Best goalkeepers in the world 2025

There's an argument to be made that goalkeepers have never had it tougher.

It's no longer enough just to keep the ball out of the net, the very best between the sticks are required to be excellent in possession, play a key part in their side's build-up, patrol the edge of their penalty area, and deal with balls flying into the box from all angles as teams get more and more direct.

Mistakes in goal are more costly than anywhere else on the pitch and reputations can be tarnished quickly as a result.

There are plenty of quality goalkeepers in the modern game but the very best at the position are able to set themselves apart with their consistency.

We've compiled a top 10 based on long-term career success, recent form and key stats. You're probably going to disagree with us, but it's a game of opinions, right?

RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the 10 best goalkeepers in the world in 2025.

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10. Yann Sommer (Inter)

Yann Sommer has aged like a fine wine. The Swiss goalkeeper spent much of his career as one of the most underrated at the position on the planet.

That was, in part, due to long stints at FC Basel and Borussia Monchengladbach but his move to Inter has allowed him to get the credit he has long deserved.

As he was in the Swiss Super League and Bundesliga, Sommer has been exceptional for the San Siro outfit and played a key part in their run to the Champions League final last term.

9. Joan Garcia (Barcelona)

Barcelona's summer signing has been backed to become the best keeper in the world – and for good reason. At 24, his presence, shot-stopping, and quality in possession has already set him apart.

Joan Garcia made his name at Espanyol before making the controversial move across the Catalan capital and the early signs are that he has what it takes to deal with the pressure of being the No.1 at a European heavyweight.

8. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

While some goalkeepers prefer to quietly go about their business, Emiliano Martinez provides a dominant presence in the Aston Villa and Argentina goal.

Martinez had to work for his chance, cutting his teeth in the Arsenal youth system and on loan in the EFL, but it came at Villa Park and he has not looked back.

The towering 33-year-old has been outstanding in recent years, winning the 2022 World Cup and the Yashin Trophy - awarded during the Ballon d'Or ceremony - in 2023, and is arguably the best penalty saver in the game.

7. Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

It speaks volumes of about his quality that of the three Spanish goalkeepers on this list, it is Unai Simon that has established himself as his country's No. 1.

The 28-year-old has been a safe pair of hands at the back for Athletic Bilbao for years and, having returned from injury, formed part of La Liga's meanest defence last term as the Basque club qualified for the Champions League.

Now entering his prime, Simon has taken his game up a level in possession in recent seasons as well.

6. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

A long-standing wall in the Atletico Madrid goal, Jan Oblak may not have won the trophies that some on this list have, but he has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers of his generation.

While Oblak's commanding box presence has been always been a key part of his game, the Slovenian deserves credit for reinventing himself over the years to become more comfortable in possession.

5. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Mike Maignan has taken up Hugo Lloris's mantel as France's No. 1 with great aplomb.

The AC Milan star is a brilliant shot-stopper, known at the San Siro for coming up clutch in big moments, and one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers.

His contract situation is likely to make him the subject of much interest in upcoming windows and a Premier League move would be no surprise.

4. David Raya (Arsenal)

Eyebrows were raised when Mikel Arteta opted to sign David Raya just a year after splashing the cash on Aaron Ramsdale, but the Spanish stopper quickly became Arsenal's number one and has taken his game to new heights at the Emirates Stadium.

Raya, 29, is renowned for his ball-playing skills and willingness to quickly start attacks - a staple of Artetaball - but it is his cat-like reflexes that could help the Gunners end their trophy drought this season.

3. Alisson (Liverpool)

Liverpool spent big on Alisson in 2018 and it would prove an inspired investment.

The silky-smooth shot-stopper that has been an integral cog during the Reds' trophy-laden spell in recent years, it is difficult to think of a goalkeeper more perfect for the modern era than Alisson.

The Brazilian combines lightning-fast reflexes, excellent positioning and a huge frame with an ability to start attacks and involve himself in build-up play.

2. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Thibaut Courtois is a towering presence in the Real Madrid goal but it's the way he manipulates his 6ft 7in frame that has put him among the best shot-stoppers in the game for so many years.

His glittering CV speaks for itself. Wherever he has gone, from Genk to the Bernabeu, trophies have followed and now, well into his 30s, the Belgian remains one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world.

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City)

Gianluigi Donnarumma was destined for greatness when he made his debut for AC Milan at the age of 16 and he's gone on to establish himself as one of the world's leading goalkeepers.

A remarkable shot-stopper with a massive reach, the Italian helped PSG finally win the Champions League last season and was rewarded with his second Yashin Trophy in September.

Now at Man City, Premier League fans are beginning to properly understand just how good he is.

Who is the best goalkeeper in the world?

There are better ball players and those more assured under the high ball but Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

That he has joined Pep Guardiola at Man City is a scary thought, as is the prospect of the 26-year-old getting even better under the Spanish coach.

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