The 20 best goalkeepers in the world are often the unsung heroes of the footballing world, and the year 2025 is no exception. From Alisson Becker’s incredible reflexes to Thibaut Courtois’ commanding presence, these top 20 goalkeepers are redefining the position and leading their teams with game-changing saves and leadership. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, and other stalwarts like Gianluigi Donnarumma have helped elevate their teams to the top of international football. Here’s a closer look at the top 20 goalkeepers in the world as of 2025. Don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get their legendary jerseys at affordable prices.
Breakdown of Top 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World:
- Alisson Becker
- Thibaut Courtois
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Emiliano Martínez
- Mike Maignan
- Jan Oblak
- Ederson
- David Raya
- Yann Sommer
- Gregor Kobel
- David Ospina
- Keylor Navas
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Hugo Lloris
- Jordan Pickford
- Manuel Neuer
- Lukasz Fabianski
- Petr Cech
- Samir Handanović
- Rui Patrício
1. Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker is without a doubt one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Known for his incredible reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and calmness under pressure, Alisson is a key figure for both Liverpool and the Brazil national team. His performances in the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup have shown that he is one of the most reliable goalkeepers of his generation.
- Premier League champion and Champions League winner
- Top-class distribution and ability to play out from the back
- Consistently one of the world’s best goalkeepers in high-pressure situations
Alisson Becker making a reflex save for Liverpool (Image: Reuters)
2. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Known for his commanding presence, exceptional shot-stopping ability, and leadership, Courtois has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, especially in their 2022 Champions League victory. His performances for Belgium have also solidified his place as a global top-tier goalkeeper.
- Zamora Trophy winner and Champions League hero
- One of the best goalkeepers in penalty shootouts
- Dominates aerial duels and excels at reflex saves
Thibaut Courtois making a crucial save for Real Madrid (Image: Koha Ditore)
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3. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma made history as the 2020 European Champion with Italy and has continued to showcase his immense talent at Paris Saint-Germain. At just 25, he’s already considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world, thanks to his reflexes, command of the penalty area, and penalty-saving ability.
- Euro 2020 winner with Italy
- Key figure in PSG’s defense
- Known for his stunning reflex saves and ability to read the game
Donnarumma making a world-class save for PSG (Image: Sportal)
4. Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano Martínez rose to prominence with his outstanding performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Glove for being the tournament’s best goalkeeper. His mental toughness, clutch penalty-saving ability, and shot-stopping heroics made him an instant global star.
- World Cup Golden Glove winner (2022)
- Played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph
- Known for his penalty-saving ability and mental strength
Emiliano Martínez celebrating his World Cup Golden Glove award (Image: The Sporting News)
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5. Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining AC Milan. His reflexes, command of the box, and distribution make him a modern-day goalkeeper with the perfect blend of skills. Maignan was key to Milan’s Serie A title win and continues to impress with his performances for both club and France.
- Serie A champion with AC Milan
- Recognized for his quick reflexes and game intelligence
- One of the best goalkeepers in Europe
Mike Maignan saving a powerful shot for AC Milan (Image: The Mirror)
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6. Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak is the foundation of Atletico Madrid’s defense and has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Known for his agility, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership, Oblak has played a key role in maintaining Atlético’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
- La Liga champion with Atlético Madrid
- Winner of multiple Zamora Trophies
- Renowned for his consistency and shot-stopping
Jan Oblak making a spectacular diving save for Atletico Madrid (Image: CaughtOffside)
7. Ederson
Ederson is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world due to his exceptional distribution and ability to play out from the back. His skillset goes beyond traditional goalkeeping, with his ability to initiate counterattacks making him a key player for Manchester City and Brazil.
- Premier League winner with Manchester City
- Recognized for his ball-playing ability and shot-stopping
- A sweeper-keeper who excels in high-pressure situations
Ederson playing out from the back for Manchester City (mage: Manchester Evening News)
8. David Raya
David Raya has quickly risen to prominence after his move to Arsenal. Known for his reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and distribution, Raya has become a crucial part of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, making game-changing saves in high-pressure situations.
- Premier League Golden Glove winner (2024)
- Key player for Arsenal in their defense
- Known for his quick reflexes and game intelligence
David Raya making a crucial save for Arsenal (Image: KRON4)
9. Yann Sommer
Yann Sommer has been an underrated goalkeeper for most of his career, but his performances for Inter Milan in recent years have been exceptional. Known for his quick reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership, Sommer continues to be one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe.
- Key player for Inter Milan
- Excellent penalty-saving ability
- Renowned for his reflex saves and clutch performances
Yann Sommer making a key save for Inter Milan (Image: Yann Sommer)
10. Gregor Kobel
Gregor Kobel has been one of the most promising goalkeepers in recent years. His reflexes, cat-like agility, and shot-stopping abilities have made him one of the standout goalkeepers in the Bundesliga. His performance in the 2023–24 Champions League helped Borussia Dortmund reach new heights.
- Key player for Borussia Dortmund
- Known for his quick reflexes and agility
- Switzerland’s future number one goalkeeper
Gregor Kobel making a game-saving block for Borussia Dortmund (Image: The Independent)
11. David Ospina
David Ospina has been a dependable shot-stopper for both Colombia and Arsenal. His reflex saves, quick reactions, and composure under pressure have made him a reliable figure between the posts. Ospina played a vital role in helping Napoli challenge for the Serie A title, and he has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
- Known for his reaction time and penalty-saving skills
- Key figure in Napoli’s defense
- Vital for Colombia in major international tournaments
Colombia’s goalkeeper making a crucial save (Image: Sky Sports)
12. Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas has long been recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His shot-stopping abilities and command of the box made him a crucial part of Real Madrid’s Champions League victories. Navas later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he continues to be a solid goalkeeper with impressive performances in both Ligue 1 and Champions League.
- 3-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid
- Key player for PSG in domestic and European competitions
- Known for his incredible reflexes and clutch saves in key moments
Keylor Navas making a stunning save during a Champions League match (Image: Doha News)
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13. Marc-André ter Stegen
Marc-André ter Stegen has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for several years now. Known for his exceptional ball distribution, reflexes, and ability to play from the back, ter Stegen has helped Barcelona win multiple La Liga and Champions League titles. His performances have been a key part of Barcelona’s success in recent years.
- La Liga and Champions League winner with Barcelona
- Known for his modern goalkeeper style and sharp reflexes
- Vital in Barcelona’s defensive structure
Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen making a save during a La Liga match (Image: AP News)
14. Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris, the long-time captain of France, is one of the 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World. Known for his quick reflexes, leadership, and ability to read the game, Lloris has been a key player for both Tottenham Hotspur and the French national team. His leadership was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup victory.
- World Cup winner (2018) with France
- Key figure for Tottenham Hotspur for over a decade
- Known for his reflex saves and composure in big matches
France’s Hugo Lloris making a key save in a World Cup match (Image: Real Madrid)
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15. Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford has long been one of England’s top goalkeepers. Known for his shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence, and strong leadership, Pickford has helped Everton avoid relegation and has been crucial in England’s World Cup campaigns. His recent performances have helped establish him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
- Key figure in England’s national team
- Important for Everton in several Premier League seasons
- Known for his reflexes and mental strength under pressure
England’s Jordan Pickford making a crucial save during a tournament (Image: Món Esport)
16. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer redefined the goalkeeper position with his sweeper-keeper style, playing an integral role in Bayern Munich’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Although his career is nearing its end, Neuer remains one of the top goalkeepers in the world, and his leadership in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory remains unmatched.
- World Cup winner (2014) with Germany
- Multiple Bundesliga and Champions League titles
- Famous for his sweeper-keeper abilities and leadership
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer sweeping up a through ball (Image: Yahoo Sports)
17. Lukasz Fabianski
Lukasz Fabianski is a veteran goalkeeper who has been a key figure for West Ham United in the Premier League. Known for his reliability, strong shot-stopping, and experience, Fabianski has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League.
- Premier League experience with West Ham and Arsenal
- Known for his leadership and key saves in pressure situations
- Continues to be a reliable figure in the Premier League
Lukasz Fabianski making a crucial save for West Ham United (mage: Sky Sports)
18. Samir Handanović
Samir Handanović has been one of 20 Best Goalkeepers in the World, a key for Inter Milan for years, earning a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy. Known for his incredible reflexes and commanding presence, Handanović played a crucial role in helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title in 2021.
- Serie A champion (2021) with Inter Milan
- Known for his consistent performances in Serie A
- Famous for his penalty-saving ability and quick reflexes
Inter Milan’s Samir Handanović making a key save in Serie A (Image: Reuters)
19. Rui Patrício
Rui Patrício has been Portugal’s goalkeeper for many years and played a key role in their Euro 2016 victory. Known for his shot-stopping and consistent performances, Patrício has been a key figure for Wolves and Roma in the Premier League and Serie A.
- Euro 2016 champion with Portugal
- Key figure for Wolves and Roma
- Renowned for his dependability and consistent performances
Portugal’s Rui Patrício making a critical save for his club (Image: Goal)
20. Rui Silva
Rui Silva has impressed with Real Betis in Spain, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities and reflexes. Though still relatively young, Silva has gained a reputation as a reliable goalkeeper with tremendous potential.
- Consistently solid performances for Real Betis
- Highly rated for his reflex saves and quick reactions
- Potential future star for both Spain and Portugal
Rui Silva making a vital save for Real Betis (Image: SempreInter)
Conclusion
From Alisson Becker’s brilliant shot-stopping to Jan Oblak’s commanding presence, the top 20 best goalkeepers in the world have set a high standard for excellence in the goalkeeping position. These players have not only excelled at club level, but many of them have also delivered clutch performances on the international stage. Which goalkeeper do you think is the best of all time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!