Ranking the top best goalkeepers in the world of football is never easy. The role has evolved beyond just shot-stopping; modern keepers must excel in distribution, manage high defensive lines, and remain composed under pressure.
Consistency across domestic and international competitions is also essential. Sports Illustrated has compiled a list of the 25 best active goalkeepers in the world today.
Below are the 25 best goalkeepers in the world right now
25. Dean Henderson
Dean Henderson’s career has seen its highs and lows, but he proved his worth at Crystal Palace. Known for his reliable shot-stopping, Henderson was pivotal in Palace winning their first-ever FA Cup and lifting the Community Shield against Liverpool.
24. Marco Carnesecchi
After early experiences in Serie B and a series of loans, Marco Carnesecchi returned to Atalanta and secured the number one spot ahead of Juan Musso. The Italian has continued to impress with his growing consistency and composure.
23. Jordan Pickford
Once a target of memes, Jordan Pickford has matured into a dependable keeper. He has been crucial to Everton’s survival and has performed impressively in international tournaments, including Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
22. David de Gea
Formerly considered the best in the world, David de Gea revitalized his career at Fiorentina. Recording double-digit Serie A clean sheets, he earned a contract extension until 2028, proving he still has world-class abilities.
21. Vanja Milinković-Savić
Vanja Milinković-Savić has emerged as one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers. Known for his penalty-saving skills, he recorded 17 home clean sheets for Torino before joining Napoli under Antonio Conte.
20. Guglielmo Vicario
Vicario’s rise through the ranks earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian excels with his reflexes and calm presence, though he occasionally struggles with high balls.
19. Giorgi Mamardashvili
The towering Georgian goalkeeper impressed at Euro 2024 and secured a move to Liverpool, who loaned him back to Valencia. He is an imposing figure in goal, but needs to refine his distribution.
18. Michele Di Gregorio
A product of Inter’s academy, Di Gregorio moved to Monza to gain first-team experience before joining Juventus. He is consistent, agile, and considered a key talent for the future.
17. Matz Sels
Matz Sels helped Nottingham Forest challenge for the top positions after their return to the Premier League. The Belgian goalkeeper earned the 2024–25 Golden Glove alongside David Raya.
16. Lucas Chevalier
Lucas Chevalier succeeded Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young goalkeepers. His performances for Lille and PSG suggest he will become France’s top choice soon.
15. Diogo Costa
A Porto academy graduate, Diogo Costa embodies the modern goalkeeper with excellent penalty-saving and distribution skills. He has been a standout performer at Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League.
14. Ederson
Ederson’s ability to control the ball, execute long passes, and play as a sweeper-keeper has defined his career at Manchester City. He was vital in City’s Champions League success in 2022–23 and remains technically exceptional at Fenerbahçe.
13. Mile Svilar
Svilar has emerged as Serie A’s top goalkeeper with Roma. Known for his reflexes and clutch saves, he has developed into a reliable and high-performing shot-stopper.
12. Unai Simón
Unai Simón combines reliability with composure in possession. He has been instrumental in Athletic Club’s strong La Liga defensive record and has excelled for Spain in major tournaments.
11. Joan García
The young Spaniard joined Barcelona from Espanyol in 2025. García is a confident shot-stopper and a reliable sweeper, expected to become Barcelona’s long-term number one.
10. Manuel Neuer
One of the pioneers of the modern sweeper-keeper, Neuer remains influential for Bayern Munich despite approaching the end of his career. His experience and skill keep him among the world’s elite.
9. Gregor Kobel
Kobel has become Switzerland’s first-choice goalkeeper, impressing at Borussia Dortmund with quick reflexes and consistency. He played a key role in Dortmund’s run to the 2023–24 Champions League final.
8. Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak has been Atlético Madrid’s rock for years. A five-time Zamora Trophy winner, Oblak’s consistent performances and shot-stopping ability make him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football.
7. Emiliano Martínez
Martínez has become Argentina’s number one, helping the national team win the World Cup and Copa América. He is a two-time Yashin Trophy winner, renowned for his bravery and unique style.
6. Mike Maignan
Maignan replaced Donnarumma at AC Milan and immediately made an impact, helping the club win the 2021–22 Serie A. He is highly regarded in Italy and Europe for his commanding presence in goal.
5. Yann Sommer
Sommer has excelled for Inter Milan in the later stages of his career. The Swiss international continues to display experience, reliability, and leadership between the posts.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma reclaimed his status as one of the world’s best at PSG, following his Euro 2020 heroics. His Champions League performances in 2024–25 cemented his reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper.
3. David Raya
Raya has become one of the Premier League’s best keepers with Arsenal, winning consecutive Golden Gloves. His ability as a playmaker from the back makes him highly valuable.
2. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is a commanding presence for Real Madrid and Belgium. His shot-stopping, reach, and consistency have been crucial for both club and country, including key performances in the Champions League and UEFA tournaments.
1. Alisson Becker
Alisson has been a transformative signing for Liverpool. Combining traditional goalkeeping with sweeper-keeper skills, he has helped the club win the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup, cementing his place as the world’s top goalkeeper.
FAQ
Who Is Currently Considered The Best Goalkeeper In The World?
Alisson Becker of Liverpool is widely regarded as the best active goalkeeper, excelling in both traditional shot-stopping and modern sweeper-keeper roles.
What Qualities Make A Modern Goalkeeper Great?
Top goalkeepers combine shot-stopping, distribution, composure, ability to play behind a high defensive line, and consistency in both domestic and international competitions.
Which Young Goalkeepers Are Rising Stars?
Lucas Chevalier, Marco Carnesecchi, and Joan García are among the most promising young goalkeepers, showing exceptional talent and potential for future dominance.
How Are Goalkeepers Ranked In This List?
Rankings consider overall performance, consistency, achievements, shot-stopping ability, command of the area, and contribution to both club and country.
Are There Any Goalkeepers Outside Europe On The List?
Yes, top talents from South America, like Alisson Becker and Emiliano Martínez, feature prominently alongside European stars.
How Often Do These Rankings Change?
Goalkeeper rankings can change each season based on form, clean sheets, tournament performances, and consistency at the club and international levels.