Goalkeepers from Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently among the best in the world, but who deserves the top spot?
It’s safe to say that there’s currently a plethora of talented goalkeepers and ranking the 10 best was certainly no easy job.
Taking into consideration things like current form, accolades and ability, here’s our ranking of the 10 best goalkeepers on the planet right now.
1. Thibaut Courtois
For us, there can be no doubt that Courtois currently ranks as the best goalkeeper on the planet.
The Belgian regularly pulls off some world-class saves, including several in big Champions League matches.
He always shows up on the big stage and is undoubtedly the most intimidating goalkeeper to face in world football.
2. David Raya
Arsenal boast the best defensive record of any side in Europe’s top five leagues, having only conceded 26 goals in 35 Premier League matches.
Of course, Raya has two of the best centre-halves on the planet protecting him, but his impact cannot be underestimated.
The 30-year-old is calm with the ball at his feet and is capable of pulling off ridiculous reflex saves with his cat-like reactions.
Also boasting a good penalty-saving record, the Arsenal shot-stopper is one of the most well-rounded goalkeepers on the planet right now.
3. Alisson Becker
When fully fit, there’s an argument that Alisson is the best goalkeeper on the planet.
However, having missed a sizeable number of matches of the past two years, we’ve dropped him down to third place.
Since returning from his most recent injury, he has looked a little shaky, but we’re sure he’ll recapture his best form in no time.
As the old saying goes, form is temporary, class is permanent.
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool at the Hawthorns stadium in West Bromwich, England, Sunday, May 16, 2021.
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4. Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Italian still has some inconsistencies in his game, but when it comes to the big moments, he tends to step up.
Following his heroics with PSG last season, he rightly won the Yashin Trophy. That’s the second time he’s won that award, having also won it in 2021.
Since joining Manchester City, the goalkeeper has had his ups and downs, but remains one of the most intimidating shot-stoppers in the world.
5. Mike Maignan
“Mike has always been among the strongest goalkeepers around,” AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri told reporters earlier this season about Maignan.
“I’m happy, I see him calm, and he’s confirming his qualities on the pitch. From a contractual point of view, the club is working to give this team a future and stability.”
6. Emiliano Martinez
Martinez is like Marmite; some love him, while others just can’t understand the hype.
However, even his biggest haters would admit that the 33-year-old is the best penalty-saving goalkeeper on the planet.
He always raises his game while on international duty too and is one of the biggest personalities in the game today.
7. Yann Sommer
Aged 36, the Swiss goalkeeper is still at the top of his game and remains a key player for Inter.
The recently crowned Serie A champions may look for a younger replacement in the near future, but Sommer has more than played his part in their successful campaign.
8. Jan Oblak
Oblak is now in his 12th season with Atletico Madrid and for us, is still one of the best on the planet.
While his stock might have somewhat dropped over the past few years, he’s still more than capable of pulling off a worldie save.
In terms of overall legacy, there’s no doubt that he ranks as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga history.
QUIZ: Can you name the 26 goalkeepers with 20+ Champions League clean sheets?
9. Joan Garcia
Wojciech Szczesny proved to be a good signing for Barcelona last season, but there’s no doubt that Garcia has been an upgrade.
The 25-year-old is a commanding presence in the box and is also handy at playing out from the back.
It’s still early days in his Barcelona career, but if he continues to impress, he’ll move up this ranking in no time.
10. Manuel Neuer
Given his legacy, we’d feel harsh leaving Neuer out of the top 10, but this was a close call between the likes of Unai Simon, Jordan Pickford and a handful of others.
While the German goalkeeper is no longer at the very peak of his powers, he’s still an elite sweeper-keeper and capable of pulling off ridiculous saves.
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