The 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now | OneFootball

The best goalkeepers in the world can be every bit as much a difference-maker as those at the top end of the pitch.

Shot-stoppers will never get the plaudits their goalscoring comrades do, but a world-class number one is equally as important. Recent Champions League clashes have proven that point, while the ever-increasing complexity of the role makes assessing the best more intriguing than ever.

We’ve done our best to select the 10 best goalkeepers in world football right now. Leave all objections in the comments below!

10. Gregor Kobel – Borussia Dortmund

In each of the last two seasons, Gregor Kobel has been named as the Bundesliga’s best goalkeeper. Last season, the Swiss shot-stopper was named the best in the Champions League too as Borussia Dortmund overachieved to reach the final.

Kobel’s heroics were a big part of that European run and the 27-year-old will be on the radar of top teams this summer should Dortmund, as expected, miss out on a place in next season’s competition.

9. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain

Somehow, Gianluigi Donnarumma is still just 26. Already in his 10th season in Europe’s top five leagues and with 70 caps and counting for Italy, Donnarumma has achieved plenty. Still, he might not yet have reached his peak with goalkeepers often maturing much later than their outfield counterparts.

It’s perhaps predictable then, that his performances have occasionally been patchy. When he’s good, however, he’s good, as a stunning display in PSG’s recent elimination of Liverpool from the Champions League proved.

8. David Raya – Arsenal

When David Raya endured a shaky start at Arsenal, some questioned the wisdom in Mikel Arteta’s decision to move on from the popular Aaron Ramsdale. Few are questioning that judgement now.

The Spaniard settled in North London and has been an impressive performer for the Gunners, boasting brilliant distribution and the confidence to claim crosses and relieve pressure. This season he’s produced some highlight-reel saves, including astonishing double stops against Atalanta and Aston Villa.

7. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer might be approaching his 39th birthday but he remains one of the game’s great goalkeepers. Bayern Munich, certainly, have not yet decided to move on from the man who has guarded their goal at world-class levels for over a decade.

After the club’s first trophyless season since Neuer’s first in Bavaria last season, Bayern are back on the up. Six points clear in the Bundesliga and into the Champions League quarter-finals, there’s potential for more magical nights for Neuer before his time is done.

6. Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa

Aston Villa fans often serenade Emi Martinez as the best in the world and his individual honours make a strong case.

Since 2021 he’s won three major tournaments with Argentina, claiming two Copa America titles and the World Cup with the Golden Glove won on each occasion. He’s the first two-time winner of the Yashin Award and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, while last season helped Aston Villa into the Champions League for the first time in the modern era.

A big personality and an even bigger presence.

5. Unai Simon – Athletic Bilbao

It has been quite the year for Unai Simon. The Spaniard’s loyalty to Athletic Bilbao means he hasn’t quite shared the same spotlight as others on this list but times are changing. Simon led La Liga for clean sheets last season (16) to win the Zamora Trophy and a place in La Liga’s Team of the Season.

In the summer, he formed part of Spain’s successful side at Euro 2024 to win his second tournament with the national team after Nations League success.

The 27-year-old is coming into his peak and is targeting Europa League success with Athletic, with this season’s final set to be staged at the club’s San Mames Stadium.

4. Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid

It feels as if Jan Oblak has been around forever. The Slovenian has spent over a decade as the last line of defence at Atletico Madrid, ensuring if you bypass one of Europe’s meanest backlines there’s still one final boss to take on before their goal is breached.

His agility and reflexes are occasionally out of this world, with the 32-year-old capable of contorting his 6ft 2in frame at cat-like speed.

3. Mike Maignan – AC Milan

‘Magic Mike’ Maignan proved the perfect replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma at AC Milan. After the club’s homegrown hero left on a free transfer, Maignan came in from Lille and filled the void instantly. The Frenchman was named Serie A Best Goalkeeper as Milan won the Scudetto in his debut campaign, adding to the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and title successes achieved in his homeland.

Now into his fourth season with the Rossoneri, the France number one was named club captain at the San Siro in January.

2. Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

An injury-plagued period has prevented the best of Thibaut Courtois from being on show, but the big Belgian returned in time to help Real Madrid to yet another Champions League success at the tail end of last season.

He’s back in the Belgium fold too, following a self-imposed exile under Domenico Tedisco. The latter’s successor, Rudi Garcia, does not want to be without one of the best number ones in the game as the Red Devils rebuild from their trophyless Golden Generation. An international honour has so far eluded Courtois, who has claimed league titles with Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Real Madrid.p

1. Alisson Becker – Liverpool

Alisson’s heroics over two legs against Paris Saint-Germain proved to be in vain earlier this month but it was a reminder of his excellence. Liverpool’s defensive strength means we don’t always get to see the very best of the Brazilian, but he’s as commanding as they come.

Alisson transmits calm to those around him and remains elite with his shot-stopping, decision-making and ability to cut down angles at speed. Rumours he might leave Liverpool in the summer will be a concern to those at Anfield.

Read – Five things to look out for during the international break

See more – The Premier League teams with the most goals scored by substitutes this season

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