Ranked! The 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now

Alisson next to the caption 'FourFourTwo Ranked: The 10 Best Goalkeepers in the World'
(Image credit: Getty Images)

What attributes do the best goalkeepers in the world have? The role of a keeper ain't what is used to be, with No.1s required to start moves as well as provide the last line of defence in the modern game. 

It's often said that having a reliable man between the sticks will win you several points every season, and the following players are good examples of just that. We've ranked our goalkeepers by their all-round game as much as anything else, paying attention to the stats while balancing how good they can be in the biggest moments.

We've left out long-term absentees who simply can't be judged while they're injured, taking in the all-important stats alongside the eye test. This is who we've gone with…

The best goalkeepers in the world right now, ranked: 10. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Parc des Princes on February 14, 2023 in Paris, France.

Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain in action against Bayern Munich  (Image credit: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain already had a top keeper in Keylor Navas and a decent backup in Alphonse Areola. Gianluigi Donnarumma was always going to establish himself as the next big superstar of the club, though, to oust them both.

Considering the ever-changing cast in front of him and the lack of press, the giant Italian has had a lot of work to do since moving to France – and he now has the reputation of being one of Europe's finest. Although Gigi sometimes struggles with his feet, he commands his box well and he's an excellent shot-stopper when called upon: he's already a European champion at international level, too. All before the age of 25 – his career's only heading in one direction. 

9. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Jan Oblak celebrates after Atletico score against Real Madrid

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana before a friendly against Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite a few shaky moments this season, Jan Oblak remains one of the world's best goalkeepers. He's now approaching a full decade as Atletico Madrid's undisputed number one, with more than 400 appearances under his belt in all competitions.

Oblak has been the bedrock for the club's success under Diego Simeone, being perfectly suited to a dogged team that often sits deep and invites pressure. The Slovenian international is a strong, physical presence with excellent reflexes. His communication skills and reading of the game help him organise one of Europe's meanest defences.

8. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's German goalkeeper #01 Manuel Neuer warms up during a training session at the team's training ground in Munich, southern Germany, on October 23, 2023, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group A football match between Galatasaray Istanbul and Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said the side would "not rush anything" as captain Manuel Neuer edged closer to a return from injury after almost 12 months on the sidelines. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer in action  (Image credit: Getty Images)

Back from his skiing injury, Manuel Neuer is re-established as club and country's No.1 like he was never missing in the first place. 

It's no secret that the ageing German is not the same keeper he was when he was sat on the Ballon d'Or podium but Father Time has seen to that more than poor form. Neuer is arguably the best goalkeeper of all time, certainly one of the most influential in the modern age and though he turns 38 in 2024, he's still more than capable of keeping net for a side chasing domestic and European glory.

7. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Emi Martinez of Argentina celebrates with the Golden Glove award after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France on 18 December, 2022 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

Emi Martinez of Argentina celebrates with the Golden Glove award (Image credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Over a 38-game season, there may be lapses in judgment that separate him from the elite. But as a big-game player, there may be no better goalkeeper on Earth than Emi Martinez.

Statistically, the Argentine doesn't stand out – though he does catch the second-most crosses in Europe's top five leagues, to highlight his dominance of a risky situation. But the big-game personality is what we love him for: we first saw it during Arsenal's 2020 FA Cup win, before Martinez became a national hero back home in Argentina. 

He established himself on the global stage with Copa America success before he won the Best Goalkeeper award in Qatar at the World Cup. Aston Villa's number one consistently shines under the spotlight.

6. Lukas Hradecky (Bayer Leverkusen)

Lukas Hradecky organising his defence against Darmstadt

Lukas Hradecky organising his defence against Darmstadt (Image credit: Getty Images)

There's nothing flashy about Lukas Hradecky, who has quietly been one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga since joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2015. Three years later, he moved on to Bayer Leverkusen and has become a reliable stalwart for the club. Focused and level-headed.

Under Xabi Alonso's guidance, unbeaten Leverkusen are on course to win the title ahead of perennial favourites Bayern Munich. They've scored goals for fun while impressively keeping them out at the other end, with just 14 conceded in their first 18 games.

Hradecky, an experienced Finnish international, has made an outstanding contribution to Leverkusen's success. No goalkeeper in the German top flight has a higher save percentage, more clean sheets, or fewer goals conceded. If they manage to pull this off, their captain's unflappable performances will be key.

5. Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England.

Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team's victory against Manchester United (Image credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Stepping into the boots of Hugo Lloris was no easy task. With the club legend, World Cup-winning captain and fan favourite looking a little long in the tooth last season though, it was time for a new king between the sticks – and some Spurs fans didn't know what to expect from a 27-year-old Serie A journeyman. 

Vicario has been nothing short of exceptional. Arguably the best signing of the season, he's been an insanely good shot-stopper – a pleasant surprise for those who thought he was signed for his ability in possession (which is pretty damn good 'n' all).  He's perhaps not even hit his peak yet, either. 

4. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Mike Maignan

Mike Maignan in action for AC Milan (Image credit: Getty)

When Donnarumma left AC Milan, fans would have been forgiven for worrying what the future held. Somehow, they managed to upgrade on the outgoing academy product.

Maignan has since deposed Hugo Lloris from Les Bleus, won a first Scudetto in a decade for the Rossoneri and has been a titan in the San Siro net. His reflexes are excellent, his command of his box is great – but his work on the ground is top-notch, too. The Frenchman has the most passes attempted per 90 in the first four games of the new season.

At 28, he's approaching his prime and might yet get even better. How did PSG let him slip through the net, to pardon the pun?

3. Ederson

Ederson in action against Sheffield United

Ederson in action against Sheffield United (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ederson is arguably the most influential goalkeeper in the Premier League since Petr Cech. Ball-playing keepers were viewed with bemusement, much less suspicion, when Pep Guardiola brought in Claudio Bravo – but though it took his second attempt to really nail the role, it's safe to say Ederson has been worth it. 

There will always be those will never really rate the Brazilian too highly – and it's fair enough, in some respects. A good shot-stopper, Manchester City's No.1 is there primarily for his work on the ball – but to give credit where it's due, he's always been consistent. Ederson has never felt like a weak link, excelling whenever called upon for City, while winning the last three Premier League Golden Gloves.

And that ability with his feet only elevates him higher up this list. He's utterly superb as a footballer, let alone a goalkeeper. 

2. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Barcelona's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen dives to save the ball during the penalties shootout during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final football match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 2023.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen dives to save against Real Betis (Image credit: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has taken his game to new heights in the last 12 months – which is something, considering he doesn't harbour much of an interest in the sport that's made him a superstar.

The German conceded just 20 goals in the whole of last season, which is frankly staggering – and Barcelona were on course to beat Petr Cech's 2005 record of 15 at one stage, with MATS only letting in 13 in his first 33 games, before Barça won the title and relaxed a little. The Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed numbers are amazing: he saved nearly nine whole goals more than he should have.

Far more than just precise with his stops, Ter Stegen completed 50 per cent of his passes over 40 yards, too – the second-best in Europe. He's been missing with a back injury in recent months but is set to return soon, which is great news for Barcelona and Germany.

1. Alisson

Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrates after teammate Darwin Nunez scores the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on February 18, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrates after teammate Darwin Nunez scores against Newcastle United (Image credit: George Wood/Getty Images)

Alisson was seen as many as a goalkeeper who would help Liverpool play out from the back, with excellent passing range – and the Reds' forwards can testify to that, judging by how many goals their goalkeeper has started the attacking move of. 

If goalkeeping can be roughly split into the possession-based and the shot-stopping, however, Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world in terms of both. World-class when one-on-one and with his side struggling in midtable at times last season, Alisson was every bit the traditional shot-stopping life-saver: he saved 10 whole goals more than he should have. That's simply superhuman. You only have to look at his otherworldly stop from Miguel Almiron before the international break, which Eddie Howe described as "the best I've ever seen". 

His sweeping is nothing short of unbelievable, too, with the Brazilian second in Europe for Defensive Actions outside the Penalty Area per 90. He makes the sixth-most passes of anyone in Europe, too. He's a phenomenon: it doesn't bear thinking where Liverpool would have been without him at times last term. 

More lists

We have lists of the best players in every position in the world right now.

These are the best goalkeeepers on Earth at current, while in defence, these are the best right-backs in the world, the best left-backs in the world and the best centre-backs in the world.

There are all kinds of midfielders – these are the best defensive midfielders in the world, these are the best central midfielders in the world and these are the best attacking midfielders in the world

We also have lists of forwards, including the best right-wingers in the world, the best left-wingers in the world and the best strikers in the world.

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

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