Premier League Goalkeeper Rankings: The Top 5 Goalkeepers in English Football (EPL)
The job of a top-level goalkeeper has never been more challenging. Not only are they expected to be elite shot-stoppers, but they must also possess the distribution skills of a top midfielder. Luckily for Premier League fans, there is an array of No. 1s in the league who combine both attributes to an extremely high level.
The Premier League has been home to some titans of the goalkeeping fraternity, including Peter Schmeichel, Petr Čech, Thibaut Courtois, and Edwin van der Sar, but the current crop in 2025/26 is up there with anything that has come before.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to rank our top five goalkeepers currently plying their trade in the top flight of English football.
Our Top 5 Goalkeepers in the Premier League
5. Caoimhín Kelleher, Brentford
The common consensus for a long time was that the Cork man was too good to remain a backup to Alisson at Liverpool. This season, he has had the opportunity to prove just that, and he has certainly taken it.
His shot-stopping and distribution skills have been a major factor in Brentford's surprising many under rookie head coach Keith Andrews. Kelleher has made several crucial saves as his side beat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United at the Gtech Community Stadium, with his penalty save from Bruno Fernandes a particular highlight.
He has also played a leading role in Ireland’s bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, producing huge stops as they earned wins over Portugal and Hungary to reach the play-offs next March.
4. Jordan Pickford, Everton
England and Everton’s No. 1 has been in top form so far this season for both club and country. He has kept six clean sheets as Everton sit ninth after 16 games under David Moyes. Pickford has also made 45 saves across those 16 matches as Everton enjoy their first season at their brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Though still prone to the odd eccentric moment that plagued him earlier in his career, Pickford’s game has developed to such an extent that he is now rightly regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
He has also been instrumental in England’s recent form. Pickford has been a consistent presence in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI, culminating in England qualifying for the World Cup at the top of their group, winning all eight qualifiers without conceding a single goal.
Raya won back-to-back Golden Gloves in 2023/24 and 2024/25 and is sharing the top spot once more this season with 8 shutouts in his first 16 games of the Premier League season.
3. Alisson, Liverpool
For quite some time, Alisson was without doubt the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. While he doesn’t top our list this season, he remains one of the finest around.
Liverpool struggled for many years between the sticks before Jürgen Klopp brought the Brazilian goalkeeper to Anfield in 2018. Since then, Alisson has won two league titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup. He has been a key part of what Liverpool have achieved over the last decade, and if they are to get their season back on track, their No. 1 will need to be at his best once again.
The only concern for Liverpool fans is the amount of action he has missed in recent seasons due to persistent injuries.
That, combined with Liverpool’s inconsistent form, means Alisson has likely been usurped as the league’s top goalkeeper for now. However, if he can remain fit, it would be no surprise to see him reclaim that mantle this time next season.
2. David Raya, Arsenal
A few eyebrows were raised when Mikel Arteta decided to replace Aaron Ramsdale with former Brentford goalkeeper David Raya in the summer of 2023, but no one is questioning that decision now.
The Spanish international is one of the finest goalkeepers in world football and has been a vital part of Arsenal’s title pushes in recent seasons. Raya won back-to-back Golden Gloves in 2023/24 and 2024/25 and is once again sharing top spot this season with eight clean sheets in his first 16 Premier League matches.
Arsenal have also kept five clean sheets from six in their Champions League campaign, underlining the strength of their defence and Raya in particular so far this season.
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City
What a few months it has been for Gianluigi Donnarumma:
From Champions League winner to PSG outcast, the Italian goalkeeper found himself unwanted in Paris until Manchester City offered him an escape route to the Premier League.
Concerns over his distribution meant a move became inevitable, and when Donnarumma became available, Pep Guardiola had no hesitation in signing the former AC Milan keeper as Ederson’s replacement. City have reaped the rewards, with his imposing frame and elite shot-stopping ability making him an instant hit at the Etihad Stadium.
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Liam Lacey
Liam is a sportswriter from County Laois in Ireland who specializes in delivering content on GAA and Football matters (though he does see himself as somewhat of a tennis aficionado also!). Liam has written about All Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, Premier League, Champions League and International Football offering expert opinion and match previews and predictions. Occasionally even getting some right!