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David Raya, Thibaut Courtois, Alisson: The top 15 goalkeepers in the game ranked

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Contents
15. Ederson (Fenerbahce/Brazil)14. Diogo Costa (Porto/Portugal)13. Unai Simon (Athletic Club/Spain)12. Yann Sommer (Inter/Switzerland)11. Jordan Pickford (Everton/England)10. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund/Switzerland)9. Joan Garcia (Barcelona/Spain)8. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid/Slovenia)7. David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)6. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Argentina)5. Mike Maignan (Milan/France)4. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany)3. Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil)2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/Italy)1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/Belgium)

Over the past decade, the goalkeeper position has evolved dramatically — it is no longer defined purely by shot-stopping, but by their wider involvement in the game.

Here, we have tried to map out the modern goalkeeping landscape at its highest level by naming our top 15 players in that position.

Rather than just naming the goalkeepers who are performing well this season, longevity and consistency at the elite level have been prioritised, which naturally leaves some emerging talents outside the top 15. Manchester United’s Senne Lammens and Sunderland’s Robin Roefs, for example, have shown their modern skill sets, but lack the sample size for direct comparisons. Both could develop into standout goalkeepers.

Ultimately, this is a judgement based on sustained excellence as much as form. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

15. Ederson (Fenerbahce/Brazil)

Ederson’s move from Manchester City to the Turkish Super Lig naturally shifts his position in this conversation, but it should not diminish his broader impact on the modern game. At his peak, the 32-year-old was central to redefining the role within a positional, possession-based system.

Under Pep Guardiola, Ederson became far more than a shot-stopper. His distribution — particularly his ability to break lines with accuracy and disguised passes — transformed City’s build-up. He enabled them to play higher, take greater risks and sustain pressure in ways few sides could replicate. While not always the most technically refined shot-stopper, he consistently delivered in key moments, including decisive interventions during City’s 2023 Champions League triumph, completing a treble of trophies that season.

Even in Turkey, his level has remained high. He has featured 22 times in the league, remaining unbeaten with 16 wins and six draws, alongside eight clean sheets.

The goals prevented metric measures a goalkeeper’s shot-stopping performance by calculating the difference between their expected goals on target (xGOT) faced and the actual goals conceded. Ederson’s figure of 1.28 goals prevented highlights his continued effectiveness, while his passing remains central to Fenerbahce’s ability to control matches.

14. Diogo Costa (Porto/Portugal)

Costa has developed into one of the modern game’s most complete goalkeepers, combining high-level shot-stopping with composure and authority. Even at 26, he already carries the presence of a veteran, with more than 200 senior appearances for Porto and Portugal.

His penalty-saving record is the standout statistic, but the context elevates it. In 2024, he became the first goalkeeper to save three successive penalties in the Champions League. He repeated the trick in Portugal colours later that year, becoming the first ‘keeper to save three penalties in the same penalty shootout at a European Championship. These moments reflect his instinct and his ability to read opponents under pressure.

He is explosive in one-vs-one situations, composed with the ball at his feet and reliable in his positioning. This season, he has prevented 1.84 goals while keeping 18 clean sheets in 29 league matches for a Porto side five points clear at the top of the league.

Despite being under contract until 2030, a move to one of Europe’s elite leagues appears inevitable.

13. Unai Simon (Athletic Club/Spain)

The established standard in Spain’s goal, Simon’s game is built on control, clarity and composure.

The 28-year-old is firmly in his prime, combining calm decision-making with a proactive role in possession. His ability to scan, assess and dictate the first phase of the build-up makes him a natural fit for the modern game.

At Athletic, his numbers this season have been solid rather than standout. He has prevented 1.2 goals, with a 65.9 save percentage and 58.5 per cent passing accuracy, but those only partly reflect his value. His composure in the build-up phase and his decision-making under pressure remain key strengths.

Spain’s trust in him has been earned over time. Simon has delivered at major tournaments, playing a central role in his nation’s recent success, including Euro 2024 and the 2023 Nations League.

His all-around profile and consistency in big moments ensure he remains Spain’s No 1 going into this summer’s World Cup.

12. Yann Sommer (Inter/Switzerland)

Sommer set his benchmark in August 2022, when he produced one of the most extraordinary goalkeeping displays in Bundesliga history, making 19 saves for Borussia Monchengladbach against Bayern Munich. It was less a match and more a sustained defensive exercise, with Sommer showing impressive shot-stopping.

If that performance established his reputation, his Champions League run with Inter last season reinforced it on the biggest stage. Across the knockout stages, he produced a series of timely stops, most notably in a decisive second-leg display under heavy pressure against Barcelona in the semi-finals, before his side fell to a 5-0 loss to PSG in the final.

His game is built on positioning and efficiency. At 6ft (183cm), he relies on precision rather than physical dominance, consistently finding optimal set positions that allow him to react quickly and explosively. His footwork is quick, his balance controlled and his ability to generate power from static positions is elite.

That reliability has continued this season, underpinning Inter’s title push in Serie A. Signed for just €6million ($7m; £5m at current exchange rates) after Andre Onana’s exit to Manchester United in 2023, he has more than proved his value as one of Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers.

11. Jordan Pickford (Everton/England)

Pickford’s position as England’s No 1 has been under constant scrutiny since 2018, yet he has consistently responded with high-level performances when it matters most.

Earning more than 80 caps reflects his resilience and reliability. His shot-stopping is sharp, while he has grown into a composed presence in the biggest moments. His distribution — both short and long — remains a key strength.

During Everton’s recent relegation battles, Pickford was decisive. That importance is reflected in his individual recognition, winning the club’s player of the season award three times in the past four years.

This season, he has prevented 5.6 goals from 125 shots faced — the highest volume among this group of ‘keepers. It highlights not only his consistency but also his ability to deliver under sustained pressure.

10. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund/Switzerland)

Kobel has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most talented goalkeepers, anchoring Borussia Dortmund since his arrival from Stuttgart in 2021. Over that period, he has grown into a clear No 1 at club level, while also taking over as Switzerland’s first choice after Sommer’s international retirement in 2024.

At 6ft 5in, Kobel has the physical profile of a dominant ‘keeper, but his game is built on precision and explosiveness rather than aerial command. He operates closer to his line, where his positioning and set position maximise reaction time. Instead of relying on dramatic movement, he is typically already set from shots, allowing for efficient, controlled actions.

He has prevented 4.7 goals this season — a strong return. In one-vs-one situations, he uses his size well to close angles and relies on his spread technique to deal with close-range efforts.

While his distribution is functional, his decision-making is sound. The 28-year-old is also a vocal, demanding presence, constantly organising those in front of him.

9. Joan Garcia (Barcelona/Spain)

His rise has been rapid and well-earned. At 6ft 4in, Garcia quite literally stands out among Spanish ‘keepers, combining height and reach with sharp footwork and explosive reflexes. His agility allows him to operate efficiently in tight spaces, while his timing and positioning make him reliable in aerial situations.

Developed at Barcelona’s ‘other’ top side, Espanyol, Garcia became the club’s No 1 during their promotion push in 2023-24, recording 12 clean sheets in 21 appearances. He carried that form into La Liga last year, where he led the league in total saves in his first full top-flight season.

That progression earned him a move to Barcelona, where he has quickly established himself as first choice. This season, he has kept 12 clean sheets in 25 league matches while preventing a remarkable 10.4 goals from just 82 shots faced — the highest figure across Europe’s top five leagues.

Still, with only two seasons as a starter at the top level, the sample size remains relatively small. But he is aggressive, brave and technically aligned with modern demands.

8. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid/Slovenia)

Indispensable to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, Oblak’s consistency and concentration have allowed his side’s defensive system to function at the highest level.

That reliability is reflected in his remarkable clean sheet record. Oblak reached 100 La Liga shutouts in just 182 appearances — the fastest in the competition’s history — underlining the 33-year-old’s longevity and sustained elite performance.

Positioning is his greatest strength. He is almost always in the right place at the right time, allowing him to be proactive, read the game early and move efficiently rather than urgently.

The measured way he operates is reminiscent of Gianluigi Buffon. The six-time winner of the Zamora Trophy — the annual award given to the goalkeeper with the best goals-to-game ratio in La Liga — rarely relies on his athleticism.

After a brief dip, Oblak looks back to his best, reinforcing his status as one of the game’s most intelligent, consistent and quietly dominant goalkeepers.

7. David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)

At Arsenal, Raya has brought stability and clarity to a role that demands involvement in every phase of play. His distribution — both in accuracy and decision-making — has been central to Arsenal’s attack and their ability to control matches, while his organisation and command of the penalty area have elevated the team’s defensive structure.

No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than Raya in either the Premier League (15) or the Champions League (seven) this season. He is not the tallest ‘keeper at 6ft, but his timing, explosiveness and anticipation allow him to attack crosses and control his box. His shot-stopping remains sharp and efficient, particularly in close-range situations, where his speed allows for controlled, decisive stops.

Despite his club form, he is not Spain’s No 1, but that reflects the European champions’ depth in goal.

At the highest level, silverware often defines perception and, while Raya’s performances have been consistently elite, the absence of a defining, title-winning moment keeps him just outside the very top tier — for now.

6. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Argentina)

One of the defining goalkeepers of his generation, particularly on the international stage.

Martinez’s performances for Argentina, culminating in their 2022 World Cup triumph, highlighted his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. The last-minute save against Randal Kolo Muani in the final, along with his ‘mind games’ in penalty shootouts, have become part of modern goalkeeping folklore.

He has also been individually recognised, winning multiple Yashin Awards for the best ‘keeper in the world game. His presence alone can shift the psychological balance of a match.

That authority extends into his command of the penalty area, where he is aggressive in dealing with crosses — his 1.85 claims and punches per 90 in the Premier League are the highest in this group.

At club level, however, there has been more fluctuation. Errors have occasionally crept in, and this season has again highlighted moments of inconsistency. His aggressive edge, so effective in decisive moments, can also be risky across a long campaign.

Still, Martinez remains a cornerstone for Aston Villa and Argentina, and one of the most influential goalkeepers worldwide.

5. Mike Maignan (Milan/France)

One of the most complete goalkeepers in Europe, Maignan combines elite shot-stopping with a level of influence in possession few in his position can match.

He is the first non-Italian to become club captain at Milan since Swedish midfielder Nils Liedholm in 1961, and his leadership has become as important as his technical quality, bringing organisation and clarity to the team’s structure while sharpening their defensive cohesion.

The 30-year-old’s profile is built on power and explosiveness. He is an aggressive, front-foot ‘keeper who covers ground quickly and attacks situations with authority. In one-vs-ones, he is decisive and controlled, while his reflexes and ability to generate force over short distances make him one of the most effective shot-stoppers in the game — reflected in his 10.4 goals prevented, the joint-most in Europe’s top five leagues.

He has also developed a reputation as one of the world’s most reliable penalty stoppers. He reads cues, holds his ground and uses his explosiveness to dominate the moment, often creating doubt in the striker before each kick is taken.

What elevates him further is his role in build-up. Maignan operates almost as an extra outfield player, capable of playing through pressure or bypassing it with accurate, longer distribution. His ability to control tempo, combined with his sweeping and command of his area, makes him central to Milan’s structure. He is one of the most complete goalkeepers in the world.

4. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich/Germany)

The legacy is already secure, but what remains striking is Neuer’s continued relevance at the highest level. While he is no longer operating at the peak of his powers, the 40-year-old’s recent performances show his standard remains exceptionally high.

Neuer has needed to manage injuries in recent years, but his positional understanding and anticipation continue to offset any decline in speed or explosiveness. His reading of the game — particularly in sweeping situations — remains a defining feature, allowing him to intervene before danger fully develops. That influence is central to how he redefined the modern goalkeeping role, often playing as an auxiliary defender and showing impressive composure in possession.

Even now, his execution remains sharp. He may not be the busiest goalkeeper in terms of shot-stopping — facing just 48 shots this season, the lowest in this group — but when called upon, the quality of his interventions stands out. His performance against Real Madrid last week was a reminder of that enduring class.

His longevity underscores his greatness — and ensures he remains firmly in the conversation as the greatest goalkeeper of all time.

3. Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil)

A year ago, Alisson would have had a strong case for the top spot. Liverpool were dominant, and his performances underpinned their control at both ends. Twelve months later, the context has shifted. Injuries and more inconsistent team performances have disrupted the 33-year-old’s rhythm.

That said, Alisson remains one of the most complete goalkeepers in the modern game. His one-vs-one ability is arguably unmatched — his patience, timing and body shape consistently force attackers into low-percentage decisions. On his line, he is sharp and efficient, with clean footwork that keeps him balanced and rarely out of position.

That control was evident in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League round of 16 — a match defined by his influence.

His distribution elevates him further. Alisson is not just secure in possession but proactive, with his longer passing regularly turning defence into attack and fuelling Liverpool’s transition game.

This season has been more difficult, as he has conceded 2.9 more goals than expected — his lowest return since arriving from Roma in 2018 and a sharp contrast to his 9.45 goals prevented in 2022–23. That swing highlights how fine the margins are at the top level.

Even so, his broader body of work remains elite. When fully fit and in form, few goalkeepers match his blend of shot-stopping, control and influence in possession.

2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City/Italy)

When Donnarumma arrived at PSG in 2021, he was already established as one of the world’s premier young goalkeepers. A Euros champion at 22, with hundreds of senior appearances for previous club Milan, his reputation was built on elite shot-stopping and composure well beyond his years.

That profile has remained intact. His Champions League performances last season — particularly in the semi-final against Arsenal — were a reminder of his strengths. A range of difficult saves included a crucial one-vs-one stop and a reactive low save through traffic that directly shaped the tie.

Donnarumma remains a traditional goalkeeper. He is most comfortable closer to his line, using his size, reach and reflexes to dominate his penalty area. Compared with more possession-oriented players in his position, his value lies primarily in preventing goals rather than building play.

His move to City raised questions about stylistic fit, but his shot-stopping has remained elite and he has consistently delivered in crucial moments. His command of the penalty area has also improved, averaging 0.89 punches per game — the highest in this group — reflecting a growing willingness to assert himself more aggressively.

Still only 27, Donnarumma combines elite experience with long-term potential. If he continues refining his all-round profile, he has the tools to remain at the top for the next decade — which is a scary thought.

1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/Belgium)

If you were to build the ideal goalkeeper from a physical standpoint, it would be difficult to find someone more naturally suited to the role than Courtois. At 6ft 7in, with exceptional reach and coordination, he combines rare size with sharp, reactive athleticism that very few of his stature can match.

What separates the Real Madrid No 1 is not just his peak, but the consistency — there has been no meaningful drop in his level. That reliability, delivered year after year at the highest level, is what truly distinguishes the Belgian from his peers.

The 33-year-old also has a proven ability to deliver in decisive moments, from Champions League finals to title-defining matches, repeatedly stepping up on football’s biggest stages.

Technically, he is complete. His close-range reflexes are among the best in the world, he commands his penalty area with authority and he remains composed in chaotic situations. His distribution is steady and secure, if not expansive, but rarely puts his team at risk. More importantly, he consistently produces interventions that alter matches with a single action.

This has been a relatively quiet season by his standards, with 1.8 goals prevented, and Madrid have keenly felt his absence through a thigh injury, most recently in their quarter-final first leg defeat to Bayern.

The strongest endorsement for his position on this list is his adaptability. Courtois could walk into any team in the world and immediately improve it. Sustaining this level for so long, while continuing to deliver in the biggest moments, is what sets him apart and why he remains one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.





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