Best goalkeepers in the world: Where do David Raya, 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)

Active since: 2021

Teams: Espanyol, Barcelona

Notable trophies won: Olympic gold medal, Supercopa de Espana

9. Mile Svilar (Serbia)

The undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Roma, Mile Svilar, a relatively unknown name outside of Italy, continues to turn heads with his performances in Italy.

In 2024-25, his team underwent three managerial changes before settling on Claudio Ranieri, and although the team’s performances varied early on, Svilar was the model of consistency domestically, posting the joint-most clean sheets in Serie A (16).

The Serbian has not disapointed his new boss Gian Piero Gasperini who is in his first season at the helm and he remains among the toughest goalkeeper to be in the Italian top-flight.

Active since: 2016

Teams: Anderlecht, Benfica, Roma, Serbia

Notable trophies won: Primeira Liga, Belgian Super Cup

8. 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.

The 2024 Yashin Trophy winner, who is still among the most agile goalkeepers in the world today and a huge presence between the sticks enabling Aston Villa to be consistently in the top-half of the Premier League table.

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

7. 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 helping Milan from a disappointing eighth-place finish last season back into contention for the title.

The French international has not looked nearly as prone to a mistake as he did in 2024-25 in part due to his timely saves.

The Frenchman continues to demonstrate excellent instincts while his distribution and long-ball accuracy are exceptional with both Les Bleus and his club side.

His leadership qualities, command of his penalty area and communication skills will be counted upon going forward at Milan, who are seeking a bounce-back campaign, with Maignan as their new captain.

Active since: 2012

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

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

6. 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

5. Yann Sommer (Switzerland)

Yann Sommer continues to shine for them between the sticks, while thriving in big moments helping Inter to be back with a strong chance at reclaiming the Serie A crown.

The Swiss international is showing he can still come up big when needed and is making timely seemed to keep his side on top.

Sommer is somewhat of a late bloomer, but his technical ability and poise in pressure situations have been consistently strong over the past few years, and he deserves to be in the conversation as one of the best at his position.

Active since: 2005

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

Notable trophies won: Serie A, Bundesliga, Swiss Super League

4. Alisson Becker (Brazil)

Despite Liverpool adding a pair of goalkeepers in the last summer transfer window, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, the #1 spot on Arne Slot's side still belongs to Alisson.

He continues to earn his place as the top-choice goalkeeper for this team despite having more competition and 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.

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

3. 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 two successive occasions has the Gunners in position to finally grasp some silverware in what could be one of the club's most decorated seasons in recent times.

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: UEFA European Championship, Nations League

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.

The acrobatic and commanding Belgian continued to thrive making huge saves which have his side in contention for the top spot in La Liga.

It feels like a lifetime ago when he backstopped Chelsea to the 2016-17 Premier League title with 13 clean sheets, but the 33-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.

However, his successor Rudi Garcia will be counting on him to deliver stellar performance for Belgium in the upcoming World Cup.

While things didn't work out with Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa will feel good knowing he has someone like Courtois to depend on at the back.

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 stick 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 presense and reliable when needed.

Active since: 2015

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

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