When the world gathered for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, all eyes were on which goalkeeper would rise above the rest. Supporters, pundits, and even former pros debated over not just the best shot stopper, but the one who truly defined the moment for his country and club. The title of best goalkeeper FIFA 2022 went beyond reflexes and saves. It came down to leadership, impact in decisive moments, and the legacy left with supporters well after the final whistle.
This analysis draws on international showings, standout club form, and those clutch matches that left us breathless. We take into account the full sweep of a season, not just a few viral saves, and consider how these keepers became terrace heroes and household names.
Why picking the best goalkeeper FIFA 2022 matters
The man between the sticks does not just keep the score down. He anchors the back four, commands the area, and often inspires a whole nation or fan base. In World Cup years, keepers can become instant legends. Shirt sales soar and generations remember not only the key stops but how a glovesman carried himself during penalty shootouts and pressure situations. In 2022, with fresh faces joining established stars, the question of who stood tallest was fiercely debated from local pubs to social media debates.
Criteria for judging keepers in 2022
How do you compare legends and emerging talents? Our look combines:
- International performances, especially in the 2022 World Cup
- Key club contributions in domestic and European competitions
- Consistency, leadership, and ability in penalty shootouts
- Influence on team performance and spirit
- Recognition by peers and pundits
Standout keepers: 2022 at a glance
Here’s a detailed look at the faces in goal who defined the year. Every entry explains the why, with iconic moments, match dates, and the legacy each player created.
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
Strengths: Nerve of steel in penalties, vocal leader, imposing shot stopping
Defining matches: World Cup Final vs France, December 18, 2022; stunning save in extra time
Club and national milestones: Copa America 2021 winner, World Cup 2022 winner
Why fans rate him: Martinez elevated himself to folk hero status in Argentina with his match winning shootout saves and his passionate connection with supporters. The save against Kolo Muani in injury time sealed his place in history. If you visit Argentina now, you’ll still hear chants for ‘Dibu’ Martinez on the terraces, especially in Villa shirts.
Dominik Livakovic (Croatia, Dinamo Zagreb)
Strengths: Penalty saver, agile reflexes, keeps cool under pressure
Defining matches: World Cup Quarter Final vs Brazil, December 9, 2022; saved three penalties
Club and national milestones: Helped Croatia to the semi finals, making huge stops against Japan and Brazil
Why fans rate him: Livakovic became a household name overnight. His performances saw Croatian shirts in higher demand, and his World Cup heroics are still talked about in Zagreb cafes. His calm in shootouts echoed the poise of greats before him, making him one of the best keepers of the tournament.
Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Sevilla)
Strengths: Shot stopping, anticipation, excels underdog spirit
Defining matches: World Cup Quarter Final vs Portugal, December 10, 2022; kept clean sheet to send Morocco to historic semi final
Club and national milestones: Europa League winner with Sevilla, World Cup semi finalist with Morocco
Why fans rate him: Bounou (Bono to his fans) made Morocco the first African side to reach a World Cup semi final, keeping out the likes of Ronaldo. The Atlas Lions inspired North African pride, and Bono’s celebration with fans after the Portugal match is already an iconic image.
Hugo Lloris (France, Tottenham Hotspur)
Strengths: Shot stopping, experience, sweeping behind high line
Defining matches: World Cup Final vs Argentina, December 18, 2022; semi final vs Morocco
Club and national milestones: 2018 World Cup winner, 2022 World Cup runner up
Why fans rate him: Lloris is the steady hand behind France’s modern dominance. His leadership in big matches, especially his penalty saves in the semi, only added to his legacy. Spurs fans still chant his name for his club loyalty and big game contributions.
Alisson Becker (Brazil, Liverpool)
Strengths: Distribution, confidence in one versus one, sweeper keeper style
Defining matches: Champions League run 2022, key Premier League games
Club and national milestones: Premier League and Champions League winner, Brazil’s number one
Why fans rate him: Even with Brazil’s World Cup disappointment, Alisson’s performances for Liverpool in 2022 kept him at the top of most lists. His ability with the ball at feet and big game presence in Europe makes his shirts a common sight among young keepers.
Era context: The goalkeeper role in 2022
The modern keeper is not just a shot stopper. Clubs and countries now look for players who can start attacks with clever distribution, sweep behind the backline, and play out under pressure. In 2022, we saw old school penalty specialists like Martinez and Livakovic sitting alongside ball players like Alisson. Supporters debate whether you want drama and charisma, or calm confidence and tactical nous. The shirt on your back becomes a symbol not just for safe hands, but for a whole era’s football philosophy.
What to watch for next season
With another Premier League and Champions League campaign looming, expect these keepers to push the bar higher. Younger challengers are coming too. Watch out for Mike Maignan at AC Milan and Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, both tipped to become leaders for club and country. These performances mean fresh storylines and new shirts to collect for terrace regulars and shirt collectors alike.
If you are looking for the latest designs from these sides, see our Premier League kit collection for all supporter favourites.
FAQs
- Who kept the most clean sheets at the 2022 World Cup?
Dominik Livakovic, Yassine Bounou, and Emiliano Martinez tied with three clean sheets. Their performances helped push Croatia, Morocco, and Argentina deep into the tournament, cementing their status in tournament lore. - Was Martinez the first Argentine keeper to win a penalty shootout in a World Cup final?
Yes, Emiliano Martinez became the first Argentine to win a World Cup final on penalties, with his decisive saves against France. This moment made his green shirt an instant classic for Albiceleste supporters. - Why do clean sheets and penalty saves matter for legacy?
Penalty saves and clean sheets are defining measures of big match temperament. World Cup success, as seen with Martinez and Bounou, turned these keepers into lasting icons. - Did club form or country form matter more in 2022?
In a World Cup year, country form often leads the debate. However, consistent club performances, like Alisson’s with Liverpool, keep a keeper’s reputation strong year round. - How did these performances impact shirt sales and fan culture?
Iconic saves at World Cups send shirt sales soaring. Supporters want a piece of history, which is why Martinez and Bounou’s kits remain popular in their home countries and among neutral fans.
Conclusion
The race for best goalkeeper FIFA 2022 gave us drama, defiance, and the kind of moments supporters celebrate for years. Emiliano Martinez stood out for his World Cup heroics, dragging Argentina over the line in style. Yet, Domink Livakovic and Yassine Bounou will be remembered just as fondly for making their countries believe in fairy tale runs. The shirt a keeper wears is more than kit, it is a story of saves, celebrations, and shared pride.
Whether you collect goalie shirts for their rare numbers or relive matches with mates down the pub, the class of 2022 cemented their place in supporter culture. Want to find your own piece of history? Shop the latest goalkeeper shirts and club kits at cheapfootballshirts.com.
