The role of the goalkeeper has changed a lot since Pep Guardiola took over Manchester City in 2016 and let Joe Hart go. Now, being able to pass well and help create plays is nearly as important as stopping goals and catching crosses.
This position is highly sought after, and top goalkeepers now command big money in the transfer market. But who is the best?
The top 10 goalkeepers are based on their long-term success, recent form, and important stats. You may not agree with our choices, but opinions are divided!
Top 10 Best Goalkeepers in the World 2025 (Ranked)
| Rank | Goalkeeper | Team | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alisson | Liverpool | Two Premier League Golden Gloves, Yashin Trophy |
| 2 | Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | Champions League winner, Yashin Trophy |
| 3 | David Raya | Arsenal | Key player in Arsenal’s title chase |
| 4 | Mike Maignan | AC Milan | Ligue 1 and Serie A titles, France’s number one |
| 5 | Gianluigi Donnarumma | PSG | Yashin Trophy, Euro 2020 hero |
| 6 | Jan Oblak | Atletico Madrid | Multiple individual awards, shot-stopping expert |
| 7 | Emiliano Martinez | Aston Villa | World Cup winner, Yashin Trophy |
| 8 | Ederson | Manchester City | Every major club title, but recent form has dipped |
| 9 | Unai Simon | Athletic Bilbao | Spain’s first choice, European Championship winner |
| 10 | Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich | Pioneer of the “sweeper-keeper” style, multiple titles |
Here’s a quick rundown on each goalkeeper:
- Alisson (Liverpool)
Alisson is a top goalkeeper who plays a big role in Liverpool’s recent success. He’s quick reflexes and good positioning make him perfect for today’s game. He can start attacks and help build plays. Alisson has won 2 Premier League Golden Gloves and the Yashin Trophy. - Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois missed most of the 2023/24 season due to a knee injury but returned just in time to help Real Madrid win the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. 6ft 7” tall, he commands his area well and has won titles with 3 different clubs, including the Yashin Trophy. - David Raya (Arsenal)
David Raya’s signing was a surprise after Arsenal had just signed Aaron Ramsdale, but he quickly became the first choice. Known for his passing and quick starts to attacks, Raya has improved a lot at Arsenal. - Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
As France’s number 1 goalkeeper after Hugo Lloris, Mike Maignan makes great saves thanks to his smart positioning. He played a key role in AC Milan’s Serie A win in 2022 after helping Lille win Ligue 1 in 2021. - Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Gianluigi Donnarumma made his debut for AC Milan at 16 and is now one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He’s known for his big saves and won the Yashin Trophy after saving 2 penalties in the Euro 2020 final.6. - Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Jan Oblak has been Atletico Madrid’s main man for 10 years and has won many individual awards. He may not have as many team titles as others on this list, but he’s good at stopping shots and commanding his area. - Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Emiliano Martinez worked hard to get to the top after several loan spells early in his career. His performances for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup earned him the Yashin Trophy. He’s also known for his penalty heroics. - Ederson (Manchester City)
Ederson was a key player for Guardiola’s Manchester City team but has declined in form recently. Although he’s won everything with City, he looks shaken after competing with Stefan Ortega for the number 1 spot. - Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)
Not as famous as others, it has been Spain’s number one for four years. Had a great season in 2023/24, only 4 goals conceded in the European Championship, and Athletic Bilbao won their first Copa del Rey in 40 years. - Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
One of the all-time greats and is still going strong after injuries. Pioneered the “sweeper-keeper” style and has won everything, including the World Cup and two Champions Leagues.
In conclusion, opinions may vary on who is the best keeper, but Alisson stands out with his all-around skills, shot-stopping, and playing from the back. Liverpool has a plan for the future with Giorgi Mamardashvili joining in the summer of 2025, but for now, Alisson is top.
