The Premier League has featured some of the world’s elite goalkeepers from the 1990s through the 2020s. These players excel in the league’s intense pace, where distributing from the back proves vital. Manchester United claims four spots among the top 23 shot-stoppers.
Goalkeepers often emerge as unsung heroes, delivering match-defining saves. Some produce season-altering stops, while others advance play from deep. Two decades ago, keepers typically launched long balls; today, talents like Ederson spearhead attacks.
The 2025/26 season underscores the value of elite goalkeepers, with Arsenal’s David Raya and Liverpool’s Alisson shining brightly. Do they crack the top 23 all-time list?
Ranking Criteria
- Impact on their team
- Shot-stopping reflexes
- Clutch performances in key matches
- Distribution skills
- Golden Glove awards and major trophies
The Top 23 Ranked
23. David Raya
David Raya ranks among the planet’s top goalkeepers lately. After promotion with Brentford, he secured their Premier League status. Arsenal soon signed him, displacing Aaron Ramsdale. The Spaniard has logged 100 league appearances for the Gunners, posting 43 clean sheets—outpaced by only five others. Across Brentford and Arsenal, he boasts 63 clean sheets in 162 outings, claiming consecutive Golden Gloves in 2023/24 and 2024/25. A Premier League title could elevate his standing further.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 162 | 63 | Brentford, Arsenal |
22. Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel faced immense expectations as Peter Schmeichel’s son—and he delivered. In 284 Premier League appearances, he starred in Leicester City’s title-winning campaign, playing all 38 matches. His composure under pressure defined the Foxes’ success.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 284 | 82 | Leicester, Man City |
21. Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer’s 20-year Premier League career showcased unwavering reliability across 514 games. With Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester, he notched 152 clean sheets and one assist. He anchored Fulham’s 2010 Europa League final run.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 514 | 152 | Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, Leicester |
20. Tim Howard
Tim Howard appeared in 399 matches, securing 132 clean sheets and scoring once. His athleticism, reflexes, and leadership shone, especially during 354 games at Everton that earned Champions League qualification.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 399 | 132 | Man Utd, Everton |
19. Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez bided his time at Arsenal before a 2020 injury to Bernd Leno launched his ascent. He won the FA Cup, then joined Aston Villa, fueling their European pushes. For Argentina, he captured the 2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas, and two Yashin Trophies.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 221 | 65 | Arsenal, Aston Villa |
18. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois delivered elite performances in 126 Chelsea games, claiming 48 clean sheets and two Premier League titles. His commanding presence and game-reading skills marked him as a standout.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 126 | 48 | Chelsea |
17. Nigel Martyn
Nigel Martyn epitomized consistency across 372 games for Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton. His area command and key saves built defender trust through 2006.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 372 | 137 | Crystal Palace, Leeds, Everton |
16. Pepe Reina
Pepe Reina thrilled Liverpool fans with agile saves and smart positioning over nearly 300 games from 2005-2013. His poise solidified his status as a Premier League great.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 297 | 136 | Liverpool, Aston Villa |
15. Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris anchored Tottenham from 2012 to 2023, captaining much of that span across 361 games. Penalty heroics against Arsenal and Manchester City highlighted his prime.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 361 | 127 | Tottenham |
14. Neville Southall
Everton legend Neville Southall boasts unmatched shot-stopping and reflexes over 17 years. His 208 Premier League games instilled confidence in teammates.
| Appearances | Clean Sheets | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 208 | 62 | Everton, Bradford |
