On terraces and in living rooms alike, the debate over the best goalkeeper in 2022 always sparks lively opinion. With the pressure of modern attacking play, standout individual performances, and club and international legacies, picking one is more art than science.

For many fans, goalkeepers carry a quiet reverence, often remembered for the kit they wore during those massive saves. As we break down the contenders for the main keyword, expect context that weighs both big match nerves and the evolution of the shot stopper’s role.

Why Does the Best Goalkeeper in 2022 Matter?

The role of the keeper has changed over the decades but the best at their craft in a given season still grab headlines and, often, silverware. The 2021 to 2022 season was marked by relentless fixture congestion, tight margins at both club and international level, and a fresh crop of young keepers challenging the established names. Supporters echoed this in chants and kit sales, with certain stoppers becoming terrace icons for not just their gloves but their leadership and style.

A related trend saw increased praise for keepers who could play with their feet, start attacks, and rescue points in both league showdowns and cup finals. Conversation about the best goalkeeper in 2022 brewed in every match goer’s mind thanks to viral clips, memorable saves, and high pressure heroics.

How Do You Decide Who Was the Best Goalkeeper?

Before the era of big data, it was all about who made the big saves in big matches. Today, the conversation is informed by a blend of clean sheets, save percentages, distribution quality, high stakes moments, and, importantly, the trust of their back four and supporters.

Talent: Natural shot stopping, agility, reactions, calm under pressure
Impact: Decisive saves in derbies, title deciders, or crucial penalties
Consistency: Season long reliability for club and country
Aura: Leadership, kit association, gestures and communication
Cultural significance: Influence on shirt trends, chants, and match day experience

Top Picks for The Best Goalkeeper in 2022

Here are the leading contenders, each with their own story from an unforgettable season.

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)

Strengths: Courtois stands out for sheer size, excellent positioning, and confidence catching crosses. His Champions League campaign in 2021 to 2022 is now legendary among Madridistas.
Defining Matches: The 2022 Champions League Final against Liverpool on 28 May saw Courtois turn in a nine save masterclass, including a fingertip stop against Mohamed Salah, making it a historic display in Paris.
Milestones: Champions League winner, La Liga winner, named Man of the Match in the Champions League Final 2022, and made the most saves in a UCL final by any keeper.
Why Fans Rate Him: This season cemented Courtois as a modern icon for Madrid. The all black kit, the sheer number of high pressure stops, and his post match interview (“I needed to win a final for my career, for my legacy”) struck a chord with supporters. Years from now, fans will still reference his performance when talking about what makes a keeper great.

Alisson Becker (Liverpool, Brazil)

Strengths: Supreme calm, sharp reflexes, foot skills that help set up counter attacks, and the rare ability to score himself.
Defining Matches: He was crucial in Liverpool’s domestic cup double run, with a memorable one on one save against Chelsea’s Mason Mount in the Carabao Cup Final on 27 February 2022, helping Liverpool lift the trophy.
Milestones: FA Cup and Carabao Cup winner, Premier League Golden Glove (shared), Liverpool’s first Brazilian keeper to reach 100 clean sheets for the club.
Why Fans Rate Him: Alisson is not just a great shop stopper, but also a modern sweeper keeper, regularly helping Liverpool transition from defence to attack. He’ll be forever tied to the Liverpool yellow away kit and memorable celebrations, especially in cup finals. Kopites sing his name for a reason.

Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)

Strengths: Sublime distribution with both feet, composure under pressure, and almost outfield technical skills for fast breaks.
Defining Matches: The final day of the Premier League season (22 May 2022), when Ederson’s cool under immense pressure helped City overturn a deficit and clinch the title, stands out as a testament to his confidence.
Milestones: Premier League champion 2021 to 2022, Premier League Golden Glove (shared), key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Why Fans Rate Him: Loved in Manchester for his short sleeved kits and tattooed style, Ederson represents the evolution of the keeper role as much as anyone. City fans associate him with the current era of dominance and admire his swagger, which filters onto local pitches and terraces.

Mike Maignan (AC Milan, France)

Strengths: Lightning quick reflexes, leadership, strong on crosses, and vocal organisation of the back line.
Defining Matches: A crucial clean sheet against Sassuolo on 22 May 2022 secured Milan’s first Serie A title in over a decade. Maignan’s saves versus Fiorentina and Atalanta in the run in were season defining.
Milestones: Serie A champion, Serie A Best Goalkeeper award 2022.
Why Fans Rate Him: Maignan quickly became a cult hero thanks to his passion and connection to Milan’s rebirth. His red and black kits seemed to symbolise a new chapter for the Rossoneri. Fans on the Curva Sud still chant his name in celebration of the Scudetto.

Key Mention: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, Italy)

While rotation with Keylor Navas limited appearances, Donnarumma’s key saves in the Champions League group stages kept PSG in the hunt. Many still remember his Euro 2020 heroics (with the final in July 2021) and his presence influenced PSG’s kit marketing and global reach.

Why Supporters Still Talk About the Kits

Goalkeeper shirts have always had a special place in club culture. Think back to Peter Schmeichel’s United green, Jens Lehmann’s Arsenal grey, or more lately, the black and gold worn by Courtois in the 2022 final. These kits become shorthand for certain eras and matches.

The 2022 crop featured bold colours and retro nods every kit seemed linked to a bigger moment, whether cup lifts or shoot out drama. Supporters collect and treasure these shirts not just for fashion but for the stories stitched into each sleeve.

If you are keen to explore more about goalkeeper shirts, take a look at our top picks for classic and modern football kits.

What to Expect Next Season

With Maignan and Donnarumma battling for France, and Alisson and Ederson rivals for Brazil, the best goalkeeper debate rages on for both club and country. Up and coming names like Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal or Unai Simon at Athletic Bilbao show that the position remains fiercely contested.

Watch for tactical shifts, keeper captaincies, and new kit releases as clubs look to redefine the role again in 2023 and beyond.

FAQs

Q: What stats matter most for judging the best goalkeeper in 2022?
A: Clean sheets and save percentages are important, but the context of saves in high pressure matches, like finals or title deciders, arguably carries more weight.
Q: Why do some keepers get more recognition than others?
A: Performances in major finals, club historic moments, and lasting cultural impact, like memorable kits or celebrations, can elevate keepers to iconic status.
Q: Is it possible for a keeper to be the best in Europe but not recognised at home?
A: Yes, domestic scrutiny, media bias, and playing style differences mean that continental standouts are not always appreciated equally by all fan bases.
Q: How much does kit design influence a keeper’s legacy?
A: More than people admit. Iconic shirts become visual shorthand for historic moments and help fans bond over shared memories.
Q: Where can supporters pick up a memorable keeper shirt from 2022?
A: Fans often seek standout match worn styles from collection shops and specialist dealers.

Conclusion

In the end, the debate over the best goalkeeper in 2022 is about more than numbers. It is a legacy shaped by impossible saves, unforgettable kits, and moments that echo long after the final whistle. Whether you rate Courtois for his Champions League heroics, Alisson’s composure, or the flair of Ederson, these keepers have left their mark on the era and on the fans who chant their names.

If you want to relive those special performances or add a piece of history to your collection, discover our range of classic goalkeeper kits and club shirts to find your own link to the game’s biggest moments.