Best Goalkeepers in the World 2024: A goalkeeper is an essential player for any team aiming to win titles, yet they often don’t receive the credit they deserve. Mistakes and missed saves tend to overshadow their successes, but a reliable goalkeeper is invaluable to a team’s success.
In modern football, the goalkeeper’s role has become increasingly important. They not only provide security in the back but also contribute to creating plays, breaking lines, and creating spaces to escape tight marking. As a result, the modern goalkeeper is valued for not only their ability to make saves but also their overall attributes as a soccer player on the field.
Best Players In The World By Position
Goalkeepers are often unnoticed in football, despite their crucial role in providing security for the team. In today’s game, they are not only expected to make crucial saves but also to contribute to the team’s overall play by breaking lines and creating spaces. The modern goalkeeper is therefore valued for their all-round skills, not just their shot-stopping ability.
URDUSPORT SURVEY
[ays_poll id=32]
In recognition of the outstanding performances of some of the world’s top goalkeepers, we have compiled a list of the 20 best in the sport in 2024. While only one goalkeeper, Lev Yashin, has won the Ballon d’Or, others such as Casillas, Buffon, and Kahn have demonstrated their excellence and could have been equally deserving of the award. Unfortunately, the lack of recognition for goalkeepers compared to other positions is an ongoing issue in football.
What is the process of ranking the top goalkeepers in the world?
| Clean Sheets | 40% |
| Shot-Stopping Ability | 30% |
| Consistency | 30% |
NOTE
To compile our list, we’ve closely examined the performances of the goalkeepers throughout the 2022-2023 season And also the current 2023-2024 season.
Best Goalkeepers in the World 2024
Ranking the world’s top goalkeepers is not an easy feat, given the fierce competition among top players across various leagues. However, there’s no denying the critical role that goalkeepers play in the sport.
20. Samir Handanovic
- Date of Birth/Age: Jul 14, 1984 (38)
- Citizenship: Slovenia Slovenia
- Height: 1,93 m
- Club: Inter Milan
Samir Handanović has once again demonstrated his exceptional goalkeeping abilities in the 2022/23 season with Inter Milan. The 38-year-old Slovenian athlete has rightfully earned his place among the world’s best goalkeepers, having lifted the Serie A trophy with Inter Milan in 2020-21.
Handanović has maintained an impressive record this season, conceding only 0.6 goals per game in 11 appearances. He allowed just 17 goals while managing to keep 2 clean sheets, which is a witness to his outstanding skills and significant contribution to Inter Milan’s success. Handanović’s consistent performances prove why he is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world and continues to make him a vital asset to Inter Milan.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 10 | 16 | 02 |
| Italy Cup | 01 | 01 | – |
| Champions League | 00 | – | – |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 00 | – | – |
| 11 | 17 | 02 |
19. Edouard Mendy
- Date of Birth/Age: Mar 1, 1992 (31)
- Citizenship: Senegal Senegal
- Height: 1,94 m
- Club: Chelsea
Édouard Osoque Mendy, born on March 1, 1992, in Montivilliers, France, is a professional football player. He plays as a goalkeeper for Chelsea FC in the English Premier League and also represents the Senegalese national team.
Mendy joined Chelsea in September 2020 and made an immediate impact in his debut season, becoming the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He impressed with his performances on the field, becoming the first African goalkeeper to play for Chelsea.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 9 | 12 | 01 |
| Champions League | 01 | 01 | – |
| EFL Cup | 01 | 02 | – |
| 11 | 15 | 01 |
18. Keylor Navas
- Date of Birth/Age: Dec 15, 1986 (36)
- Citizenship: Costa Rica Costa Rica
- Height: 1,85 m
- Club: Nottm Forest
Keylor Navas, born on December 15, 1986, in Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica, is a highly respected football player with an impressive record of winning 26 international championships. In our list, he is ranked 18 among the world’s top goalkeepers.
Navas has played for several prominent clubs throughout his career, including Levante, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. He currently plays for Nottingham Forest F.C. Notably, in his previous team Navas holds the record for the most official matches played by a Costa Rican goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting his immense talent and contribution to the team.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 09 | 17 | 01 |
| Ligue 1 | – | 00 | – |
| Champions League | – | – | – |
| Coupe de France | 02 | 01 | 01 |
| Trophée des Champions | – | – | – |
| 11 | 18 | 02 |
17. Robert Sánchez
- Date of birth/Age: Nov 18, 1997 (25)
- Citizenship: Spain Spain
- Height: 1,97 m
- Club: Brighton
Robert Sánchez, a Spanish professional footballer, was born on November 7, 1997, in Cartagena, Spain. He currently serves as a goalkeeper for both Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League and the Spanish national team. Sánchez began his football career at Levante UD before joining Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy in 2015.
In September 2020, Sánchez made his debut for the Brighton & Hove Albion first-team in a League Cup match against Portsmouth, where he kept a clean sheet. He then went on to make his Premier League debut in November 2020 against Tottenham Hotspur, once again keeping a clean sheet. Since then, Sánchez has established himself as the team’s primary goalkeeper and has earned praise for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and impressive distribution skills.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 29 | 06 |
| FA Cup | 01 | – | 01 |
| EFL Cup | – | – | – |
| 23 | 29 | 07 |
16. Kevin Trapp
- Date of Birth/Age: Jul 8, 1990 (32)
- Citizenship: Germany Germany
- Height: 1,89 m
- Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Kevin Trapp, a German footballer born on July 8, 1990, originates from Merzig, Germany. He currently serves as the goalkeeper for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, where he wears the number 31 shirt. Initially, Trapp joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan on August 31, 2018.
Trapp’s exceptional performances were recognized by being named to the “Ideal Team” in both the Europa League and the Bundesliga. In August 2019, Trapp’s loan deal was officially converted into a permanent transfer, committing him to staying with Eintracht Frankfurt until 2024.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 25 | 36 | 05 |
| Champions League | 08 | 13 | 02 |
| DFB-Pokal | 04 | 02 | 03 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 01 | 02 | – |
| 38 | 53 | 10 |
15. Yann Sommer
- Date of Birth/Age: Dec 17, 1988 (34)
- Citizenship: Switzerland Switzerland
- Height: 1,83 m
- Club: Bayern Munich
Yann Sommer is a highly skilled Swiss footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga and the Switzerland national team. Sommer is widely recognized as one of the league’s top goalkeepers due to his exceptional performances, second only to a few notable peers.
During the 2020 European Championship, Sommer played a vital role for the Swiss national team, displaying his remarkable talent and contributing significantly to his team’s success. He has carried his good form into the current season and continues to impress as a key player for Borussia Mönchengladbach, demonstrating his outstanding skills and proving why he is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the league.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 21 | 30 | 05 |
| Champions League | 02 | – | 02 |
| DFB-Pokal | 03 | 02 | 02 |
| 26 | 32 | 09 |
14. Hugo Lloris
- Date of Birth/Age: Dec 26, 1986 (36)
- Citizenship: France France
- Height: 1,88 m
- Club: Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, recently renewed his contract with the club, securing his position and entitlement to a testimonial this summer. Lloris, born on December 26, 1986, hails from Nice, France and has established himself as a professional football player, playing for Tottenham Hotspur FC in the English Premier League.
With 145 international matches under his belt, he has been a valuable asset to the French national team, having contributed to their victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 30 | 07 |
| Europa League | 06 | 06 | 02 |
| FA Cup | – | – | – |
| EFL Cup | – | – | – |
| 28 | 36 | 09 |
13. Mike Maignan
- Date of Birth/Age: Jul 3, 1995 (27)
- Citizenship: France France
- Height: 1,91 m
- Club: AC Milan
AC Milan had the challenging task of finding a replacement for their former goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who left for Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Fortunately, the arrival of Mike Maignan at San Siro has solidified their defense, with the French goalkeeper being named the best in Serie A due to his outstanding performances. Maignan’s presence between the posts has been crucial to AC Milan’s impressive defensive displays this season.
However, Maignan’s calf injury has forced him to miss several games this season, causing AC Milan’s defense to suffer. As a result, they are unlikely to retain their league title, with Napoli being a strong contender for the crown.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 12 | 14 | 04 |
| Champions League | 03 | 02 | 01 |
| 15 | 16 | 05 |
12. Manuel Neuer
- Date of birth/Age: Mar 27, 1986 (37)
- Citizenship: Germany Germany
- Height: 1,93 m
- Club: Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, thanks to his impressive skills and his contribution to Bayern Munich. Despite not matching his previous season’s success, Neuer’s abilities remain among the top goalkeepers globally. His statistical prowess stands out, even among Europe’s elite keepers, despite being sidelined due to injury. Neuer’s unique playing style, which includes being the shortest passer among goalkeepers, sets him apart as a standout player in the sport.
However, Germany’s disappointing performance in the EURO has prevented Neuer from rising further in the rankings. Moreover, Neuer conceded 14 goals in 16 games with Bayern Munich during the 2022/23 season, which slowed down his progress. He only managed to keep a clean sheet seven times in the same season.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 12 | 11 | 04 |
| DFB-Pokal | – | – | 00 |
| Champions League | 03 | – | 03 |
| DFL-Supercup | 01 | 03 | – |
| 16 | 14 | 07 |
11. Emiliano Martínez
- Date of Birth/Age: Sep 2, 1992 (30)
- Citizenship: Argentina Argentina
- Height: 1,95 m
- Club: Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine goalkeeper, was awarded the prestigious Golden Glove for his outstanding performance at the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. The tournament will always be remembered for his unforgettable celebration of the trophy. Despite struggling to establish himself as a starting goalkeeper at Arsenal, Martinez has compensated for lost time and was named Player of the Season during his debut campaign at Aston Villa.
Martinez’s exceptional performances at the international level have truly elevated his status, with his penalty-saving heroics proving pivotal in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America and subsequent World Cup victories. At the age of 30, the trajectory of Martinez’s career is on the rise, and he has fixed his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 27 | 33 | 09 |
| FA Cup | – | – | – |
| EFL Cup | 01 | 01 | – |
| 28 | 34 | 09 |
10. Gregor Kobel
- Date of Birth/Age: Dec 6, 1997 (25)
- Citizenship: Switzerland Switzerland
- Height: 1,94 m
- Club: Borussia Dortmund
Gregor Kobel is a Swiss footballer who was born on December 6, 1997, in Zurich, Switzerland. Currently, he plays as a goalkeeper for both the Switzerland national team and Borussia Dortmund.
Kobel has been a standout performer for Borussia Dortmund since he joined the team from Stuttgart in the summer of 2021. At the young age of 24, the Swiss goalkeeper has displayed impressive form and has shown the potential to solve BVB’s long-standing goalkeeping issues. Despite Dortmund’s history of boasting a wealth of attacking talent, they have often faced challenges in the goalkeeping department. Nevertheless, Kobel’s performances have provided a ray of hope for the club’s future.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 19 | 23 | 08 |
| DFB-Pokal | 04 | 03 | 02 |
| Champions League | 04 | 02 | 02 |
| 28 | 28 | 12 |
9. Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Date of Birth/Age: Feb 25, 1999 (24)
- Citizenship: Italy Italy
- Height: 1,96 m
- Club: PSG
Gianluigi Donnarumma made his debut for AC Milan at a remarkably young age of 16 and has since been considered a future star in the making. He played over 250 games for the Italian club across all competitions before leaving on a free transfer to PSG in the summer of 2021. In his debut season with PSG, he played a crucial role in securing their first league title.
While Donnarumma may not have the same statistics as other top goalkeepers, his contributions to a PSG team in transition and an Italian team that was not expected to win should not be underestimated. He displays exceptional quality and maturity on the field, far beyond his years, making him a goalkeeper to watch for years to come. In addition to his shot-stopping abilities, Donnarumma is adept with his feet and commands his area well. At just 24 years old, he has already won a European championship with Italy and has a promising future ahead of him.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 29 | 29 | 11 |
| Champions League | 08 | 10 | – |
| Coupe de France | 01 | 02 | – |
| Trophée des Champions | 01 | 00 | 01 |
| 39 | 41 | 12 |
8. Thibaut Courtois
- Date of Birth/Age: May 11, 1992 (30)
- Citizenship: Belgium Belgium
- Height: 2,00 m
- Club: Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois has been an invaluable asset to Real Madrid since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, steadily improving his performances over time. Although the team failed to secure any significant titles in the current season, their defense was formidable, largely due to Courtois’ exceptional interventions. Courtois has already won all the major club-level trophies, including the Champions League, which he won last season with a man-of-the-match display against Liverpool in the final.
Given his stellar performances over the past year, Thibaut Courtois is a deserving recipient of the Yashin Trophy. While Belgium’s national team may have disappointed, Real Madrid fans are fortunate to have such an outstanding goalkeeper defending their net. Although Courtois may seem like he has been playing for a long time, he is actually only 30 years old. He has many years left to play at the highest level, and it is certain that he will continue to excel as a goalkeeper in the coming years.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 21 | 18 | 07 |
| Copa del Rey | 04 | 04 | 01 |
| Champions League | 06 | 06 | 03 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 01 | – | 01 |
| Supercopa | 02 | 04 | – |
| 34 | 32 | 12 |
7. Aaron Ramsdale
- Date of Birth/Age: May 14, 1998 (24)
- Citizenship: England England
- Height: 1,90 m
- Club: Arsenal FC
Aaron Ramsdale is a talented footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for both Arsenal and the England national team. At 24 years old, he started his career at Bolton Wanderers and eventually moved to Sheffield United in 2018. After spending a season with Sheffield United, he transferred to Arsenal FC, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2021/22 season.
In the 2022/23 season, Ramsdale played in 11 matches, conceding 30 goals while managing to keep 13 clean sheets. This demonstrated his remarkable skills and contribution to the team’s success. Ramsdale is well-regarded for his shot-stopping abilities, quick reflexes, and excellent command of his area. He has played for England in different youth teams and recently debuted for the senior national team in 2021.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 29 | 27 | 12 |
| Europa League | 03 | 03 | 01 |
| FA Cup | – | – | – |
| 32 | 30 | 13 |
6. Alisson
- Date of Birth/Age: Oct 2, 1992 (30)
- Citizenship: Brazil Brazil
- Height: 1,93 m
- Club: Liverpool
Alisson Becker has been a vital player for Liverpool in the current season, demonstrating his exceptional abilities as a goalkeeper. One of his most remarkable strengths is his passing range, which has been a key element of Liverpool’s style of play. In addition to his ball-playing skills, Alisson is also widely regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers in the world.
His impressive performances have earned him various awards, including the Yashin Trophy in 2019 and recognition as the runner-up in the same category in 2021. Alisson has a wealth of experience, having won numerous titles with Liverpool, including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Champions League. He has also had success with the Brazilian national team, helping them to win the Copa America in 2019. His achievements and contributions to both club and country have solidified his position as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 28 | 33 | 11 |
| Champions League | 08 | 12 | 03 |
| FA Cup | 02 | 04 | – |
| 38 | 49 | 14 |
5. Ederson
- Date of Birth/Age: Aug 17, 1993 (29)
- Citizenship: Brazil Brazil
- Height: 1,88 m
- Club: Manchester City
At number five on our list is Ederson Moraes, a top-class South American goalkeeper who had a remarkable season with Manchester City. Ederson’s exceptional skills and contributions played a significant role in making Manchester City the least conceded team in the 2020/2021 Premier League season. He is well-known for his outstanding distribution, reflexes, and his ability to save multiple close-range goal attempts. He possesses a wide range of other remarkable qualities that have earned him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Ederson’s impressive contribution to Manchester City’s defense is evident, having conceded only 26 goals and managing to keep 10 clean sheets. Ederson’s achievements speak volumes about his skills and dedication, making him undoubtedly one of the most talented goalkeepers in the world.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 28 | 26 | 10 |
| Champions League | 06 | 02 | 04 |
| Community Shield | 01 | 03 | – |
| FA Cup | 01 | – | 01 |
| EFL Cup | 00 | – | – |
| 36 | 31 | 15 |
4. Wojciech Szczesny
- Date of Birth/Age: Apr 18, 1990 (33)
- Citizenship: Poland Poland
- Height: 1,96 m
- Club: Juventus FC
Wojciech Szczesny is a professional footballer from Poland who plays as a goalkeeper for Juventus in Serie A. He began his career at Legia Warsaw and then transferred to Juventus in 2017 for 12 million euros.
Szczesny has been a key player for both Juventus and the Polish national team, having appeared in 70 matches for his country. Although he didn’t feature much during his first season with Juventus, he became the starting goalkeeper for the team in the 2018-19 season and played a crucial role in securing the team’s eighth Scudetto title.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 20 | 16 | 13 |
| Champions League | 04 | 09 | – |
| Italy Cup | – | – | – |
| Europa League | 04 | 01 | 03 |
| 28 | 26 | 16 |
3. Jan Oblak
- Date of Birth/Age: Jan 7, 1993 (30)
- Citizenship: Slovenia Slovenia
- Height: 1,88 m
- Club: Atlético Madrid
Jan Oblak has once again proven himself to be the best goalkeeper in the world with an exceptional season both individually and as part of his team. The Slovenian goalkeeper played a crucial role in securing the La Liga Santander title for his team in the 2020/21 season, and also earned his fifth Zamora trophy for the fewest goals conceded in the first division. This achievement has put Oblak on par with two legendary players of La Liga, Víctor Valdes and Antoni Ramallets.
Notably, Jan Oblak is the first non-Spanish goalkeeper to win five Zamora trophies, and he also achieved the remarkable feat of four consecutive wins, second only to Víctor Valdés who accomplished the same between 2008 and 2012. Oblak’s outstanding performances between the posts and his remarkable achievements make him one of the greatest goalkeepers in history.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 25 | 17 | 12 |
| Champions League | 05 | 07 | 01 |
| Copa del Rey | 05 | 04 | 03 |
| 35 | 28 | 16 |
2. David De Gea
- Date of Birth/Age: Nov 7, 1990 (32)
- Citizenship: Spain Spain
- Height: 1,89 m
- Club: Manchester United
David De Gea is a highly regarded Spanish goalkeeper who currently plays for Manchester United FC. He has an impressive track record since joining the team and has won multiple titles including the European Super Cup, the Europa League, and the Premier League. In total, he has helped his team to secure 8 titles.
Despite a challenging season in 2020/21, David de Gea has made a strong comeback this season and is performing at his usual game-saving best. Despite Manchester United’s defensive struggles, they can count on de Gea to make crucial saves and help them out of difficult situations.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 28 | 37 | 12 |
| Europa League | 10 | 07 | 05 |
| FA Cup | 04 | 04 | – |
| EFL Cup | 02 | – | 02 |
| 44 | 48 | 19 |
1. Marc-André Ter Stegen
- Date of Birth/Age: Apr 30, 1992 (30)
- Citizenship: Germany Germany
- Height: 1,87 m
- Club: Barcelona
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper for Barcelona, is currently having a stellar season. With only nine goals conceded in 27 La Liga matches and 20 clean sheets to his name, he has been a crucial player for his team. Ter Stegen’s quick reflexes, outstanding shot-stopping ability, and astute decision-making have allowed him to make some incredible saves throughout his career.
Despite being frequently overlooked for the German national team, Ter Stegen has had a remarkable run with Barcelona, winning four La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and one Champions League trophy. He has been the team’s first-choice goalkeeper for nearly seven seasons, even during the club’s recent struggles off the field.
Ter Stegen is currently in his prime and performing at an exceptional level. His incredible shot-stopping abilities, quick reactions, and decision-making skills make him one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
| Competition | App | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa del Rey | 03 | 04 | 02 |
| LaLiga | 27 | 09 | 20 |
| Champions League | 05 | 10 | – |
| Europa League | 02 | 04 | – |
| Supercopa | 02 | 03 | – |
| 39 | 30 | 22 |
