In 2024, we’ve seen some incredible talents rise to the top, showcasing their abilities in leagues and international competitions. Here’s a look at the best goalkeepers in the world right now.
1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid and Belgium)
Thibaut Courtois remains one of the most reliable and consistent goalkeepers on the planet. Standing at 6’7”, his height gives him an advantage in the box, making him dominant in aerial duels. Courtois is known for his lightning-fast reflexes and sharp positioning. His standout performances for Real Madrid in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League have solidified his place as one of the top keepers of the generation.
His composure in high-pressure situations is unmatched. Whether it’s a one-on-one or a penalty shootout, Courtois often comes out on top. Despite facing injuries in late 2023, Courtois has returned strong and continues to be a vital asset for both Real Madrid and Belgium.
2. Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona and Germany)
Ter Stegen has been a consistent presence for Barcelona, and in 2024, he’s arguably at his peak. His distribution skills make him stand out from other goalkeepers. In modern football, playing out from the back is crucial, and ter Stegen’s passing ability is second to none.
He’s not just a goalkeeper but also a playmaker, often initiating attacks from deep. His reflex saves, particularly in one-on-one situations, have earned him plaudits over the years. In the German national team, he’s firmly established as the No.1 choice, following Manuel Neuer’s gradual decline due to age and injuries.
3. Alisson Becker (Liverpool and Brazil)
Alisson continues to prove why he’s considered one of the best shot-stoppers in world football. Since his arrival at Liverpool in 2018, he has transformed their defence. Alisson’s calm presence, sharp reflexes, and exceptional ability to read the game make him invaluable.
His ability to play as a ‘sweeper keeper’ has redefined the role, and his consistency in both Premier League and Champions League matches speaks for itself. Alisson’s impressive performances for Brazil also highlight his versatility and experience at the international level.
4. Ederson (Manchester City and Brazil)
Ederson’s rise to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. His strengths lie in his ball distribution and confidence in playing out from the back, often finding himself involved in Manchester City’s attacks. His passing range, both short and long, rivals that of outfield players.
In addition to his distribution, Ederson is a fantastic shot-stopper, pulling off breathtaking saves when required. He’s become a key player under Pep Guardiola, adding an extra dimension to Manchester City’s style of play. His recent performances for Brazil in major tournaments show that he is one of the most well-rounded goalkeepers in the world.
5. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa and Argentina)
Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez shot to fame after helping Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, and he hasn’t looked back since. Known for his psychological tactics during penalty shootouts, Martínez has gained a reputation as one of the best penalty stoppers in the game.
Beyond penalties, Martínez’s shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box have seen him excel in the Premier League with Aston Villa. His performances for Argentina continue to draw admiration, making him a fan favourite and a trusted goalkeeper for both club and country.
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6. Mike >Maignan (AC Milan and France)
Mike Maignan’s rise in recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary. After excelling at Lille, he made the move to AC Milan, where he quickly became a fan favourite. His agility and command of his area are his standout attributes.
Maignan’s shot-stopping ability is among the best in the world. He reads the game exceptionally well, making crucial saves in tight matches. As France’s No.1 goalkeeper following Hugo Lloris' retirement from international duty, Maignan has stepped up and proven himself on the international stage.
7. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid and Slovenia)
Jan Oblak has been a pillar of consistency for Atletico Madrid for many years. Renowned for his excellent reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the box, Oblak rarely makes mistakes.
Though Atletico’s form has fluctuated over the years, Oblak remains one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga and Europe. His reliability and leadership on the pitch make him one of the most respected keepers globally. Despite not always getting the same level of attention as others, Oblak’s performances speak for themselves.
8. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Italy)
Still only 25 years old, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been at the top for nearly a decade. His height, reflexes, and experience make him a formidable goalkeeper. After his Euro 2020 heroics, he has become a key player for PSG, regularly producing game-changing saves in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
While Donnarumma has had some ups and downs in his club form, he remains one of the most talented young goalkeepers globally. His presence in the Italian national team ensures they always have a solid foundation in defence.
9. David de Gea (Free Agent/Spain)
Although currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United, David de Gea remains one of the most accomplished and experienced goalkeepers in modern football. His time at United saw him win multiple individual awards, known for his outstanding reflexes and shot-stopping ability. While his form dipped in recent seasons, his natural talent and experience still rank him among the best. It’s only a matter of time before he finds a new challenge and proves himself again on the big stage.
10. Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao and Spain)
Unai Simón has steadily risen through the ranks to become Spain's first-choice goalkeeper. His performances for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and Spain in international competitions have been highly impressive. Simón is known for his composure, distribution skills, and agility. His ability to stay calm under pressure and his excellent positioning make him one of the most dependable goalkeepers in Europe today. Simón continues to develop, and his future looks extremely bright for both club and country.
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