It's fair to say you have to be as good with your hands as you are with your feet to cut it between the sticks these days.

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The goalkeeper position has evolved ever since Pep Guardiola unceremoniously dumped Joe Hart upon his arrival at Manchester City in 2016, with the ability to pick out a pass and act as a playmaker becoming almost as important as making saves and catching crosses.

It has become one of the most scrutinised roles on the pitch and the top stoppers now fetch huge fees in the transfer market... but who is the best in the business?

We've compiled a top 10 based on long-term career success, recent form and key stats. You're probably going to disagree with us, but it's a game of opinions, right?

RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the 10 best goalkeepers in the world in 2025.

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10. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

One of the greatest to have ever donned a pair of gloves, Manuel Neuer continues to operate at a high level despite suffering a broken leg a couple of seasons ago and entering the twilight years of his career.

The original sweeper keeper, Neuer boasts all the major trophies on his CV including the World Cup and two Champions League titles.

9. Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

One of the lower-profile names on this list, Unai Simon has been Spain's first choice for the past four years and enjoyed a personal-best season in 2023/24.

The 27-year-old conceded just four goals all tournament as Spain won the European Championship, helped Athletic Bilbao to their first Copa del Rey success in 40 years and clinched the Zamora Trophy, which is awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-conceded-per- game ratio in La Liga.

8. Ederson (Manchester City)

A one-time mainstay in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side has fallen down the pecking order with his club – and our list.

Ederson has won everything club football has to offer, with his sublime footwork pairing beautifully with his shot-stopping capabilities. But something has gone awry. Ederson's confidence has looked shot since being forced to duel with Stefan Ortega for the jersey.

7. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Emiliano Martinez has gradually worked his way to the top of the footballing tree, following a series of loan spells in the EFL during the early part of his career, with his performances during Argentina's 2022 World Cup success helping him land the following year's Yashin Trophy.

Aston Villa's number one is basically a cheat code in penalty shootouts thanks to his antics and ability to keep the ball out of the net from 12 yards.

6. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

A permanent fixture for Atletico Madrid for the past decade, Jan Oblak has built his reputation on racking up a whole host of individual gongs as the team trophies on his résumé are somewhat lacking compared to others on this list.

One of the best in the world at shot-stopping and commanding his box, the Slovenian deserves credit for reinventing his game over the years to become more comfortable in possession.

5. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

Gianluigi Donnarumma was destined for greatness when he made his debut for AC Milan at the age of 16 and he's gone on to establish himself as one of the world's leading goalies.

A strong stopper with a huge reach, the Italian is one of a number of players on this list to have won the Yashin Trophy - awarded during the Ballon d'Or ceremony - after saving two penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout against England.

4. Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

France's number one in the post-Hugo Lloris era, Mike Maignan regularly pulls off super saves thanks to his smart positioning, but he is also one of the best ball-playing goalkeepers.

He signed off a lengthy spell at Lille by helping the club to the 2021 Ligue 1 title before playing a key role in AC Milan's Serie A triumph in 2022 in his debut season at the San Siro.

3. David Raya (Arsenal)

Eyebrows were raised when Mikel Arteta opted to sign David Raya just a year after splashing the cash on Aaron Ramsdale, but the Spanish stopper quickly became Arsenal's number one and has taken his game to new heights at the Emirates Stadium.

Raya, 29, is renowned for his ball-playing skills and willingness to quickly start attacks - a staple of Artetaball - but his cat-like reflexes have been just as important for the title-chasing Gunners.

2. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Thibaut Courtois missed the majority of the 2023/24 campaign due to a serious knee injury, but he returned to fitness in time to keep a clean sheet in Real Madrid's Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund.

The Belgian makes the most of his 6ft 7in frame to command his penalty area and has won major honours at three different clubs as well as plenty of individual titles including the Yashin Trophy in 2022.

1. Alisson (Liverpool)

A silky-smooth stopper that has been an integral cog during Liverpool's trophy-laden spell in recent years, it is difficult to think of a goalkeeper more perfect for the modern era than Alisson.

The Brazilian combines lightning-fast reflexes and excellent positioning in the box with an ability to start attacks and involve himself in build-up play.

A two-time Premier League Golden Glove and Yashin Trophy winner, Alisson's CV is littered with success.

Who is the best goalkeeper in the world?

Alisson continues to be the goalkeeper that can do it all, from shot-stopping to playing out from the back to claiming crosses with ease.

Liverpool appear to have a long-term succession plan in place - Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to join in the summer of 2025 - but the Brazilian remains the top dog for the time being.

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Authors

Alex Harris
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