In the world of soccer, the position of goalkeeper is essential and unique. They are the last defenders of the goal, responsible for preventing goals and often determining the outcome of the game. Throughout history, the evolution of goalkeepers has been remarkable, going from mere shot blockers to crucial players who take an active part in game strategies.
This transformation not only raised the technical and tactical level of the position, but also contributed to the emergence of some of the best goalkeepers in the world, whose exceptional skills made them stand out internationally.
Best goalkeepers in the world/Shutterstock
The modernization of the goalkeeper’s role has brought with it a series of innovations, from advanced defending techniques to more effective protective equipment. These advances have allowed the best goalkeepers in the world to play decisive roles in their teams, taking an active part in starting attacks and making spectacular saves that stick in fans’ memories.
Great names in soccer history illustrate the impact a goalkeeper can have in crucial games. From Gordon Banks denying Pelé at the 1970 World Cup with a gravity-defying save, to moments of pure magic like the “Miracle of Istanbul”, where Jerzy Dudek, with his incredible penalty saves, helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005.
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But when we look at the current leagues, who are the best goalkeepers in the world? Check it out!
How do you know who the best goalkeepers in the world are?
When trying to determine who the best goalkeepers in the world are, the task becomes complex and subject to various evaluation criteria. Similar to the challenge of identifying the biggest soccer fans in the world, defining the best goalkeeper on a global level is neither simple nor straightforward.
In this context, we can base ourselves on an internationally recognized standard, such as the ranking of the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics), which evaluates the performance of goalkeepers in world and national competitions. And how do the criteria work?
This ranking provides an objective and comprehensive analysis, taking into account various factors such as decisive defenses, consistency of performance, participation in international matches, and the ability to keep games scoreless, among others.
Ranking dos melhores goleiros do mundo
- Ederson (Brazil/Manchester City) – 145 points.
- Dibu Martínez (Argentina/Aston Villa) – 76 points
- Courtois (Bélgica/Real Madrid) – 73 points
- Ter Stegen (Alemanha/Barcelona) – 58 points
- Oblak (Eslovênia/Atlético de Madrid) – 36 points
- Donnarumma (Itália/PSG) – 23 points.
- Bono (Marrocos/Sevilla e Al-Hilal) – 22 points
- Alisson (Brasil/Liverpool) – 19 points
- Onana (Camarões/Inter de Milão e Manchester United) – 16 points
- Maignan (França/Milan) – 13 points
With these names in mind, let’s find out a little more about the performance of the best goalkeepers in the world!
Best goalkeepers in the world: complete list
- Ederson (Brazil/Manchester City) – 145 points
Ederson was a starter as Manchester City won the Triple Crown in the 2022/23 season (Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League). The goalkeeper played 35 league games, going 11 games without conceding a goal, making 46 saves and conceding 32 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Dibu Martínez (Argentina/Aston Villa) – 76 points.
He was a starter as Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The goalkeeper played in all 36 Premier League matches, going 11 games without conceding a goal, making 98 saves and conceding 38 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Courtois (Belgium/Real Madrid) – 73 points
In third place on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world is Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper has played in 31 La Liga matches, going 10 games without conceding a goal, making 90 saves and conceding 29 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona) – 58 points
In fourth place on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world, you can enter Ter Stegen! The goalkeeper has played in 38 La Liga matches, going 26 games without conceding a goal, making 84 saves and conceding 18 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Oblak (Slovenia/Atlético de Madrid) – 36 points
Oblak has played in 28 La Liga matches, going 11 games without conceding a goal, making 61 saves and conceding 20 goals. The goalkeeper is in fifth place in the ranking of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Donnarumma (Italy/PSG) – 23 points
Donnarumma has played in 38 La Liga matches, going 13 games without conceding a goal, making 124 saves and conceding 40 goals. The goalkeeper is sixth in the ranking of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Bono (Morocco/Sevilla and Al-Hilal) – 22 points
Making his eighth appearance on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world is Bono! The goalkeeper has played in 25 La Liga matches, going 4 games without conceding a goal, making 67 saves and conceding 41 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool) – 19 points.
A key player in Liverpool’s Premier League campaign and in ninth place on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world, we have Alisson! The goalkeeper has played in 37 league matches, going 14 games without conceding a goal, making 108 saves and conceding 43 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
- Onana (Cameroon/Inter Milan and Manchester United) – 16 points
In second-to-last place on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world, you can enter Onana! The goalkeeper made 24 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, going 8 games without conceding a goal, making 62 saves and conceding 24 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
Last but not least on the list of the best goalkeepers in the world is Maignan! The goalkeeper has played in 22 Serie A matches, going 8 games without conceding a goal, making 42 saves and conceding 21 goals.
Acervo pessoal/Instagram
This ranking provides an objective and comprehensive analysis, helping to identify not only emerging talents, but also those goalkeepers who maintain a high level of performance over time, standing out as the best goalkeepers in the world according to well-defined and internationally respected criteria.
Did you enjoy getting to know the best goalkeepers in the world? Then get to know the best in other soccer positions too!
