There was once a time when goalkeepers weren’t as revered as they are today. As the game has evolved, there has been an increased focus on their agility and quick reflexes as a vital component for a winning team. Now, their constant vigilance is key to keeping players focussed throughout a match.
The top goalkeepers in the world share all these qualities and are a huge part of their national and club’s success. So, who are the top 5 goalkeepers in the world?
In at number 5, we have Man City’s, Ederson Moraes. Manchester City had an extraordinary 2021 with Moraes, winning the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. He boasts a 67% save average and has one of the highest clean sheet records in the world, with 22 games under his belt and a massively impressive 74 saves.
At number 4 and new to the ranks of goalkeeper greatness, we have Chelsea’s, Edouard Mendy. In the past 18 months, the Senegalese national has blown away his competition. Replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga with a 95.2% save percentage for shots outside the box. In 44 games, he has 26 clean sheets and an overall save percentage of 79%.
Allison Becker spars alongside his Brazilian counterpart Moraes at number 3, for a goalkeeper in his prime. A reliable presence at Liverpool, he’s held his position as a world-class athlete despite Liverpool missing much of their notable defenders. Yet despite this, he has a save percentage of 71% with 105 saves, more than enough to have secured Liverpool a place in the Champions League.
Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak has been regarded for some time as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. His club team has had a stellar 2021 where Oblak was instrumental in winning Atlético Madrid’s 11th La Liga title. The Slovakian beat out Allison Becker by securing silverware for Atlético Madrid, with 100 saves and a 69% save average, taking the number 2 spot.
The top spot goes to Bayern Munich’s Manuel Nuer. At 35, there seems to be no end in the tank. As a 9-time Bundesliga Champion, a twice UEFA Champions League winner with the prized 2014 FIFA World Cup title under his belt, he’s one of the most decorated European players in the world.
Although a little unorthodox in his tactics, playing far further from the goal than the average goalkeeper, his stats are incomparable. In 2021, he had a save percentage of 86% with an enormous 104 goals saved, securing the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich, once again.
