Best goalkeepers in the world: Where do Unai Simon, Gianluigi Donnarumma currently rank in top 10 shot-stoppers in football?

It is the loneliest position on the football field and the one that arguably faces the most scrutiny, given the magnitude that one small mistake can make in the grand scheme of things.

Given the numerous quality goalkeepers in the world today and their recent achievements, ranking the best 10 of the bunch was no easy task.

Distribution and shot-stopping abilities all factored into the equation, while also being able to do so consistently, time and time again in pressure situations.

Additionally, their overall impact was considered; not just in big games, but throughout a long season, as a massive stop or error can often make-or-break a match.

As time goes on new goalkeepers may emerge and take the place of some of the veterans that have been dominant between the sticks for so many years.

In the meantime, Sports Mole takes a look at the top 10 goalkeepers in the world today.

Top 10 goalkeepers in the world

10. Joan Garcia (Spain)

Joan Garcia earned himself a move to Barcelona last summer after enjoying a stellar La Liga campaign with Espanyol, making more saves than any other goalkeeper.

The XX-year-old immediately replaced established stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Barcelona's No.1 and played a key role in their La Liga triumph, including keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over rivals Real Madrid that confirmed them as champions.

Garcia made his international debut for Spain in 2026 and will be part of their World Cup squad, although his minutes may be limited due to the presence of another goalkeeper on this list.

Active since: 2021

Teams: Espanyol, Barcelona, Spain

Notable trophies won: Olympic gold medal, Supercopa de Espana, La Liga

9. Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)

The penalty shootout hero for Argentina in their 2022 World Cup triumph continues to play at a high level with Aston Villa among the best in the Premier League for save percentage once again.

Although his penalty antics will always make him a polarizing figure, the two-time Copa America champion is still as intimidating as they come between the sticks

His coolness under pressure continues to impress, while his pass accuracy is equally as high, all of which have Unai Emery's men once again near the top of the table.

While many of his saves in the 2026 World Cup final were comfortable ones he was a strong presence throughout that match and if not for him Argentina could have suffered a much worse fate than their 1-0 defeat.

The 2024 Yashin Trophy winner is still among the most agile goalkeepers in the world today and a huge presence between the sticks, helping Aston Villa win their first European trophy since 1982 as they lifted the 2026 Europa League trophy.

Active since: 2012

Teams: Arsenal, Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United, Wolves, Getafe, Reading, Aston Villa, Argentina

Notable trophies won: World Cup, Copa America, FA Cup, Community Shield, Europa League

8. Mike Maignan (France)

The man born in French Guiana has had to step into the shoes of two big names, both at club level and internationally, taking over for Gianluigi Donnarumma at AC Milan and World Cup champion Hugo Lloris with France.

Maignan continues to thrive at club level, although Milan are not as strong as they used to be having not won a Serie A title since 2022.

The Frenchman continues to demonstrate excellent instincts while his distribution and long-ball accuracy are exceptional with both Les Bleus and his club side, saving a penalty at the 2026 World Cup and playing solid in his nation's run to the semis.

His leadership qualities, command of his penalty area and communication skills will be counted upon going forward at Milan, who named Maignan as their new captain in 2025.

Active since: 2012

Teams: Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, AC Milan, France

Notable trophies won: Ligue 1, Serie A, Supercoppa Italiana, Nations League

7. Jan Oblak (Slovenia)

Seemingly always a mainstay in these debates, the Slovenian international continues to offer consistency, longevity and dependability to Diego Simeone’s team.

His positioning, agility, and reflexes are in the upper echelon of goalkeepers, with Jan Oblak still a commanding presence between the sticks.

Oblak’s leadership continues to be exemplary for club and country, and the Slovenian captain remains among the most intimidating goalkeepers to face in a one-on-one situation.

Active since: 2009

Teams: Olimpija Ljubljana, Benfica, Beira-Mar, Olhenense, Uniao de Leira, Rio Ave, Atletico Madrid, Slovenia

Notable trophies won: La Liga, Europa League, Primeira Liga, UEFA Super Cup

6. Gregor Kobel (Switzerland)

At the 2026 World Cup, Gregor Kobel did an admirable job between the sticks for Switzerland, following in the footsteps of Yann Sommer.

The Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper was instrumental in helping his country equal their best-ever finish at a World Cup, losing out to Argentina in extra time in the quarter-finals.

We saw him make a difference in penalty shootouts this past season, while his reflexes and shot-stopping ability were exceptional for club and country.

His distribution still needs a bit of work, but he is still a dominant presence in the box, which has been a huge help to his teams.

Active since: 2013

Teams: Basel, Vaduz, Grasshoppers, Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Inter, Switzerland

Notable trophies won: TSG Hoffenheim, FC Augsburg, VfB Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund

5. Alisson Becker (Brazil)

Despite Liverpool adding a pair of goalkeepers in the last summer transfer window, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, the No.1 spot still belongs to Alisson.

He continues to earn his place as the top-choice goalkeeper for this team despite having more competition during his team's underwhelming Premier League campaign.

The Brazilian has dealt with injuries, but when healthy is still agile and sharp between the sticks and capable of helping Liverpool win.

His leadership and on-the-ball ability have consistently made his side title contenders, while he has shown plenty of times that he can steal games for Liverpool.

In what was a disappointing 2025-26 season for the Reds Alisson showed he was still an elite goalkeeper, making critical saves when available.

Liverpool’s Player of the Season in 2022-23 is ageing like a fine wine and showing no signs of slowing down at the moment - that is, when his body does not fail him.

Active since: 2013

Teams: Internacional, Roma, Liverpool, Brazil

Notable trophies won: Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Club World Cup, Copa America

4. David Raya (Spain)

In a Premier League campaign filled with strong goalkeepers, David Raya continues to turn shots away with ease and is among the best.

The Premier League Golden Glove winner on three successive occasions played a huge role in the Gunners winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

Many questioned Raya’s ability to be that commanding presence between the sticks for Arsenal, but this season the Spaniard has often given his best on the biggest stage.

It was not just his reflexes and shot-stopping ability which were stellar, but his ability to cut out through balls and read the game has been exceptional.

Active since: 2014

Teams: Blackburn Rovers, Southport, Brentford, Arsenal, Spain

Notable trophies won: Premier League, UEFA European Championship, Nations League

3. Unai Simon (Spain)

He might not have had a lot to do with the airtight defence Spain had at this World Cup, but the Golden Glove winner still deserves a lot of credit for his performances.

The Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper was an elite sweeper-keeper, with sharp reflexes and great ball distribution for club and country in 2025-26.

Unai Simon was particularly strong in 1v1 situations, never looking panicked or out of sorts, and his calming presence played a part in Spain lifting a second World Cup.

Active since: 2014

Teams: Basconia, Athletic Bilbao B, Athletic Bilbao

Notable trophies won: Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, UEFA European Championship, FIFA World Cup

2. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

When you think of consistency, longevity and exceptional goalkeepers through the years, Thibaut Courtois has to be one of the first names that comes to mind.

It feels like a lifetime ago when he backstopped Chelsea to the 2016-17 Premier League title with 13 clean sheets, but the 34-year-old born in Bree is still among the best shot-stoppers in Europe.

Domenico Tedesco may not have valued his elite talent, as he inexplicably left him out of the Belgian squad for the 2024 Euros in which they crashed out in the round of 16.

Sadly his World Cup ended in the 2026 quarter-finals as he left through injury with his replacement Senne Lammens making a huge gaffe which led to Spain's winner.

Courtois as he has always done, kept Belgium in that tournament with his strong saves while he might have made the difference in a quarter-final that appeared to be headed to extra time and possible penalties.

Active since: 2009

Teams: Genk, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Belgium

Notable trophies won: Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, Europa League, Copa del Rey

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)

Tossed aside despite his influential presence between the sticks at Paris Saint-Germain Gianluigi Donnarumma has still made a strong impression at Manchester City.

The hero in Italy’s 2021 Euro triumph, Donnarumma is still a strong shot stopper who can make a timely save when needed.

His sizeable frame at 6 foot 4, combined with his exceptional athleticism continues to be decisive for the Sky Blues.

Time and again, he gets thrust into pressure situations and he continues to shine and help his team win.

His reflexes are still razor sharp and his experience in clutch situations will feel like an ace in the hole for this team going forward.

Who knows if he was Pep Guardiola's first-choice to come to the club, but whether he was or not he's proving to be a strong presence and reliable when needed.

With Enzo Maresca now in charge Donnarumma will be looked upon for his ability to steal matches and take Man City back to the top of the Premier League table.

Active since: 2015

Teams: AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City

Notable trophies won: Ligue 1, Champions League, UEFA European Championship, FA Cup