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Top 10 Best Goalkeeper in the World (2025 Ranking Updated!)

The world of football has evolved over the past few years, and with that, the role of the goalkeeper has also changed frequently. Since the arrival of tactics and a formation-oriented style of play, it’s been very challenging to stay between the sticks week in and week out, given the high demands from the managers. Here, we will attempt to answer the following question: Who is the best goalkeeper in the world?

Goalkeepers are not only the last line of defence for their teams, but they are also the ones who add extra helping hands to their attacks with their long passing and excellent vision to create attacks and keep the ball in possession.

For example, Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca are notable football tacticians who prefer to use their goalkeepers in a sweeper role, relying on them to begin quick counters and build-ups to catch opponents off guard. Now, we look into our list of the best goalkeeper in the world.

How We Ranked the Best Goalkeepers

Clean sheets: The first and foremost factor in ranking, the best goalkeeper in the world on this list is the number of times they have prevented the opposition from scoring a goal and kept a clean sheet for their team.

Saves Percentage: The second parameter considered while making this list of the best goalkeeper in the world 2025 was their save percentages, as well as these players have performed under the bar this season for their respective teams.

Ball Distribution: The last ranking factor for determining who is the best goalkeeper in the world is their passing ability and skill to find teammates through long ball distribution, like Ederson did recently.

Best Goalkeepers in World 2025

RankPlayerClean SheetsSaves PercentagePenalty Saves
10Diogo Costa1566.21
9David de Gea1173.82
8Emiliano Martinez565.91
7Jan Oblak1373.80
6Thibaut Courtois1175.00
5Ederson770.00
4David Raya1272.60
3Alisson Becker973.70
2Yann Sommer1272.51
1Gianluigi Donnarumma467.61
Top 10 Best Goalkeeper in the World 2025

Who is the Best Goalkeeper in the World in 2025?

Before we start and take a look at the top 10 best goalkeeper in the world? Let me ask you, how do you choose the best goalkeeper in the world? Is it from statistical numbers? or individual brilliance between the sticks? or is it the number of trophies won?

10. Diogo Costa (FC Porto & Portugal)

Diogo Costa (Image Credit: X / @FCPorto)
Diogo Costa (Image Credit: X / @FCPorto)

Diogo Costa has been a cog in the wheel of FC Costa across all competitions. He is by far one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world. Costa has earned a reputation for making unbelievable saves to bail his team out in times of trouble. In the Portuguese top-tier division, he had the most clean sheets with 13 to his name, as he is leading the race for Golden Gloves.

The Portuguese shot stopper has been a mainstay under the bar for the last six seasons for his club, FC Porto. The 25-year-old’s reliable skill has boosted the defensive unit of his team, both club and country.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 32
Clean Sheets16
Goal Conceded27
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves7/2
Diogo Costa’s Liga Portugal 2024/25 Stats

9. David De Gea (Fiorentina & Spain)

David De Gea (Image Credit: X / @acffiorentina)
David De Gea (Image Credit: X / @acffiorentina)

David De Gea began to be noticed during his Atletico Madrid days when he worked like a defensive leader at the back. After leading the club to the Europa League title, he arrived at Stadio Artemio Franchi in 2024. Although he hasn’t won any trophies at Fiorentina, he has provided the much-needed stability at the back.

The best weapon in his arsenal is his smart positioning, which gives him an upper hand in the feisty battles against top attackers. What an absolute beast he is. He has played 33 games, conceding 34 goals while keeping 11 clean sheets. Although his team might be struggling this season, he has been one of the consistent players.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 33
Clean Sheets11
Goal Conceded34
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves3/2
David De Gea’s Serie A 2024/25 Stats

8. Emi Martinez (Aston Villa & Argentina)

Emiliano Martinez (Image Credit: X / @AVFCOfficial)
Emiliano Martinez (Image Credit: X / @AVFCOfficial)

If you see the career trajectory of Emiliano Martinez, then it will look like a fairytale to you. The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion of Argentina, the Aston Villa stopper, has gradually made his calculated move to be at the top of the tree of the best goalkeeper in the world 2025. What makes the Argentine goalkeeper different from others is his brilliant moves between the sticks during penalty shootouts.

In an interview, Martinez explained how he managed to read the minds of the French players during the 2022 World Cup final shootouts in Qatar to lift the ultimate glory. The 32-year-old entertains the Villa fans every week and shows why he is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. For his outstanding performance in the last season, Martinez was awarded the 2024 Yashin trophy by France Football.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 36
Clean Sheets8
Goal Conceded45
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves2/1
Emiliano Martinez’s Premier League 2024/25 Stats

7. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid & Slovenia)

Jan Oblak (Image Credit: X / @atletienglish
Jan Oblak (Image Credit: X / @atletienglish

A silent killer, who lets his hands and legs walk the talk, Jan Oblak has been a permanent pick between the sticks for the La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for almost a decade. Since the Madrid-based outfit’s resurrection under the supervision of Diego Simeone, Oblak has become a renowned figure on the legendary list of best goalkeepers. His awareness in the box during penalty shootouts and corner kicks is something to be honoured.

The Slovenian International has created his legacy playing for Rojiblancos during his decade-long spell, having made 480 appearances, boasting 220 clean sheets for the Spanish giants. In terms of titles, he won La Liga, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup while playing a key role in between the sticks. This season, the star goalkeeper has made 35 appearances and has kept 15 clean sheets. He is leading the race for the Golden Glove this season in La Liga.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of matches 35
Clean sheets15
Goal Conceded29
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves5/0
Jan Oblak’s La Liga 2024/25 Stats

6. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid & Belgium)

Thibaut Courtois (Image Credit: X / @realmadrid)
Thibaut Courtois (Image Credit: X / @realmadrid)

The Belgian wall of Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois, has been a regular name in the list of best goalkeepers in the recent past. But his true worth became visible during his stint with Atletico Madrid, where he made the lives of big players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi difficult by his tall stature and shot-stopping abilities. Before joining Los Blancos, he had a stellar spell with Chelsea.

However, the 6 ft 7 inches tall Belgian created his legacy at the Spanish capital, lifting three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues. Over the years, he has cemented his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, despite a rough start to his second spell in the Spanish capital. Although things haven’t gone his way, getting knocked out in the UEFA Champions League, losing several domestic cup finals, as well as back to back defeats in EL Classico. Still, he has maintained his position as one of the best goalkeeper in the world.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 30
Clean Sheets11
Goal Conceded29
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves3/0
Thibaut Courtois’ La Liga 2024/25 Stats

5. Ederson (Manchester City & Brazil)

Ederson (Image Credit: X / @ManCity)
Ederson (Image Credit: X / @ManCity)

Ederson has played a key role in the success of Manchester City for the last few years, seeing the Cityzens lift the continental treble in the 2022/23 season. The Brazilian international has been a mainstay under the sticks for Pep Guardiola in the last seven years. His leadership qualities, sweeper-keeper role, and pinpoint long passes make it easy for both defenders and attackers. 

His agility, commanding voice, and physical strength have boosted the morale of Manchester City teammates at times. Consequently, many football pundits also regarded him as “the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet” back in 2018. Although he has looked out of form and rusty but his ability to bounce back and take command of his team makes him the best goalkeeper in the world. His performance under the bar has gone unnoticed as Man City has struggled with key players injured for most of the games. The Brazilian has still managed to keep 9 clean sheets in 24 games.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 24
Clean Sheets9
Goal Conceded25
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves2/0
Ederson’s Premier League 2024/25 Stats

4. David Raya (Arsenal & Spain)

David Raya (Image Credit: X / @Arsenal)
David Raya (Image Credit: X / @Arsenal)

Any list would be incomplete without the name of Arsenal’s shot stopper, David Raya, he has been one of the best goalkeeper in the world. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta understood the potential of the Spanish goalie and deployed him ahead of a highly-rated Aaron Ramsdale in the 2022/23 season. Last season, he won the Premier League’s Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets (16) in the league.

Arsenal has massively benefited from Raya’s adaptation in playing out from the back and covering the open space left behind the high defensive line of his team. His fingertips save against Manchester City to deny Kevin de Bruyne was like poetry in motion. At present, the Spaniard is the most complete shot-stopper in world football. Not to forget the performance he showed to everyone against Real Madrid during the quarter-finals in the UEFA Champions League. With 12 clean sheets to his name, he is behind only Matz Sels (13) in the Golden Gloves race this Premier League season.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 36
Clean Sheets12
Goal Conceded33
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves3/0
David Raya’s Premier League 2024/25 Stats

3. Alisson Becker (Liverpool & Brazil)

Alisson Becker (Image Credit: X / @LFC)
Alisson Becker (Image Credit: X / @LFC)

On this list of the best-performing goalkeepers, Alisson Becker has once again snatched a top spot with his flawless displays in recent years. After representing SC Internacional and AS Roma until 2018, the Brazilian showstopper reached the highest peak of excellence with English giants, Liverpool. 

Ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s trophy-laden venture with the Premier club before his departure in 2024 was a perfect opportunity for Becker to become the best goalkeeper in the world, and the Yashin trophy and two-time Premier League Golden Glove winner made the best use of that. His tall physique and fast reflexes make him too difficult to beat by opponents. 

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 26
Clean Sheets9
Goal Conceded25
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves1/0
Alisson Becker’s Premier League 2024/25 Stats

2. Yann Sommer (Inter Milan & Switzerland)

Yann Sommer (Image Credit: X / @Inter)
Yann Sommer (Image Credit: X / @Inter)

Yann Sommer is one of the most consistent names on this list of the best goalkeeper in the world. The veteran keeper is a folkloric figure in football’s history. Some might ask why he is still considered one of the best, as his glorious days are long gone. Is it so? The answer is no. In fact, he displayed his career’s best performances in recent seasons with Serie A club Inter Milan.

Despite turning 36 years old, Sommer keeps delivering for ‘I Nerazzurri’. He is the pioneer in revolutionizing the role of the goalkeepers in the game. Being a baller to an expert penalty saver, his performance for Switzerland in the recent Euro championship has been like no other: 5 games, 4 goals conceded, and one clean sheet.

Key FactorsFigures
Number of Matches 31
Clean Sheets12
Goal Conceded30
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves3/1
Yann Sommer’s Serie A 2024/25 Stats

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG & Italy)

Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best goalkeeper in the world right now
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Image Credit: X / @PSG_inside)

Gianluigi Donnarumma has already etched his name in the history of Italian football. The 2021 Yashin trophy winner first came under the spotlight when he made a courageous move to Italian giants, AC Milan, at the age of 16. Since then, he has been maintaining his rank as the best goalkeeper in the world.

Known for his reflexes, Donnarumma is one of the best to have ever donned the gloves. Currently, the 26-year-old is playing for the Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain. His heroics helped the Parisians go through to the next round of the UEFA Champions League after beating Liverpool on a penalty shoot-out. Donnarumma made two vital saves.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 24
Clean Sheets4
Goal Conceded25
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves1/0
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Ligue 1 2024/25 Stats

Best Young Goalkeepers to Watch Out for

5. Mile Svilar (Roma & Serbia)

Mile Svilar (Image Credit: X / @OfficialASRoma)
Mile Svilar (Image Credit: X / @OfficialASRoma)

Mile Svilar is currently plying his trade with the Serie A club AS Roma. The Serbian goalkeeper has been consistent under the bar for his team this season, playing 34 games, keeping out 14 clean sheets while conceding 34 goals. His quick reflexes and positional awareness make him one of the best goalkeeper in the world.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 34
Clean Sheets15
Goal Conceded34
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves4/0
Mile Svilar’s Serie A 2024/25 Stats

4. Illan Meslier (Leeds United & France)

Illan Meslier (Image Credit: X / @LUFC)
Illan Meslier (Image Credit: X / @LUFC)

Illan Meslier has been one of the mainstays at Leeds United, thanks to his consistency and skills. The 25-year-old French goalkeeper has been making waves in the English Football League (Championship). He has played 39 games, keeping 21 clean sheets while conceding 27 goals (averaging less than 1 goal per game) impressive. Right?

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 39
Clean Sheets21
Goal Conceded27
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves4/1
Illan Meslier’s EFL 2024/25 Stats

3. André Gomes (Benfica & Portugal)

André Gomes (Image Credit: X / @slbrbsa)
André Gomes (Image Credit: X / @slbrbsa)

Andre Gomes has been consistently performing for his side, Benfica B, in Liga Portugal 2. The young goalkeeper has impressed everyone with his acrobatic saves, ball distribution, and positional awareness, which makes him one of the best goalkeeper in the world. He has made 31 appearances and has kept 10 clean sheets.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 31
Clean Sheets10
Goal Conceded37
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves0/0
Andre Gomes’ Liga Portugal 2024/25 Stats

2. Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Netherlands)

Bart Verbruggen (Image Credit: X / @OfficialBHAFC)
Bart Verbruggen (Image Credit: X / @OfficialBHAFC)

Bart Verbruggen is known for his modern sweeper keeper style. The Dutchman has been one of the most consistent players in Brighton & Hove Albion this season. Having made 32 appearances in the English Premier League, he has kept 6 clean sheets. The 22-year-old shot stopper’s ability to build up play from the back makes him one of the best goalkeeper in the world.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 34
Clean Sheets7
Goal Conceded55
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves8/0
Bart Verbruggen’s Premier League 2024/25 Stats

1. Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia / Georgia)

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Image Credit: X / @valenci
Giorgi Mamardashvili (Image Credit: X / @valenci

Giorgi Mamardashvili is known for his agility and quick reflexes. He is plying his trade with the La Liga side Valencia. His ability to quickly counter high balls and impressive close range saving reflexes make him one of the best goalkeeper in the world. The 24-year-old has played 29 games in the Spanish top division this season and has kept 7 clean sheets.

Key FactorsFigures
No. of Matches 32
Clean Sheets8
Goal Conceded46
Penalties Faced/Penalties Saves7/2
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s La Liga 2024/25 Stats

Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best Premier League Goalkeepers of All Time

FAQs

Q. Who is the best goalkeeper in the world right now?

A. David Raya, Jan Oblak, Thibaut Courtois, and Alisson Becker are the best goalkeepers in the world right now.

Q. What makes a great goalkeeper?

A. Reflex, agility, shot-stopping skills, and composure make a great goalkeeper.

Q. How are goalkeepers ranked?

A. Goalkeepers are ranked on the basis of positioning, reflex, and playing skills.

Q. How can I improve my goalkeeping skills?

A. Working on agility, ball control, passing, reaction drills, and footwork.

Q. Who is considered the greatest goalkeeper of all time?

A. Lev Yashin and Gianluigi Buffon are often regarded as the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Q. What are some of the most iconic moments in goalkeeping history?

A. Yashin winning the Ballon d’Or and Gordon Banks’ saves against Brazil are some of the most iconic moments in goalkeeping history.

Q. Which leagues have the best goalkeepers?

A. Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga have some of the best goalkeepers.

Q. How has the role of the goalkeeper evolved over time?

A. The ability to waste time and kill the game was drastically reduced.

Q. What is the impact of advanced technology on goalkeeping?

A. Goalkeepers get a more detailed analysis of their performances and errors.

Q. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Alisson Becker?

A. Strengths are shot-stopping and handling, while his weaknesses are long passing and catching.

Q. What makes Manuel Neuer so special?

A. His footwork and calm composure make him so special.

Q. Why is Thibaut Courtois considered one of the best?

A. His reflexes and acrobatic saves made him one of the best.

Q. What are some of the best goalkeeping drills?

A. Diving drills, ability drills, reflexes drills, and footwork drills.