The Premier League has been home to some of the world’s greatest goalkeepers, and they have played pivotal roles in their teams’ successes. Some goalkeepers have made season-defining saves, while others have changed the way the game is played with their distribution skills. This article explores the top 20 best goalkeepers in the Premier League, featuring the likes of Ederson, David De Gea, and Alisson Becker, whose performances have helped define the history of England’s most exciting football league. Don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get legendary jerseys at affordable prices.
Quick List of the 20 Best Goalkeepers in the Premier League:
- Peter Schmeichel
- Petr Cech
- David De Gea
- Edwin van der Sar
- Alisson Becker
- Thibaut Courtois
- Hugo Lloris
- Shay Given
- Brad Friedel
- Joe Hart
- Tim Howard
- Mark Schwarzer
- Kasper Schmeichel
- David Seaman
- Ederson
- Lukasz Fabianski
- John Ruddy
- Rui Patrício
- Raya
- Mats Hummels
1. Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel remains the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history, with a record of imposing saves and commanding leadership that defined Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s. Schmeichel’s physical presence in goal was unmatched, and his performances helped United win multiple Premier League titles, including the 1999 treble.
- 5-time Premier League winner
- Zamora Trophy winner for best goalkeeper
- Integral in United’s Champions League-winning team
Peter Schmeichel making a key save for Manchester United (Image: TNT Sports)
2. Petr Cech
Petr Cech is one of the best goalkeepers the Premier League has ever seen. His unbelievable reflexes, leadership, and remarkable consistency made him a key figure in Chelsea’s success during the early 2000s. Cech is the holder of the most clean sheets in Premier League history.
- Most clean sheets in Premier League history (202)
- Premier League winner with Chelsea
- Known for his match-winning saves and intelligent positioning
Petr Cech making an incredible reflex save for Chelsea (Image: Goal)
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3. David De Gea
David De Gea is one of the most iconic Premier League goalkeepers in recent memory. His reflex saves, shot-stopping abilities, and consistency have made him a legend at Manchester United. De Gea has won the Golden Glove and been named United’s Player of the Year multiple times, showcasing his importance to the club.
- Premier League Golden Glove winner
- Over 400 appearances for Manchester United
- Known for his world-class reflex saves and vocal leadership
David De Gea making a crucial save for Manchester United (Image: Sportal)
4. Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar played an instrumental role in Manchester United’s defense from 2005 to 2011. His calm demeanor, great technique, and leadership made him one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history. Van der Sar was crucial in helping United win multiple league titles during his time at Old Trafford.
- 4-time Premier League champion
- Exceptional technique and leadership
- Vital in United’s European successes
Edwin van der Sar making a key save for Manchester United (Image: TNT Sports)
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5. Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has been the rock behind Liverpool’s defense during their Premier League and Champions League wins. Known for his shot-stopping ability, distribution, and calm under pressure, Alisson has been vital to Liverpool’s success in the last few seasons. His performances consistently make him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
- Premier League winner with Liverpool
- Known for his incredible distribution and reflexes
- Champions League winner and Golden Glove winner
Alisson Becker making a crucial save for Liverpool (Image: BBC)
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6. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is one of the most imposing goalkeepers of his generation. After his successful time at Chelsea, where he won multiple Premier League titles, he moved to Real Madrid and continued his dominance. Courtois’s shot-stopping, physical presence, and command of the area make him one of the top goalkeepers in football.
- Premier League champion with Chelsea
- World Cup Golden Glove winner
- Known for his outstanding shot-stopping ability
Thibaut Courtois making an excellent save for Real Madrid (Image: Goal)
7. Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris has been a consistent presence in goal for Tottenham Hotspur and France. His reflexes, leadership, and command of the box have made him a key player in Spurs’ defense for over a decade. Lloris was instrumental in helping France win the 2018 World Cup and has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League.
- World Cup winner (2018) with France
- Over 360 Premier League appearances
- Renowned for his shot-stopping ability and leadership
Hugo Lloris making a crucial save for Tottenham (mage: Los Angeles Times)
8. Shay Given
Shay Given is remembered for his reliability and consistency in goal for Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. Known for his incredible reflexes and fearless presence, Given earned over 450 Premier League appearances, becoming one of the top shot-stoppers of his era.
- Played for Newcastle, Man City, Villa, and Stoke
- 449 Premier League appearances and 113 clean sheets
- Known for his reflex saves and leadership in goal
Shay Given making a crucial save for Aston Villa (Image: talkSPORT)
9. Brad Friedel
Brad Friedel was one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Premier League history, making over 450 appearances across his time with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Blackburn Rovers. Friedel’s longevity and reliability made him one of the most respected keepers in the league, and his shot-stopping and durability ensured he played at the highest level for nearly two decades.
- 450 Premier League appearances
- Known for his consistent performances and reliability
- Played for Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Blackburn
Brad Friedel making a brilliant save for Aston Villa (Image: The Telegraph)
10. Joe Hart
Joe Hart is one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, particularly for Manchester City. Known for his athleticism, leadership, and match-winning saves, Hart was a key figure in City’s rise during the early 2010s, helping them win Premier League titles. His presence in goal for both Man City and England made him one of the most reliable shot-stoppers.
- 2-time Premier League champion with Man City
- Known for his leadership and reflex saves
- Vital in England’s international campaigns
Joe Hart making a crucial save for Manchester City (Image: Goal)
11. Tim Howard
Tim Howard was one of the most athletic and commanding goalkeepers in the Premier League. Known for his reflex saves, leadership, and presence, Howard was a mainstay for Everton for over a decade. He was also a key figure for USA during major international tournaments, making crucial saves when needed the most.
- Great performances for both Everton and USA
- Played 399 Premier League matches
- Known for his reflexes and vocal leadership in goal
Tim Howard making a crucial save for Everton (Image: Sky Sports)
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12. Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League’s history. His reliability across over 500 appearances for clubs like Middlesbrough, Fulham, and Chelsea made him a household name. Schwarzer’s consistency, leadership, and incredible shot-stopping abilities earned him respect throughout his Premier League career.
- 514 Premier League appearances
- Known for his solid performances at Fulham and Middlesbrough
- 152 clean sheets during his career
Mark Schwarzer performing a crucial save for Fulham (Image: Transfermarkt)
13. Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel, the son of Peter Schmeichel, has followed in his father’s footsteps to become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Kasper was a key figure in Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League title win and his performances in big moments have been crucial for the club’s success.
- Premier League champion (2016) with Leicester City
- Impressive shot-stopping and leadership qualities
- Over 300 Premier League appearances
Kasper Schmeichel making a crucial save for Leicester City (Image: The FA)
14. David Seaman
David Seaman was one of the Premier League’s most iconic goalkeepers, with a career that spanned many successful seasons with Arsenal. His calm composure, shot-stopping ability, and impeccable positioning made him a legend. He played a significant role in Arsenal’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s, winning multiple league titles.
- 3-time Premier League champion
- Vital in Arsenal’s Invincibles season
- 141 clean sheets over 344 Premier League appearances
David Seaman making a key save for Arsenal (Image: CNN)
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15. Ederson
Ederson is a modern goalkeeper who has redefined the role of a goalkeeper in Manchester City’s attack-first system. Known for his exceptional distribution, ability to play out from the back, and shot-stopping, Ederson is a key figure in Manchester City’s dominance in both domestic and European football.
- Premier League winner with Manchester City
- Known for his distribution and quick reflexes
- Revolutionized the role of the sweeper-keeper in the Premier League
Ederson performing a brilliant save for Manchester City (Image: Goal)
16. Lukasz Fabianski
Lukasz Fabianski has been a key figure in the Premier League for West Ham United. Known for his reliability and reflex saves, Fabianski has been a solid second-choice goalkeeper for many fantasy managers over the years. He offers excellent value for money as a consistent backup goalkeeper.
- Known for his reliability and shot-stopping
- Played for Arsenal and West Ham
- Consistently a reliable Premier League goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski making a crucial save for West Ham United (Image: West Ham United)
17. John Ruddy
John Ruddy has been one of the most dependable backup goalkeepers in the Premier League, playing an important role at Wolves. Known for his reflexes and aerial ability, Ruddy has provided consistency whenever called upon and remains a solid backup option for Wolves in their defense.
- Reliable backup goalkeeper for Wolves
- Known for his shot-stopping ability and leadership in goal
- Played a key role in Wolves’ Premier League campaign
John Ruddy making a brilliant save for Wolverhampton Wanderers (mage: Sky Sports)
18. Rui Patrício
Rui Patrício was a key figure for Wolves and a stalwart for Portugal during their Euro 2016 victory. Known for his dependability, reflexes, and leadership, Patrício has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League, helping Wolves establish themselves as a competitive team in England’s top tier.
- Euro 2016 winner with Portugal
- Known for his calmness and shot-stopping ability
- Key player for Wolves’ rise in the Premier League
Rui Patrício making a crucial save for Wolves (Image: BBC)
19. Raya
David Raya is one of the most promising goalkeepers in the Premier League, known for his distribution and shot-stopping ability. After impressing at Brentford, Raya moved to Arsenal and made an immediate impact. His performances in high-pressure matches have earned him a place as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
- Great reflexes and distribution
- Key player for Arsenal in the 2024/2025 season
- Helped Brentford stay competitive in the Premier League
David Raya making a crucial save for Arsenal (Image: Arsenal)
20. Mats Hummels
Although primarily a defender, Mats Hummels’ occasional appearances in goal during emergency situations have made him a memorable figure in the Premier League for Borussia Dortmund. Hummels is known for his intelligence, tactical awareness, and leadership, occasionally stepping in when his team needs him.
- Known for his leadership and intelligence on the field
- Played a key role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win
- Has occasionally been called upon as a goalkeeper during emergencies
Mats Hummels in action for Borussia Dortmund (Image: Goal)
Conclusion
The top 20 best goalkeepers in the Premier League have all left a significant impact on their teams, whether through their shot-stopping abilities, leadership, or crucial performances in big matches. From the legendary saves of Peter Schmeichel to the modern brilliance of Alisson Becker, these goalkeepers have helped define the Premier League’s history. Who do you think has been the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!