Who is the best goalkeeper in the Champions League?

The Champions League does not just test the goal scorers; it also separates goalkeepers who are good from those who are world class. 

Big saves, tournament experience, clean sheets and the defensive context around them all matter. 

Going into 2025-26, several shot-stoppers stand out as top contenders. Here are five who have strong credentials to be considered the best goalkeeper in Europe’s elite club competition this season.

How to watch the Champions League on DAZN

• Canada: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription

• U.S.: Watch three exclusive Champions League games every match week, in Spanish language, with a DAZN subscription

• New Zealand: Watch every Champions League game with a DAZN subscription

Click here for pricing and details in your country

 

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City) 

Gianluigi Donnarumma enters 2025-26 with serious pedigree. He won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain last season, keeping a clean sheet in the final, when PSG beat Inter Milan 5-0.

His performances in earlier knockout rounds also drew praise – including key penalty saves in the round of 16 away at Liverpool.

Over the summer, he moved to Manchester City, bringing that experience into a side that expects to go deep in every competition, including the Champions League.

 

David Raya (Arsenal) 

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David Raya has won two consecutive Premier League Golden Gloves with Arsenal, proving himself as the backbone of what has become the tightest defence in England’s top flight in recent seasons.

While Arsenal haven’t tasted ultimate glory in the Champions League, their defensive organisation and Raya’s consistency make him one of the frontrunners for best goalkeeper discussions in 2025-26.

 

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) 

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Thibaut Courtois has the kind of resume many goalkeeper envy. He has won the Champions League twice with Real Madrid – in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons.

He has delivered many big-game performances, especially in knockout rounds where Real Madrid’s deep runs are almost taken for granted.

Even when Madrid face periods of defensive instability, Courtois has frequently rescued them with crucial saves, positional awareness and experience.

The towering Belgian’s blend of shot-stopping, handling crosses and ability in one-v-one situations keeps him firmly among the elite.

 

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

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Alisson has long been regarded as one of the most complete goalkeepers in world football.

His time at Liverpool has seen him combine excellent reflexes with a strong command of his penalty area, good distribution under pressure and experience in big European nights.

In the Champions League, Liverpool regularly go deep, meaning Alisson will be tested often; in those moments, his experience and consistency could give him an edge over others.

 

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) 

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Jan Oblak has marshalled Atletico Madrid’s rigid backline for well over a decade.

The Slovenian’s consistency, shot-stopping and experience in European competitions give him a strong claim to be regarded among the very best goalkeepers.

His leadership of the defence, his ability to make routine saves look easy and to keep clean sheets in difficult away conditions are all markers that any “best keeper” discussion must include.

Watch the Champions League on DAZN

Every Champions League match this season can be watched on DAZN in Canada and New Zealand.

For U.S. soccer fans, three Champions League matches per game week will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, in Spanish language.