Not only can a strong goalie save shots, but they can also lead, change the course of a game, and occasionally make the difference between success and failure. Few other players feel the pressure they do as they stand alone between the posts. The best goalkeepers are able to do it all, whether it’s making a last-minute save, being a dominant presence in the box, or launching assaults with deft passes.
The role has changed in the modern game from only making quick saves and catching crosses. These days, keepers use their feet to control play, plan defences like generals, and occasionally even win games in penalty shootouts. In light of this, here is a list of the top 15 goalkeepers in the world at the moment, ranked by form, reliability, and influence on their teams.
15. Bayer Leverkusen, Finland’s Lukáš Hrádecký
Bayer Leverkusen’s captain is more than just a safe pair of hands—he’s the heartbeat of a side that defied all expectations to go unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season. At 35, Hrádecký is still performing at an elite level, pulling off vital saves and keeping his team composed in high-pressure moments. A true leader between the sticks.
14. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund, Switzerland)
Kobel has been a revelation for Borussia Dortmund, proving himself one of the best shot-stoppers in European football. His performances in the Champions League last season were nothing short of heroic, leading the tournament in clean sheets and making a habit of pulling off miraculous saves. With rumours swirling about a potential move to the Premier League, the 26-year-old’s stock has never been higher.
13. Unai Simón (Athletic Club, Spain)
Simón, who has been Spain’s top player since 2020, has continuously performed well for his club and nation. His reflexes and ability to play out from the back make him a top-tier player, even though he is smaller than most modern goalkeepers. He has already returned to making important stops for Athletic Club after being sidelined by a wrist injury this season.
12. Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich)
A game legend. Neuer transformed goalkeeping, not merely redefining it. Even though he is nearing the end of his career, the legendary German player can still win games. Even while consistency is no longer his strong suit, his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final last season demonstrated that he still has that magic in his gloves.
11. Paris Saint-Germain, Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma was once predicted to be the world’s top goalie without a doubt, but she hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. He is still a top-tier goalie who can make amazing saves, but his lack of focus has cost him dearly. Nevertheless, he still has time to realise his full potential at the young age of 25.
10. Diogo Costa from Portugal’s Porto
Costa, one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers, with all the qualities of a contemporary great: he is quick, nimble, and exceptional with the ball at his feet. For three complete seasons, he has been Porto’s last line of defence, continuously outscoring the projected number of goals given up. He has a contract that expires in 2027, so Porto will need to work hard to hang onto him.
9. David de Gea (Spain’s Fiorentina)
Many believed De Gea’s time at the top was ended after he spent a year without a club after leaving Manchester United. How mistaken they were. He returned Fiorentina’s lifeline with performances straight out of the past, reversing the years with quick reflexes and saves that defy gravity. He has been among Europe’s top goalkeepers statistically this season; what a tale of redemption.
8. France’s AC Milan’s Mike Maignan
There were concerns that Milan would find it difficult to replace Donnarumma if he left in 2021. Let’s introduce Mike Maignan. The Frenchman won the league’s Best Keeper award and was instrumental in Milan’s Serie A victory. His form has been affected by injuries in recent seasons, but when healthy, he oozes confidence and commands attention.
7. Yann Sommer of Switzerland’s Inter Milan
Consistency has been the cornerstone of Sommer’s career, and his transfer to Inter Milan has further improved his standing. The Swiss international set a club record for clean sheets and played a key role in Inter’s Serie A victory last season. Reliability, experience, and composure are essential traits for every great goalie.
Inter Milan has 18 clean sheets this season.
6. Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland, Barcelona)
Wojciech Szczęsny, a Polish goalkeeper who had just retired after leaving Juventus, was signed by FC Barcelona in October 2024 after Marc-André ter Stegen had a knee injury.
Szczęsny accepted a one-year contract after being persuaded by his countryman Robert Lewandowski. After Iñaki Peña’s disciplinary problems, Szczęsny took over as the team’s starting in January 2025, having previously been his backup. He has since contributed to Barcelona’s outstanding La Liga and Champions League results with impressive performances, including six clean sheets in the last eight games.
Szczęsny’s impact has been praised by head coach Hansi Flick, and talks are in progress to extend his contract.
5. Jan Oblak (Slovenia, Atletico Madrid)
Oblak has been the best goalie in La Liga for many years. His performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League knockout rounds last season served as a reminder of his class, even though he may not be nearly as unbeatable as he once was. Everything you need to know is revealed by the five Zamora Trophies, which are given to the greatest custodian in La Liga.
4. Argentina’s Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez
Martínez is one of the goalkeepers who is simply made for big times. He has continued that form into club football after his exploits in the World Cup final solidified his status as one of Argentina’s finest goalkeepers ever. He is a huge asset to Aston Villa because of his unwavering confidence, skill at stopping shots, and ability to save penalties. He is at the top of his game and has won the Yashin Trophy for the last two years.
3. Arsenal, Spain’s David Raya
Raya came to Arsenal expecting to compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the number one spot, but he ultimately took over the role. He won the Premier League Golden Glove the previous season, and this year he’s somehow reached a new level. With 88 saves this season, he is among the world’s finest.
2. Belgium’s Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois
Both literally and figuratively, a behemoth of the game. With his 2022 and 2023 Champions League final performances against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, Courtois has been Real Madrid’s wall at the back since 2018. His performances rank among the best goalkeeping performances in history. He missed a large portion of the previous season due to injury, but upon his comeback, he showed everyone why he is among the best.
1. Liverpool, Brazil’s Alisson Becker
Alisson is the world’s best goalie at combining distribution, poise, and shot-stopping abilities. He has been Liverpool’s rock at the back ever since they arrived, consistently saving them. Despite playing less games this season due to injury, his stats—66 saves for Liverpool this season—remain impressive. The greatest in the world at the moment, and a real game-changer in goal.
He is the best goalie in the world because of his exceptional performances in crucial games.
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