burst onto the scene with Schalke. While he wasn’t the first to use the now popular “sweeper-keeper” style, which involves the goalkeeper sprinting out of his area to stop opposition attacks, he has taken the role to new heights with his timing and bravery. However, while most sweeper-keepers simply hoof the ball out of play once they get to it, Neuer has the composure to find a teammate with an accurate pass or even dribble past the onrushing attacker.

This ability to turn defense into attack would make him an ideal NFL tight end, as this position requires players to be adept at blocking, receiving and rushing. If he was in the NFL, Neuer would probably resemble Rob Gronkowski, the four-time Super Bowl champion who has formed a strong duo with Tom Brady. Neuer is only two inches shorter than “Gronk”, and they are both known for their eccentric characters.

Gianluigi Buffon

Despite turning 44 this year, legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is showing no signs of slowing down. He burst onto the scene at Parma as a 17-year-old and quickly established himself as one of the world’s outstanding young goalkeepers. He moved to Juventus for a then-record fee in 2001 and gained a reputation as a player who has performed consistently at the highest level, almost never letting his team down. In the most difficult of moments for club and country, Buffon has stood tall and led his teammates in an admirable fashion.

The leadership qualities and consistency Buffon has shown throughout his career make it easy to compare him to Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all time. The two are the same age, and with Brady recently coming out of retirement it seems like both of their careers will go on forever.

Marc-André ter Stegen

Barcelona’s German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is another sweeper-keeper known as much for his reflexes and handling as for his ability to rush from his goal to stop attacks. He is the understudy to Manuel Neuer in the national team and seems to have picked up a lot of his winning habits, which has helped him become a world-class goalkeeper in his own right. This also means Ter Stegen will be ready to take the reigns for the national team once Neuer decides to retire from international duty. Ter Stegen is also one of the best passers in world football, able to relieve pressure on his team by finding one of the forward players with one of his pinpoint passes.

This passing ability and the fact he is now competing with one of the greatest players to play in his position makes Ter Stegen similar to Patrick Mahomes. Both have learned their craft by closely watching a legend in their position and adding their own virtues to become one of the best players in their respective sports. They are great passers with excellent vision that allows them to see the whole field and assess all of their options, and they both have the technique to execute the right pass at the right time.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga was once seen as one of the world’s most promising young goalkeepers. However, since his record-breaking move to Chelsea he has struggled for form and is now the club’s second-choice goalkeeper. While Kepa doesn’t have a broad spectrum of qualities you’d associate with an American football player, he does stand out for his kicking, which anyone who saw his penalty miss in the Carabao Cup would agree would be perfect for the NFL.

How Deepfake Technologies Can Impact Football Analysis and Scouting

Deepfake technology might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s quickly becoming a real game-changer in the world of football. What started as a tool for entertainment or online pranks is now making its way into coaching rooms and scouting departments.

Deepfakes can be used to create lifelike video simulations. As such, it is used to show what a player might have done differently during a match or even how they’d perform in a completely new team setup. For coaches, this means better ways to break down tactics. For scouts, it opens up a whole new way to spot potential in young or undiscovered talent.

What Are Deepfake Technologies?

Deepfake technology is a subject of considerable debate. That’s why platforms like Slotozilla offer a more profound analysis of the topic. If used in the right way, they can offer real value, and football could easily be one such area. Clubs could employ deepfakes to conduct more precise performance analyses, implement fan engagement strategies, and refine their scouting processes.

But what exactly would this mean for football in general? Deepfakes can potentially help clubs develop their players and interact with fans in different parts of the world. Imagine if the best player in a club sends a Christmas message to fans in Spanish; the club can use deepfake technologies to translate the player’s message to English and other languages.

Deepfake Technologies and Their Implications

Clubs and organising bodies are projected to adopt even more technologies in the coming seasons. Its capabilities make it easy for clubs to scout new players and create off-pitch analysis.

However, while the possibilities are exciting, there are also genuine concerns about fairness, privacy, and the extent to which this technology should be advanced. As deepfakes continue to evolve, it is important to discuss their strengths and drawbacks. Here is a quick overview of how deepfakes can influence football and scouting:

Potential Applications of Deepfake Technologies in Football

Deepfakes can be more than “fake videos”. They can be a marketing or training tool for football clubs. It can help make football smarter without losing what makes it human. Below are notable applications of deepfakes in the world of football and scouting:

Simulations and Game Scenarios

Clubs can use deepfake technologies to simulate player movements and create realistic game scenarios. These game scenarios can be used during training sessions to prepare the players for their next game. Meanwhile, simulations will help managers and the technical staff of clubs identify errors and areas where players need to improve their skills.

Scout New Players

Deepfake technologies can generate synthetic videos of players in different clubs based on their recent performances. This will help interested clubs see if the players fit their style of play, which will save time and stress for both the clubs and players.

Personalised Coaching and Training

Players can use deepfakes to create special exercises and coaching tips outside of team training. Deepfake technologies analyse players’ individual performance and their influence on major games. With these, players can identify their weaknesses and improve their performance without external coaching.

Current Technological Tools Adopted in Football

Since the early 2010s, organising bodies like FIFA and UEFA have used modern-day innovations to transform the game. Here are some of the technologies that football clubs and major competitions are currently using:

Data Analytics

At the end of every game, clubs collate the data of their players’ performance and contribution to the game. These are analysed and used to determine the team’s present performance rating and detect weaknesses in players. In most cases, clubs use the data to create tracking devices to monitor their players’ progress.

Video Assistant Referee

Video assistant referee (VAR) is one of the most common on-field technologies in modern football. It provides an extra pair of eyes while the match is still in play. Referees can review the game to make accurate decisions about fouls, offside, and other rule violations.

Goal-Line Technology

As the name implies, goal-line technology helps referees to determine whether the ball crossed the goal line. Since it was introduced, goal-line technology has improved gaming conditions.

The Future of Deepfakes in Football

Deepfake technologies are going to impact football, especially analysis and scouting. It also creates a new market for deepfake detection tools and other solutions. Deepfakes can be used to misrepresent players and create false news about clubs.

With these detection tools, people will be able to detect fake content and tampered videos. All of which will protect clubs from security risks and counter misinformation. Aside from detection tools, clubs need to implement ethical frameworks around the way they use deepfakes.

Conclusion

Deepfake technologies have been around for almost a decade. Since then, it has influenced several industries, especially entertainment. Although some people claim it does more harm than good, others are excited about its benefits.

Even though deepfakes haven’t made their way into football fully, other technologies like VAR and goal-line technology are dominating the sport. But fans are already anticipating how deepfakes will influence football analysis and scouting.