Goalkeeper is undoubtedly the most unforgiving position in world football. Goalkeepers can make numerous saves during a match, but it only takes one mistake for them to instantly go from hero to zero.
That said, there are a number of individuals in world football that make goalkeeping look easy. Manuel Neuer has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in football history and continues to perform at a high level at the age of 40.
Thibaut Courtois does some extraordinary things on a weekly basis, while the Premier League is home to many top shot-stoppers, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson Becker and David Raya.
Matt Pyzdrowski knows a thing or two about goalkeeping. The former goalkeeper played professionally in the United States with Portland Timbers and in Sweden with Ängelholms FF, Helsingborgs IF and Varbergs BoIS.
After retiring in 2019, he now works as a goalkeeping analyst for The Athletic, and he has ranked the 15 best shot stoppers in world football right now.
15-11
Jordan Pickford
Pep Guardiola made the decision to replace Ederson last summer, but the Brazilian is still performing at a high level in Turkey with Fenerbahce. Pysdrowski has ranked him as the 15th best goalkeeper in the world right now, writing:
"Ederson’s figure of 1.28 goals prevented highlights his continued effectiveness, while his passing remains central to Fenerbahce’s ability to control matches."
Porto's Diogo Costa, Athletic Club's Unai Simon and Inter Milan's Yann Sommer follow in 14th, 13th and 12th respectively.
Everton stopper and England number 1 Jordan Pickford just misses out on a spot in the top 10. Pyzdrowski is a big fan of the 32-year-old, writing: "His shot-stopping is sharp, while he has grown into a composed presence in the biggest moments. His distribution - both short and long - remains a key strength."
Matt Pyzdrowski's best goalkeepers in the world - 15-11
Rank
15
14
13
12
11
10-6
Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia
Switzerland have two top-class shot stoppers in Sommer and Gregor Kobel. Pyzdrowski thinks the Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper is the better of the two, describing him as 'a vocal, demanding presence, constantly organising those in front of him' with 'functional distribution' and 'sound decision-making.'
Joan Garcia has earned rave reviews since making the move from Espanyol to Barcelona last summer and is ranked ninth, just behind Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak.
Perhaps surprisingly, Raya has only been ranked as the world's seventh-best goalkeeper. Pydrowski explains he misses out on the top five due to his lack of silverware. He writes:
"At the highest level, silverware often defines perception and, while Raya’s performances have been consistently elite, the absence of a defining, title-winning moment keeps him just outside the very top tier - for now."
Three Premier League goalkeepers have been ranked as better than Raya, including 2022 World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.
Matt Pyzdrowski's best goalkeepers in the world - 10-6
Rank
10
9
8
7
6
5-1
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois
Mike Maignan makes Pyzdrowski's top five, with the American describing AC Milan's number 1 as 'one of the most complete goalkeepers in Europe.'
Neuer, who has been one of the world's best goalkeepers for the past two decades, follows him in fourth.
Alisson, considered one of the greatest players in Liverpool's history, has been ranked third, with Pyzdrowski saying: "Few goalkeepers match his blend of shot-stopping, control and influence in possession."
Man City's Donnarumma has been ranked as the second-best goalkeeper in the world, with Real Madrid's Courtois taking top spot. Justifying his decision, Pyzdrowski said:
"The strongest endorsement for his position on this list is his adaptability. Courtois could walk into any team in the world and immediately improve it. Sustaining this level for so long, while continuing to deliver in the biggest moments, is what sets him apart and why he remains one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation."
Matt Pyzdrowski's best goalkeepers in the world - 5-1
Rank
5
4
3
2
1