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The best football goalie in the world right now is a title fiercely contested, with numerous world-class athletes vying for the honor. While subjective, Thibaut Courtois is considered the best football goalie in the world as of November 2024. However, several other goalkeepers are close contenders. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and what makes them stand out.
How Are The Best Football Goalkeepers Determined?
Determining the best football goalie involves evaluating several key factors. These include technical ability, current form, and overall standing in the game over the past few years.
FourFourTwo’s football experts compile lists of the top goalkeepers based on these criteria. Each player is ranked, with the top player receiving 10 points, the second nine points, and so on. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced assessment.
Here’s a summary of the methodology:
- Technical Ability: Evaluates skills like shot-stopping, distribution, and command of the area.
- Current Form: Considers recent performances in both club and international matches.
- Standing in the Game: Reflects a goalkeeper’s reputation and consistency over several seasons.
Top Football Goalie Contenders in 2024
Here’s a detailed look at some of the top football goalie contenders in 2024:
1. Thibaut Courtois
- Age: 32
- Club: Real Madrid
- Nationality: Belgium
Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world due to his commanding presence in the box, exceptional shot-stopping abilities, and crucial saves in big games. Despite a challenging start to 2024 with a meniscus tear and recovery from an ACL tear, Courtois made a remarkable comeback, keeping a clean sheet in the Champions League final. His performances have solidified his reputation as a top-tier goalkeeper.
Thibaut Courtois stretches for the ball against Manhcester City
2. Alisson Becker
- Age: 32
- Club: Liverpool
- Nationality: Brazil
Alisson Becker is renowned for his reliability and exceptional skills, making him one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers. Since joining Liverpool in 2018, Alisson has consistently delivered top-notch performances, solidifying his status as a legend. At 32, he continues to be a key player for both club and country, with 71 caps for Brazil.
Alisson of Liverpool celebrates against Wolves
3. Mike Maignan
- Age: 29
- Club: Milan
- Nationality: France
Mike Maignan has established himself as France’s number one goalkeeper, succeeding Hugo Lloris. His outstanding performances at Euro 2024, where he conceded just three goals in six games, earned him the title of best goalkeeper at the tournament. Maignan’s consistent performance and resilience make him a top contender.
Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Verona at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 15, 2025 in Milan, Italy.
4. Emiliano Martinez
- Age: 32
- Club: Aston Villa
- Nationality: Argentina
Emiliano Martinez, known as Big Emi, gained prominence after winning the World Cup with Argentina. His performances have been crucial for Aston Villa, helping them reach the Champions League. Martinez’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and make critical saves sets him apart. A stunning save against Nottingham Forest earlier this season underscored his unique talent.
Emiliano Martinez celebrates against Bayern Munich
5. David Raya
- Age: 29
- Club: Arsenal
- Nationality: Spain
David Raya’s move to Arsenal raised eyebrows initially, but he has since become one of the Premier League’s most reliable players. His distribution skills, ability with his feet, and command of the penalty area have made him an invaluable asset. Key saves against Atalanta and Aston Villa have kept Arsenal competitive.
David Raya collapses on the ball against Paris Saint-Germain
6. Jan Oblak
- Age: 32
- Club: Atletico Madrid
- Nationality: Slovenia
Jan Oblak has been a consistent presence in discussions about the world’s best goalkeepers for a decade. Since joining Atletico Madrid in 2014, he has been Diego Simeone’s reliable player, known for consistency, agility, reflexes, and leadership. Oblak’s achievements include saving penalties from both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jan Oblak
7. Unai Simon
- Age: 27
- Club: Athletic Club
- Nationality: Spain
Unai Simon has solidified his position as Iker Casillas’ heir in the Spanish national team. After winning the Copa del Rey with Athletic Club, Simon led La Roja to victory in Euro 2024. His composed and reliable style makes him an excellent goalkeeper.
Unai Simon in action against Rayo Vallecano
8. Manuel Neuer
- Age: 38
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Nationality: Germany
Manuel Neuer’s career is winding down after announcing his international retirement, but his performances in the Champions League have been a reminder of his enduring quality. Neuer continues to set records, with his 250th clean sheet for Bayern Munich in October. His legacy as one of the best in the world remains intact.
Manuel Neuer catches the ball against Dinamo Zagreb
9. Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Age: 25
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Nationality: Italy
Gianluigi Donnarumma, despite being only 25, has already made nearly 500 senior appearances. His career has had its ups and downs, but his performances for Italy, including a crucial penalty save against Croatia, indicate he is back on track. Donnarumma’s potential remains immense.
Gianluigi Donnarumma in Champions League action against Brest
10. Yann Sommer
- Age: 36
- Club: Inter Milan
- Nationality: Switzerland
Yann Sommer has quietly established himself as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers. After stepping in for Manuel Neuer at Bayern Munich, Sommer moved to Inter Milan, where his performances were key to winning Serie A. Sommer’s consistent and reliable style has earned him recognition as a top goalkeeper.
Yann Sommer in action for Inter against Juventus
Honorable Mentions
Several other goalkeepers deserve recognition for their performances:
- Ederson (Manchester City): A transformative figure for City, Ederson’s recent form has been slightly poorer than usual.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid shoots past Ederson of Manchester City in the build up to his side
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, on loan from Liverpool): A young, promising goalkeeper with a bright future.
Giorgi Mamardashvili of Georgia in action during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena AufSchalke on June 26, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
- Jordan Pickford (Everton): England’s number one, known for his sturdy shot-stopping.
Jordan Pickford while in goal against Bournemouth
- Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest): A surprise hit in the Premier League, contributing to Forest’s success.
Matz Sels in action against Chelsea
- Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund): One of the better goalkeepers under 30.
Gregor Kobel in action for Dortmund
- Stefan Ortega (Manchester City): A strong backup who has surpassed Ederson at times.
Stefan Ortega in action against Luton Town
- Bernd Leno (Fulham): Impressive statistics over the past two years.
Bernd Leno screams against Manchester United
- Marcin Bulka (Nice): A steady performer in Europe, excelling in expected saves.
Marcin Bulka celebrates against Toulouse
- James Trafford (Burnley): Astonishing record in the second tier.
James Trafford holds the ball against Portsmouth
The Evolution of Football Goalies
The role of a football goalie has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Thirty years ago, goalies were primarily shot-stoppers, acting as the last line of defense. Today, they are integral to the team’s build-up play, serving as the first line of attack and effectively functioning as an additional outfielder. This evolution has raised the bar for what is expected of a top-tier goalkeeper.
Key Attributes of a Modern Goalie
- Shot-Stopping: The fundamental skill remains crucial.
- Distribution: Accurate and efficient passing is essential.
- Command of Area: Dominating the penalty box to claim crosses and set-pieces.
- Composure: Maintaining calm under pressure.
- Agility and Reflexes: Quick reactions to make crucial saves.
- Leadership: Organizing the defense and providing guidance.
The Impact of Data Analytics on Goalkeeping
Data analytics has transformed how goalkeepers are evaluated and trained. Expected Saves (xSaves) and other advanced metrics provide deeper insights into performance. These tools help coaches identify strengths and weaknesses, tailor training programs, and make informed decisions about player selection.
Common Goalkeeping Metrics
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) | Measures the difference between actual goals conceded and expected goals based on the quality of shots faced. |
| Save Percentage | Percentage of shots on target saved. |
| Clean Sheet Ratio | Percentage of games played without conceding a goal. |
| Distribution Accuracy | Accuracy of passes made by the goalkeeper. |
FAQ: Best Football Goalie
Q: Who is considered the best football goalie in the world right now?
A: Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as the best football goalie in the world as of November 2024.
Q: What factors are used to determine the best football goalie?
A: Technical ability, current form, and overall standing in the game are the primary factors.
Q: Who are some other top contenders for the title of best football goalie?
A: Alisson Becker, Mike Maignan, and Emiliano Martinez are among the top contenders.
Q: How has the role of a football goalie changed over time?
A: Goalies have evolved from being primarily shot-stoppers to integral parts of the team’s build-up play.
Q: What are some key attributes of a modern football goalie?
A: Key attributes include shot-stopping, distribution, command of area, composure, agility, and leadership.
Q: How do data analytics impact the evaluation of goalkeepers?
A: Data analytics provide deeper insights into performance through metrics like Expected Saves (xSaves).
Q: Which goalkeepers were given honorable mentions in the FourFourTwo list?
A: Ederson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jordan Pickford, Matz Sels, Gregor Kobel, Stefan Ortega, Bernd Leno, Marcin Bulka, and James Trafford.
Q: What makes Alisson Becker stand out as a top goalkeeper?
A: Alisson Becker is known for his reliability and exceptional skills, making him one of the Premier League’s best.
Q: Why is Thibaut Courtois considered the best despite recent injuries?
A: Courtois’ remarkable comeback and clean sheet in the Champions League final solidified his reputation.
Q: What role did Mike Maignan play in France’s Euro 2024 performance?
A: Maignan was named the best goalkeeper at Euro 2024, conceding just three goals in six games.
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