Top 10 Best Goalkeeper in the World 2026 (Updated Rankings)

Over the course of history, football has seen a drastic shift in the way footballers play, irrespective of their position on the pitch. One of such positions is that of a goalkeeper; the era of the shot stopper just standing between the posts and waiting to save a shot is over. Modern-day keepers must be all-rounders, strong hands, quick feet, visions and passing range that help them fit into the contemporary football tactics.

A few names have emerged as candidates for best goalkeeper in the world 2026 courtesy of their performance. In 2025, the Italian shotstopper Gianluigi Donnarumma had already been declared the world's best keeper when he was awarded the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Though it doesn't change the fact that several other notable nominees have been remarkable with their performances. In this article, we have amassed top 10 best goalkeepers in the world currently.

List of Top 10 Best Goalkeeper in the World

As per the major ranking factors stated below, we have made a calculative and unbiased attempt to answer your question, “Who is the best goalkeeper in the world?” as shared in the table below.

How We Ranked the Top 10 Best Goalkeeper in the World?

We have provided a detailed understanding of all the ranking factors in the table given below, with the primary factor being total clean sheets, overall save %, followed by passing ability with the ball, saves made per 90 mins & major trophies won.

Note: Stats are taken from reliable sources like Sportsdunia, Transfermrkt & FBref.

Who is the Best Goalkeeper in the World in 2026?

Now that we are aware of the ranking factors and the top 10 best shot stoppers in the world, owing to their impressive performances in between the sticks. Let's explore in detail the exceptional performances these goalkeepers delivered to be included in the list of best goalkeeper in the world 2026.

10. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)

Over the last 3 years, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has seen his stock rise as he won the 2022 World Cup, sandwiched between two Copa America wins. In the meantime, he also established himself as the undisputed No. 1 at Villa Park, with his brilliant moves between the sticks and delivering consistently satisfactory performances. He has earned himself a place among the candidates vying for the title of best goalkeeper in the world 2026.

Though unfortunately, the villains missed out on UCL qualification last season & had to settle for Europa League instead, Martinez, on a personal level, unsurprisingly had a good season. Unai Emery's Aston Villa are playing excellent football in the English top division, holding on to the top four spot. The keeper recorded 5 league clean sheets and only allowing 17 goals in 18 EPL outings during the 2025-26 campaign. Villa fans breathed a sigh of relief when Martinez decided to stay put despite being on the verge of exit last summer.

9. Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)

At 9th, we have Moroccan star Yassine Bounou, who has attracted substantial stardom after his 2022 World Cup heroics in Qatar. Continuing his growth as a player, the Moroccan keeper has all eyes on him after he had an Impressive game against 10-time League champions Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup. Playing his club football in middle east for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, he is dropping solid performances this season.

In the recently concluded AFCON, the 34-year-old keeper is still grabbing headlines, though his tremendous distribution, quick reflexes and contributions in big matches make him one of the best goalkeeper in the world 2026. Bounou was the standout goalkeeper in the 2025 AFCON tournament, winning the Golden Glove award after keeping 5 clean sheets in 7 matches. Unfortunately, the Atlas Lions suffered a heartbreaking loss to Senegal in the final.

8. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Atletico Madrid had a below-par season in the 2024-25 domestic season, having settled for a 3rd place finish. Additionally, Los Colchoneros suffered another gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in a much-debated penalty shootout in the last 16 fixture. However, the Slovenian star Jan Oblak was one of the few players, alongside Griezmann & Alvarez, who had pretty impressive seasons individually. Oblak has been one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga in the past decade.

Oblak maintained his near-perfect form during the 2024-25 La Liga season as well, recorded 21 clean sheets, conceded only 30 goals in 36 matches & as a result, won the Zamora Trophy, which is given to the goalie conceding the lowest number of goals on average. While in the 2025-26 season, the veteran number one has 7 clean sheets to his name in a total of 30 appearances in all competitions. Due to Atletico Madrid's inconsistency, Jan Oblak's contributions remain less talked about who is among the best goalkeeper in the world 2026.

7. Joan García (Barcelona)

Up next on the list is the newest goalkeeping sensation in Spain top flight, Joan Garcia. The Barcelona shot stopper is making waves with his performance in goal, surpassing seasoned goalkeepers like Jan Oblak and Thibaut Courtois in terms of save percentage. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 campaign with RCD Espanyol, amassing 8 clean sheets in the La Liga. In the summer of 2025, Garcia earned a move to play for Spanish champions Barcelona under Hansi Flick.

The 24-year-old has already surpassed his last season's best figures with 9 clean sheets for the Blaugrana. He is delivering clutch performances estbalishing himself as one of the most trusted names for Hansi Flick. But he catapulted himself into the list of best goalkeeper in the world 2026 as the first-choice keeper of Hansi Flick's side, thanks to his heroic performances in goal, consistently delivering match-winning performances under pressure.

6. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

One goalkeeper who has been on the list of best goalkeeper in the world in recent years is none other than the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He came into prominence during his stint at Atletico Madrid when he kept players like Cristiano Ronaldo & Messi at bay with his goalkeeping exploits in the Spanish top flight. Later, Courtois carried his form after being the undisputed number 1 at Chelsea, helping them claim two Premier League titles.

Ahead of the 2018-19 season, the Belgian joined Spanish giants Real Madrid and has not looked back since then. Till now, the towering 6'7" shot-stopper remains the first-choice between the posts after leading the Los Blancos to 3 La Ligas and 2 Champions League and countless match-winning outings. Although his club only managed to win the UEFA Super Cup last year, Courtois maintained his consistency by keeping 14 clean sheets. Courtois's status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world is not affected following a series of vital performances.

5. Ederson (Fenerbahce)

Despite having possibly the worst season in recent memory last term, Manchester City had few shining lights & one of them was the Brazilian Shot-stopper Ederson. He was one of the key pillars of Manchester City's success in the last decade, and played a crucial role in Cityzens 2022-23 treble-winning season. His sweeper-keeper role, precise long passes always added a unique dimension to Pep Guardiola's dominant team, as he is also the goalkeeper with the most assists in Premier League history, with 7 assists.

After 8 years of service and winning 18 major trophies, which also included 6 EPL titles and 1 UCL title, Ederson left the Blue side of Manchester for Turkish giants Fenerbahce. His agility and leadership, which often boosted his teammates' morale during crucial moments, have been essential in Fenerbahçe's undefeated 2025-26 campaign in Super Lig. The Brazilian custodian registered 10 clean sheets in 20 outings in all competitions, which puts him among contenders for best goalkeeper in the world 2026.

4. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Unsurprisingly, the Liverpool star Alisson Becker has once again convinced us that he is one of the best goalkeeper in the world due to his consistently incredible display between the sticks since his arrival at Anfield in January 2018. It goes without saying that he achieved his legendary status with Premier League giants Liverpool, as he was one of the cornerstones that defined Klopp's historic reign and is still maintaining peak levels under the current coach, Arne Slot.

Becker has been so consistent between the posts that even the Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has to settle for the no.2 role for the time being. The two-time EPL Golden Glove winner produced 13 saves in all competitions last term & conceded only 33 goals as Liverpool romped on to win a record-equaling league title. He solidified his status as one of the best Premier League goalkeepers and remains one of the best goalkeeper in the world 2026.

3. Yann Sommer (Inter Milan)

The Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer has been consistently vying to be crowned the best goalkeeper in the world. A few might argue that his best days are behind him since he is supposedly on the wrong side of 30. Regardless, Sommer is experiencing his best years since joining Inter Milan. He achieved an impressive 23 clean sheets in all competitions in his debut season as Inter won the 2023-24 Scudetto, winning the campaign ruthlessly by finishing 19 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan.

During the 2024 Euros, the Swiss international only conceded 4 goals in 5 matches & continued performing at a high level for the Nerazzurri during the 2024-25 domestic season. He achieved a staggering 21 clean sheets in all competitions, but couldn't prevent Napoli from snatching the Serie A title as his team missed out by a point after a breathtaking neck-to-neck title race. The 37-year-old keeper is playing a commanding role in Inter's stunning domestic campaign, leading towards a title-winning campaign.

2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)

The Italian Goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma emerges as the top candidate when asked about who is the best goalkeeper in the world. The 2025 Yashin Trophy winner had a legendary season with Paris Saint-Germain as the French giants went on to win a quadruple in the 2024-25 season, including their 1st ever Champions League title. Donnarumma left Les Parisiens for Manchester City in the summer, but it doesn't change the fact that he is currently best goalkeeper in the world 2026 reflected by his 'Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper of the Year'.

Although PSG had an underwhelming start to the UCL campaign, they grew as the competition progressed. The Italian was one of the players who led the club's sudden upturn in form as he delivered match-winning performances against Liverpool, Aston Villa & Arsenal, catapulting the team to the final. Playing in the Premier League for Manchester City, he has already become undroppable thanks to his performance against Manchester United & Arsenal, indicating that he could be another of Pep's transformative signings.

1. David Raya (Arsenal)

This season, Arsenal's Spanish keeper David Raya is topping the list of the top 10 best goalkeeper in the world, and it's no surprise why this is the case. Raya built on his stellar 2024-25 season. After achieving 20 clean sheets in the 2023-24 season, the 30-year-old performed even better in the following season achieved 22 clean sheets in all competitions last term and was the joint Golden Glove in the English Premier League.

He has been one of the best Arsenal players currently, registering an incredible 16 clean sheets while conceding merely 15 goals in 28 matches in the 2025-26 season. Raya's skill on the ball, presence of mind, decision-making and ability to perform in clutch moments set the Spaniard apart from other keepers on this list. His willingness to come out of the goal line to make crucial clearances and collect balls made him an undisputed starter in goal for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.