Top 10 Best Goalkeepers In The World 2023

Some of the best football teams in the world also have the best goalkeepers who help them stay at the top. Goalkeepers defend the goal, organise the defence (especially during set pieces), as well as pick out crosses among other things.

In modern times, goalies are not just expected to be the last line of defense; but to also initiate attacks. A small mistake from them can cost the entire team.

In this post, FootballOrbit presents you with the top 10 best goalkeepers in the world in 2023.

1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Due to his personality, excellent reflexes, acrobatic saves, and command of the penalty area, Thibaut Courtois has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he won the Golden Glove as the Best Goalkeeper after helping Belgium finish third — their highest-ever finish at the competition.

In 2022, he won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper of the year.

Courtois has won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy 3 times, the Premier League Golden Glove once, and was named the third-best goalkeeper of the decade (2011–2020) by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

In 2022/23, the Real Madrid stopper played 39 matches, conceded 35 goals and kept 16 clean sheets in all competitions.

2. Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Alisson Becker is one of the best goalkeepers in the world due to his distribution, ability in one-on-one situations, speed, momentum, smart positioning, agility, and excellent shot-blocking ability.

In 2018, he became the most expensive goalkeeper of all time when he joined Liverpool from AS Roma. Becker has since won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

In 2019, the Brazilian was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and was also the recipient of the inaugural Yashin Trophy.

Furthermore, he has twice been selected in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11.

This season so far, Allison has kept 14 clean sheets in 42 games in all competitions.

3. Ederson (Manchester City)

Ederson is so good with the ball at his feet that he could easily play in midfield for Manchester City alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

Apart from being good on the ball, Ederson is also known for keeping clean sheets and making exceptional saves for his team. He has won the Premier League Golden Glove in the last 3 seasons.

The Brazilian has played 41 matches, conceded 35 goals and kept 16 clean sheets across all competitions in 2022/23.

4. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Considered by some as not just the current best goalkeeper in the world, but also one of the greatest goalies of all time.

Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as a complete and modern goalkeeper. He is a reference for contemporary “sweeper goalkeepers”.

His ability to make blistering long runs to clear up loose balls and come out to collect crosses enables him to command his area effectively.

Moreso, he is also known for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities with both his arms and legs.

At Bayern Munich, Neuer has won 28 trophies — including 10 Bundesliga titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles in 2013 and 2020 (both as part of Trebles).

He won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany as well as the Golden Glove award for being the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

In 2014, Neuer finished third in the voting for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He has been awarded the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year and the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper 5 times each.

He was named the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by IFFHS.

This season, he had kept 7 clean sheets in 16 matches before suffering a leg fracture that ruled him out of the season.

5. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Mike Maignan is one of the best goalkeepers in the world due his reflexes, distribution and leadership qualities.

He came through the youth teams at PSG and was an unused substitute several times. In 2015, he joined Lille for €1 million, and became their first-choice in 2017.

He was voted Ligue 1’s goalkeeper of the year in 2018/19, and won the league title in 2020/21.

Subsequently, Maignan moved to AC Milan for €15 million, winning the Serie A in his first season and also making the Team of the Season — after impressive performances.

The Frenchman has played 20 games this campaign, conceded 18 goals and kept 8 clean sheets.

6. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

Since joining Barcelona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. And has equally won every available trophy.

He is famous for his quick reflexes, good decision-making and excellent shot-stopping abilities between the posts.

Moreso, he is also strong in the air, good in one-on-one situations, reads the game well, rushes off his line when necessary, and very effective at communicating with his back-line due to his strong personality.

Ter Stegen has featured in 43 matches this season, conceded 32 goals and kept 25 clean sheets as Barca chase down La Liga glory.

7. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s technical abilities, mental composure, decision making, intelligence, concentration, professionalism and ability to organise a defence makes him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

He played a starring role for Italy in their Euro 2020 triumph with crucial penalty shootout saves and kept a miserly defensive record throughout the competition.

He was deservedly named the Player of the Tournament, and also won the Yashin Trophy in 2021.

Donnaruma has kept 13 clean sheets in 42 games so far this term.

8. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Athletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is renown for his speed, quick reflexes, reading of the game, excellent handling as well as the ability to come off his line and collect crosses.

Furthermore, his work-rate, positioning, footwork, shot-stopping abilities, composure in goal, consistency, and leadership instills a sense of confidence in his team’s back-line.

The Slovenian has played 38 matches, conceded 31 goals and kept 16 clean sheets in 2022/23.

9. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

After failing to establish himself at Arsenal, Emiliano Martinez joined Aston Villa and was named Player of the Season in his debut season at Villa Park.

Martinez became a national hero in Argentina after helping his country win the Copa America in 2021, and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Martinez won the Best Goalkeeper award in Qatar after keeping 3 clean sheets as well as making several crucial saves. He also made the Team of the Tournament.

He has registered 13 clean sheets in 32 matches for Aston Villa this season.

10. Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)

For many followers of soccer, Yassine Bounou only came to limelight after helping Morocco become the first ever African nation to reach the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, but he had actually been impressing for Sevilla for years and helped the club win the Europa League in 2020.

In 2021, Bounou kept 32 clean sheets in 59 games for club and country — the most of any goalkeeper in Europe’s Top Five leagues.

He only enhanced his reputation in Qatar, famously making two saves during the round of 16 penalty shoot-out against Spain.

Bounou kept 3 clean sheets at the World Cup, becoming the first African to do.