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Best goalkeepers in the world 2024
Aniruddh Pramanik

Top 10 Best Goalkeepers in the World 2024 | Ranked

The world of football has evolved over the past few years, and with that, the role of the goalkeepers 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 defense 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

RANKPLAYERCURRENT CLUBNATIONALITYCLEAN SHEETSAPPEARANCES
1David RayaArsenalSpain2346
2Manuel NeuerBayern MunichGermany2146
3Emiliano Martinez Aston VillaArgentina2050
4Mike MaignanAC MilanFrance1853
5Jan OblakAtletico MadridSlovenia1755
6Unai SimonAthletic BilbaoSpain1327
7Gianluigi DonnarummaPSGItaly1342
8EdersonManchester CityBrazil1134
9Thibaut CourtoisReal MadridBelgium1019
10Alisson BeckerLiverpoolBrazil1028
Stats for 2024 via transfermarkt

10. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Best goalkeeper in the world, Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker during a training session of Liverpool (Source: Getty Images)

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. 

NameAlisson Becker
Current ClubLiverpool
Number of matches 436
Clean sheets192
Notable Titles wonUEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup

Also Read: Top 10 Best Dribblers in Football History- Ranked

9. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Best goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois celebrates after Real Madrid wins the FIFA Club World Cup title (Getty)

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 his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu, he has won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues. 

NameThibaut Courtois
Current ClubReal Madrid
Number of matches 600
Clean sheets248
Notable Titles wonUEFA Champions League, La Liga, Premier League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, Copa del Rey

8. Ederson (Manchester City)

Best goalkeepers in the world, Ederson
Ederson in action for Manchester City in the Premier League (Getty)

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. 

NameEderson
Current ClubManchester City
Number of matches 472
Clean sheets212
Notable Titles wonUEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Copa America, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup

7. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

Best goalkeepers in the world 2024, Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma plays for Italy at Euro (Getty)

Gianluigi Donnarumma has already etched his name in the history of Italian football. The Yashin trophy winner first came under 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 shootout to guide the Italians to glory.

NameGianluigi Donnarumma
Current ClubPSG
Number of matches 386
Clean sheets132
Notable Titles wonUEFA Euro, Ligue 1, Italian Super Cup

6. Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Best goalkeepers in the world, Unai Simón
Unai Simón trains ahead of a La Liga game of Athletic Bilbao (Getty Images)

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 of 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.

NameUnai Simon
Current ClubAthletic Bilbao
Number of matches 256
Clean sheets96
Notable Titles wonCopa Del Rey, UEFA Euro, Nations League

Also Read: Who Are the 10 Strongest Football Players in History

5. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Best goalkeepers in the world 2024
Jan Oblak in action for Atletico Madrid during a La Liga match (Credit: Getty Images)

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.

NameJan Oblak
Current ClubAtletico Madrid
Number of matches 573
Clean sheets258
Notable Titles wonLa Liga, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup

4. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Best goalkeepers in the world, Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan features for AC Milan in Serie A (Credit: Getty Images)

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.

NameMike Maignan
Current ClubAC Milan
Number of matches 312
Clean sheets115
Notable Titles wonUEFA Nations League, Ligue 1, Serie A

3. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Best goalkeepers in the world, Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina in Copa America (Getty)

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 with the 2024 Yashin trophy by France Football.

NameEmiliano Martinez
Current ClubAston Villa
Number of matches 312
Clean sheets101
Notable Titles wonFIFA World Cup, FA Cup, Copa America

2. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

best goalkeepers in the world, Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer celebrates after Germany’s victory at Euro Championship (Getty)

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 goalkeepers. If goalkeeping is an art, then Manuel Neuer is the best artist in modern football.

NameManuel Neuer
Current ClubBayern Munich
Number of matches 796
Clean sheets362
Notable Titles wonChampions Leagues, Bundesliga, FIFA World Cup

1. David Raya (Arsenal)

Best goalkeepers in the world, David Raya
David Raya celebrates in excitement after making a crucial save against Manchester City (Getty)

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 been massively benefitted by 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.

NameDavid Raya
Current ClubArsenal
Number of matches 380
Clean sheets126
Notable Titles wonUEFA Euro, Nations League

Also Read: Best 20 Records Held By Cristiano Ronaldo- 2024

FAQ’s

1.Who is the best goalkeeper in the world in 2024?

Liverpool’s Alisson Becker is the best goalkeeper in the world in 2024.

2.Who is the champion best goalkeeper in 2024?

Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa club is the champion best goalkeeper in 2024.

3.Who won the Yashin Trophy in 2024?

Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy 2024 for being the best goalkeeper in the world.

4.Who is the best rated goalkeeper?

Liverpool’s Alisson Becker continues to be the best rated goalkeeper in the world.

5.Who is the highest paid goalkeeper in the world 2024?

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world in 2024. The German club pays a fee of £18.5 million per year.

6.Is Yashin the best goalkeeper of all time?

Yes. Lev Yashin from the USSR is considered the best goalkeeper of all-time. He is also remembered as the greatest footballer in the history of the Soviet Union.