Sports
20 Greatest Goalkeepers in Premier League History (Ranked)
Summary
- Some of the greatest goalkeepers of all time have played in the Premier League, showing their class on a regular basis.
- From the 1990s to the 2020s, goalkeepers have continually adapted to the pace of the Premier League, with the ability to be able to play out from the back being crucial.
- Manchester United have four goalkeepers who feature in the top 20 of the greatest shot-stoppers.
The Premier League has had some truly great goalkeeping talents over the years. The spotlight is often on the goalscorers and the ones putting the ball in the back of the net, but it’s the goalkeepers in football who can be the unsung heroes, providing those match-saving moments that can define a match.
Some shot-stoppers have made season-defining saves, whilst others have helped progress the game by playing out from the back. Approximately 20 years ago, keepers were rarely required to pass the ball, often opting to boot the ball up the pitch. However, that is not the case anymore. The likes of Ederson epitomise how a goalkeeper can play a key role in their team’s attacks.
The 2024/2025 Premier League season has once again served as a reminder of just why a top-class goalkeeper is coveted by many of the top clubs, with Arsenal’s David Raya and Liverpool’s Alisson among the best the division has seen once again. But do they feature in the top 20 of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history?
Ranking Factors
- Importance to their team
- Shot-stopping ability and reflexes
- Ability to step up in the biggest moments and games
- How good their distribution is
- Golden Glove awards and trophies won
30 Greatest Defenders In Premier League History (Ranked)
The 20 greatest defenders in Premier League history, including Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole, have been ranked.
20
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel had the whole world’s pressure on his shoulders when he became a professional goalkeeper. As the son of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, he was expected to perform – and he did exactly that. Over the course of his Premier League career, he made 284 appearances, playing a key role in Leicester City’s title success in all 38 matches.
He was one of the heartbeats in Leicester’s side, acting as a cool and measured man in the face of pressure. It’s as if it runs in the family’s DNA. Nevertheless, Schmeichel is the first on this list after consistency every year.
|
Kasper Schmeichel’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
284 |
82 |
Leicester, Man City |
19
Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer’s Premier League journey spanned over 20 years, displaying remarkable consistency and a high level of performance. His time with Middlesbrough, Fulham, and even Chelsea saw him pull off some of the league’s most memorable saves across his 514 games in the league. In that time, he secured 152 clean sheets and even pulled off one assist!
The Australian helped Fulham become a stable team in the Premier League. Knowing they could trust their goalkeeper in between the sticks proved crucial, especially during their run to the Europa League final in 2010, even if they lost in the end to Atlético Madrid.
|
Mark Schwarzer’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
514 |
152 |
Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, Leicester |
18
Tim Howard
During his career, Tim Howard made 399 appearances. In those matches, he completed 132 clean sheets, even scoring one goal in the process. His Premier League career was marked by athleticism, sharp reflexes, and vocal leadership.
His spell at Manchester United was brief but impactful, yet it was with Everton where he truly became a legend, playing 354 games, helping Everton become a consistent name in the league – and qualifying for the Champions League. His match-winning saves and command of his area made him a fan favourite for Everton fans, and one of the league’s best goalkeepers of his generation.
|
Tim Howard’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
399 |
132 |
Man Utd, Everton |
17
Thibaut Courtois
Although Thibaut Courtois left Chelsea on a sour note, he still goes down as one of the greatest Premier League goalkeepers. His spell in the league was not as long as others, standing at 126 league games for the Blues, but he still managed to establish himself as a legend.
His imposing frame and exceptional ability to read the game made him a truly fantastic keeper for the Blues, a key reason for their successes at the time. Courtois’ trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, in which he won the Premier League twice, solidifies his place among the elite, yet he has only improved whilst at Real Madrid.
|
Thibaut Courtois’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
126 |
48 |
Chelsea |
16
Nigel Martyn
Compared to other names on this list, Nigel Martyn might not be as well-known, particularly if you didn’t watch the Premier League during the 1990s. However, his name is synonymous with consistency. His spells at Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton were marked by outstanding saves and reliability.
Martyn’s ability to command his area and make crucial saves makes him one of the Premier League’s most revered goalkeepers, and he proved that during his 372 games in the division. Ending his spell in 2006, he was a traditional goalkeeper, but – in that sense – he built trust with his defenders every match.
|
Nigel Martyn’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
372 |
137 |
Crystal Palace, Leeds, Everton |
15
Pepe Reina
Pepe Reina’s tenure at Liverpool was filled with breathtaking saves and moments of brilliance. His quick reflexes, agility, and intelligent game-reading made him one of Liverpool’s finest goalkeepers and showed why he played just shy of 300 games for the club.
The Spaniard is often disrespected due to his struggles at Aston Villa when he returned in the 2019/2020 season. However, he helped Liverpool shine from 2005 to 2013, acting as a cool, calm and measured player in between the sticks. He goes down as one of Spain’s – and the Premier League’s – greatest goalkeepers.
|
Pepe Reina’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
297 |
136 |
Liverpool, Aston Villa |
14
Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. He wasn’t replaced until 2023, acting as club captain for the majority of those years. He was reliable, assured and measured in between the goal, making crucial saves for Spurs. In particular, his penalty saves against Arsenal at Wembley and then Manchester City – just a few weeks later – in the Champions League showcased his talent.
With 361 Premier League games under his belt, Lloris goes down as a Tottenham Legend – and thus a Premier League legend. There were very few goalkeepers better than him when he was performing during his prime.
|
Hugo Lloris’ Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
361 |
127 |
Tottenham |
13
Neville Southall
Everton fans have seen their fair share of exceptional players over the years, especially due to their almost never-ending spell in England’s top division. However, Neville Southall is regarded by many as the greatest goalkeeper in the club’s history – ahead of Howard and Jordan Pickford.
His shot-stopping ability, incredible reflexes, and fearless presence in goal earned him saw him make 578 games for the club during his 17 years at the club. He was cool, calm and confident in goal, ultimately providing confidence to the defenders in front of him. Southall’s influence on the Premier League is unquestionable, making him a fitting addition to this list.
|
Neville Southall’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
208 |
62 |
Everton, Bradford |
12
David James
David James was often the forgotten member during England’s golden era. With the likes of Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard ahead of him, he was cool, calm and composed in goal – even if it did not lead to an international trophy.
David James’ Premier League career spanned various clubs, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City, and Portsmouth, where he played over 570 games in the Premier League. Known for his athleticism and spectacular saves, James’ longevity across different clubs showcases his undeniable quality as a top-tier goalkeeper, and ensures he goes down as one of the league’s best.
|
David James’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
572 |
169 |
Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Man City, Portsmouth |
11
Joe Hart
From one ex-Manchester City and West Ham player to another, Joe Hart is widely considered one of the best Premier League goalkeepers ever. Hart’s remarkable time at Man City saw him win the Premier League both in 2011 and 2014 – the beginning of the club’s dominant spell.
His sharp reflexes, vocal leadership, and key saves were instrumental in City’s title-winning campaign, with his passion also helping him to earn a spot among the Premier League’s finest. Everyone remembers his iconic celebration as Sergio Aguero saved the club’s season in the dying seconds. It was only when Pep Guardiola joined that Hart left the club after struggling to start attacks from the back.
|
Joe Hart’s Premier League Stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Appearances |
Clean Sheets |
Teams |
|
340 |
127 |
Man City, Burnley, West Ham, Tottenham |
Tottenham could be set for Premier League interest in one of their bright young stars this summer. Spurs are in the midst of a squad overhaul as they look to go from relegation candidates to European candidates.
Roberto De Zerbi is going to be handed big money to make changes to his squad, with the Italian likely securing promises from the Spurs higher-ups before even taking the job. Spurs have promised changes this summer after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, and they are now putting their money where their mouth is, already wrapping up four new signings in an impressively efficient window so far.
But mass signings are not always good news for existing players, and one player appears to want out.
Bergvall exit noise is not going away
One of Tottenham’s brightest young talents, Lucas Bergvall, is now being heavily linked with a move away this summer. The attacking midfielder clearly has a lot of potential to reach, described as a ‘generational talent’ by Spurs scouting chief Robert Mackenzie, but it has been reported that his route to regular first-team football is now a clear one next season.
That could leave him to leave, and amid growing transfer links, he recently refused to comment on a move, sparking more speculation.
Bergvall, who is at the World Cup with Sweden, told reporters: “As I said: I’m fully focused on the World Cup.” He added: “I’m fully focusing on the World Cup. I’m here with Sweden, and we’re going to try to make a good impression in the U.S. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it then. It’s been a tough season, as I said. But now the focus is on the World Cup and being here.”
In Bergvall’s defence, ‘refusing to rule out’ a move, as it is often described, is treated similar to asking for a move by many, which doesn’t feel particularly fair. Many international players turn off all communications to the club world during an international tournament, and such an approach worked well for Spain at the last Euros.
So, in all likelihood, Bergvall is being truthful with his stance in those comments, but it doesn’t mean a move is not likely this summer. Ultimately, Spurs do have options in the number 10 role, and James Maddison is likely to be the starter there, while Xavi Simons will likely be the secondary option when he returns from injury, likely some time in the winter.
Forest could move for Bergvall this summer
If Bergvall is to leave, it is then about the possible suitors, and the Sweden international is likely to have options both in the Premier League and abroad. According to Ben Jacobs, one of the main Premier League options could be Nottingham Forest, who have the playmaker on their shortlist.
Jacobs posted on X: “Liverpool value Jones in the region of £40m, and it is unclear whether Forest are prepared to go that high. Liverpool are content to keep hold of Jones if their asking price is not met. Jones is heading into the final year of his contract but should he remain beyond this summer, talks over a new contract are not ruled out.
“Forest also have Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall high in their thinking. The Swedish midfielder has asked the club to leave as he seeks a new challenge.”
Spurs will reportedly ask for £45million to sell Bergvall this summer.
Canada continue to make history at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa 1-0 to progress to the round of 16.
A relatively uneventful match looked like it was heading for extra time, before Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal sealed victory for Jesse Marsch’s side and broke South African hearts in the process.
They had already made it further than any other Canadian team at the World Cup when they made it out of Group B and into the knockout phase, and they’ve gone one step further, with Marsch quick to praise his side and brand them “Canadian heroes.”
Troy Deeney Questions Marsch’s “Free Hit” Mentality
Troy Deeney gave a scathing assessment of Marsch’s choice of words, taking aim at the suggestion that Canada’s last-16 tie is a “free hit,” rather than a genuine shot at progression.
Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Watford and Birmingham City striker said:
“Are we here to try and win? So that means we can lose 10-nil?”
It’s a fair question to raise, given the message it could send to a Canada squad who have already made history simply by reaching this stage of the tournament. Deeney went further, saying: “If that’s the case, go and have a beer now.”
Marcelo Balboa was equally unconvinced by Marsch’s framing, branding it a “bad message” to send to his players ahead of such a significant fixture. The former USMNT defender’s concern centres on the idea that labelling a knockout tie as a “free hit” risks lowering the stakes in players’ minds, regardless of the intention behind it.
Watch more of Deeney’s criticism below:
What’s Next For Canada and Jesse Marsch?
Canada now know they’ll face either Morocco or the Netherlands, FIFA’s sixth and seventh ranked nations, for a place in the quarter-finals, a daunting assignment by anyone’s standards.
While Marsch’s comments may have been designed to take the pressure off his squad and encourage them to play with freedom, there’s a risk that framing the game as a “free hit” could have the opposite effect, subtly lowering ambitions at the exact moment Canada require their players to be fully focused on the job at hand.
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It continues a tournament in which Marsch’s man-management style has split opinion, with many likening his somewhat performative approach to the popular TV series, Ted Lasso. Whether his words inspire Canada to another famous result, or end up undermining their belief before kick-off, will be proved in just a handful of days.
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Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.
Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.
United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.
Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora
According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.
Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.
At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.
Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.
Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.
United Not Leading Race For Mora
English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.
United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.
Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.
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