The world of football has evolved over the past few years, and with that, the role of the goalkeeper has also been changed frequently. Since the arrival of tactics and formation-oriented style of play, it’s been very challenging to stay between the sticks week in and week out, given the high demands from the managers.
The best goalkeepers in the world are not only the last line of defence for their teams but also are the ones who add extra helping hands to their attacks. For instance, Man City manager Pep Guardiola is one of those football managers, who uses his goalkeepers as sweeper-goalkeepers to begin quick counters, catching opponents off-guard.
Ranking Factors
There are several top goalkeepers across the biggest leagues in the world. But, we have compiled the best 10 in this position, focusing on some key aspects that are the most necessary traits to become one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. The most important factors in our ranking are as follows:
- Shot-stopping ability
- Positioning
- Number of titles won
- Number of clean sheets
- Number of important saves
List of Best Goalkeepers in the World 2024
| RANK | PLAYER | CURRENT CLUB | NATIONALITY | CLEAN SHEETS | APPEARANCES |
| 1 | David Raya | Arsenal | Spain | 24 | 48 |
| 2 | Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich | Germany | 21 | 46 |
| 3 | Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | Argentina | 20 | 50 |
| 4 | Mike Maignan | AC Milan | France | 18 | 53 |
| 5 | Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid | Slovenia | 17 | 55 |
| 6 | Unai Simon | Athletic Bilbao | Spain | 13 | 27 |
| 7 | Gianluigi Donnarumma | PSG | Italy | 13 | 42 |
| 8 | Ederson | Manchester City | Brazil | 11 | 34 |
| 9 | Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | Belgium | 10 | 19 |
| 10 | Alisson Becker | Liverpool | Brazil | 10 | 28 |
10. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
On this list of the best-performing goalkeepers, Alisson Becker has once again snatched the “best goalkeeper in 2024” title with his flawless displays. After representing SC Internacional and AS Roma until 2018, the Brazilian showstopper reached the highest peak of excellence with Liverpool.
Former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp’s trophy-laden venture with the Premier club before his departure in 2024 was a perfect opportunity for Becker to become the best goalkeeper in the world, and the Yashin trophy and two-time Premier League golden glove winner made the best use of that. His tall physique and fast reflexes are too difficult to be beaten by opponents.
| Name | Alisson Becker |
| Current Club | Liverpool |
| Number of matches | 436 |
| Clean sheets | 192 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup |
Also Read: Top 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves of the 21st Century
9. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
The big wall of Real Madrid! Thibaut Courtois was just a regular name in the goalkeepers’ community when he joined Chelsea in 2011. But, his true worth became visible during his stint with Atletico Madrid where he made the lives of big players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi difficult by his tall stature and shot-stopping abilities.
However, the 6 ft 7 inches tall Belgian created his own legacy at Real Madrid. Since he arrived at Santiago Bernabeu, he has won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues. Over the years, he has cemented his status as one of the best goalkeeper in the world, despite a rough start to his second spell in the Spanish capital.
| Name | Thibaut Courtois |
| Current Club | Real Madrid |
| Number of matches | 605 |
| Clean sheets | 251 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Premier League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, Copa del Rey |
8. Ederson (Manchester City)
Ederson is probably the most underrated reason behind the overwhelming success of Manchester City for the last few years that saw the Cityzens lift numerous trophies including the 2023 Champions League. The Brazilian international has been a mainstay under the sticks for Pep Guardiola in the last seven years. His leadership qualities, sweeper-keeper role and pin-point long passes make it easy for both defenders and attackers.
His agility, commanding voice and physical strength have boosted the morale of Man City players at times. Many football pundits also regarded him as “the best goalkeeper in the world with his feet” back in 2018. He has led Man City to lift the Premier League title six times in the past six seasons with the English Premier League giants.
| Name | Ederson |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Number of matches | 474 |
| Clean sheets | 212 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Copa America, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup |
7. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Gianluigi Donnarumma has already etched his name in the history of Italian football. The Yashin trophy winner first came under the spotlight, when he made a courageous move to AC Milan at the age of 16. Since then, he has been maintaining his position as one of the best goalkeepers in football.
Widely known for his reflex, Donnarumma is one of the best to have ever donned the gloves. Currently, he is for the Ligue 1 champions, PSG. Italian fans will always remember his heroics in the final of the 2020 Euro Championship where he made two saves in a shootout to guide the Italians to glory.
| Name | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
| Current Club | PSG |
| Number of matches | 388 |
| Clean sheets | 133 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Euro, Ligue 1, Italian Super Cup |
6. Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
Unai Simon has been a cog in the wheel of the Athletic Bilbao across all competitions including La Liga despite being one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world. He has earned a reputation for racking up making unbelievable saves to bail his team out in the spots of bother.
Every Spanish fan still remembers his one-handed save to deny England’s Bukayo Saka from a close range in the final of the Euro 2024 in Germany. Unai Simon has been a mainstay under the bar for the last four years for Spain. His sweeper-keeper role in the team has boosted the attacking unit of his team and ranks as one of the best keepers in Spain.
| Name | Unai Simon |
| Current Club | Athletic Bilbao |
| Number of matches | 257 |
| Clean sheets | 97 |
| Notable Titles won | Copa Del Rey, UEFA Euro, Nations League |
Also Read: Best Goalkeepers in Real Madrid Club History: Ranked
5. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Oblak is a silent killer, who lets his hands and legs walk the talk. He has been a permanent pick between the sticks for the La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for almost a decade. Since the Madrid-based outfit’s resurrection under the supervision of Diego Someone, Oblak has become a renowned figure on the legendary list of best goalkeepers. Oblak’s awareness in the box during penalty shootouts and corner kicks is something to be celebrated.
The Slovenian has created his legacy playing for Rojiblancos during his decade long spell, having made 466 appearances boasting 215 clean sheets for La Liga club. In terms of titles, he won La Liga, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super cup while playing key role in between the sticks.
| Name | Jan Oblak |
| Current Club | Atletico Madrid |
| Number of matches | 577 |
| Clean sheets | 260 |
| Notable Titles won | La Liga, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup |
4. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Mike Maignan began to be noticed during his Lille days when he worked like a defensive leader at the back. After leading the Ligue 1 club to silverware, he arrived at San Siro in 2022. AC Milan went on to win the Serie A title that year, with the French goalkeeper playing like Bellona’s bridegroom under the sticks.
The French stopper, Mike Maignan is in the fifth position on our list of the best goalkeepers in 2024, thanks to a series of unbelievable performances throughout the year. The best weapon in his arsenal is his smart positioning, which gives him an upper hand in the feisty battles against top attackers.
| Name | Mike Maignan |
| Current Club | AC Milan |
| Number of matches | 337 |
| Clean sheets | 124 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Nations League, Ligue 1, Serie A |
3. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
If you see the career trajectory of Emiliano Martinez, then it will look like a fairytale to you. The 2022 FIFA World Cup champion of Argentina, the Aston Villa stopper has gradually made his calculated move to be on top of the tree of the best goalkeepers in football.What makes the Argentine goalkeeper different from others is his brilliant moves between the sticks during penalty shootouts.
In an interview, Martinez explained how he tried to read the minds of the French players during the World Cup final shootouts in Qatar. The 32-year-old entertains the Villa fans every week and shows why he is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. For his outstanding performance in the last season, Martinez was awarded the 2024 Yashin trophy by France Football.
| Name | Emiliano Martinez |
| Current Club | Aston Villa |
| Number of matches | 317 |
| Clean sheets | 103 |
| Notable Titles won | FIFA World Cup, FA Cup, Copa America |
Also Read: Top 10 Goalkeepers in UEFA Euro 2024
2. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
The absolute legend of the game, Manuel Neuer is the most legendary name on this list of the best goalkeepers in the world. The 38-year-old stopper is a folkloric figure in Bayern Munich’s history. Some might ask why he is still considered one of the best as his glorious days are long gone. Is it so? The answer is no. Despite being in the twilight years of his career, Neuer keeps delivering for the Bavarians.
He is actually the pioneer in revolutionizing the roles of the goalkeepers in the game. From being a baller to an expert penalty saver, the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion has incorporated every important trait of the best goalkeeper. If goalkeeping is an art, then Manuel Neuer is the best artist in modern football.
| Name | Manuel Neuer |
| Current Club | Bayern Munich |
| Number of matches | 800 |
| Clean sheets | 365 |
| Notable Titles won | Champions Leagues, Bundesliga, FIFA World Cup |
1. David Raya (Arsenal)
There must be no debate over the inclusion of the former Brentford goalie, David Raya on the list of greatest goalkeepers in 2024. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta understood the potential of the Spanish goalie and deployed him ahead of a highly-rated Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal has massively benefitted from Raya’s adaptation in playing out from the back and covering the open space left behind the high defensive line of his team. His finger-tip save against Manchester City to deny Kevin de Bruyne was like poetry in motion.
| Name | David Raya |
| Current Club | Arsenal |
| Number of matches | 385 |
| Clean sheets | 128 |
| Notable Titles won | UEFA Euro, Nations League |
Also Read: 10 Best Goalkeepers in La Liga Right Now
FAQs
Q. Who is the best goalkeeper in the world right now?
A. Jan Oblak, Thibaut Courtois, and Alisson Becker are the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
Q. What makes a great goalkeeper?
A. Reflex, agility, shot-stopping skills, and composure makes a great goalkeeper.
Q. How are goalkeepers ranked?
A. Goalkeepers are ranked on the basis of positioning, reflex, and playing skills.
Q. How can I improve my goalkeeping skills?
A. Working on agility, ball control, passing, reaction drills, and footwork.
Q. Who is considered the greatest goalkeeper of all time?
A. Lev Yashin and Gianluigi Buffon are often regarded the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Q. What are some of the most iconic moments in goalkeeping history?
A. Yashin winning the Ballon d’Or and Gordon Banks’ saves against Brazil are some of the most iconic moments in goalkeeping history.
Q. Which leagues have the best goalkeepers?
A. Premier League and La Liga have some of the best goalkeepers.
Q. How has the role of the goalkeeper evolved over time?
A. The ability to waste time and kill the game was drastically reduced.
Q. What is the impact of advanced technology on goalkeeping?
A. Goalkeepers get a more detailed analysis of their performances and errors.
Q. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Alisson Becker?
A. Strengths are shot-stopping and handling, while his weaknesses are long passing and catching.
Q. What makes Manuel Neuer so special?
A. His footwork and calm composure make him so special.
Q. Why is Thibaut Courtois considered one of the best?
A. His reflexes and acrobatic saves made him one of the best.
Q. What are some of the best goalkeeping drills?
A. Diving drills, ability drills, reflexes drills, and footwork drills.