2026 FC 100: Where does Donnarumma rank among best goalkeepers in men's soccer?

What makes a world-class goalkeeper? Keeping the ball out of the net is always the top priority, but more and more is being asked of modern keepers. Athleticism, composure on the ball and pinpoint passing are musts, and the very best possess an uncanny ability to be in the right position at every moment.

When a big game is on the line, having an elite shot stopper patrolling the end line can be the difference between glory and despair. Though staying out of the headlines is typically the sign of a job well done, these 10 top goalkeepers have seized the spotlight at various points over the past year, making them worthy members of the FC 100.

All stats provided by ESPN Research; all ages and teams correct as of Aug. 18.

The 2026 FC 100, position by position

Go to: Goalkeepers | Fullbacks | Center backs | Defensive/central midfielders | Attacking midfielders | Wide forwards | Center forwards

10. Matvey SAFONOV, Paris Saint-Germain/Russia, 27 years old

What makes him special: He is the king of penalty shootouts. Imagine stopping four of five penalties to win a trophy -- that's what Safonov did against Flamengo as PSG won the Intercontinental Cup.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked

No. of FC 100 appearances: New to the list

One key stat: He had eight shutouts in 15 league games for PSG last season, the highest shutout percentage among all goalkeepers in Ligue 1 last season with at least 15 games played (53.3%).

Why he's on the list: The way Safonov stepped up after Gianluigi Donnarumma's departure last summer was impressive. Not many people thought he would be up for the task of helping PSG to another successful season, and he began the 2025-26 campaign on the bench after the European champions recruited Lucas Chevalier, the best in Ligue 1 at the time, for €50 million. Yet the 27-year-old Russian international impressed coach Luis Enrique, quickly became the starter and was a key component in the defense of the Champions League. Through the knockout rounds, in Liverpool, in Munich and at Chelsea, he did what he had to do, made the saves requested of him, was solid and made no mistakes.

Safonov will never be the best shot stopper in the world or have the best distribution, but he grew into his role as PSG's No. 1 to deliver what was expected of him in a huge season.

What's next: Sport at this level can be brutal. Despite Safonov's very good season, PSG are looking at other goalkeepers this summer to give him more competition. His No. 1 status could be in jeopardy, and he can't take his position for granted; however, that just gives him the opportunity to prove everyone wrong again. -- Julien Laurens

9. Jordan PICKFORD, Everton/England, 32

What makes him special: A cult hero who is No. 1 for both club and country.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked

No. of FC 100 appearances: New to the list

One key stat: His 11 shutouts were tied for the third most among goalkeepers in Premier League last season -- only David Raya (19) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (15) had more.

Why he's on the list: In a recently established terrace chant, Everton supporters describe Pickford as "dynamite," and that is exactly what he has been for the Merseyside club since he joined from Sunderland in 2017. He played every game for David Moyes' side last term, pulling off a number of spectacular saves to help put them in contention for European qualification before a disappointing end to the season scuppered their ambitions. Over the summer, he started all but one of England's World Cup matches and while some of his performances garnered criticism, his excellent display in the 3-2 victory over Mexico in the hostile crucible of the Azteca was a testament to his quality.

What's next: Pickford signed a new Everton contract last season that will keep him at the club until at least summer 2029. Helping the Blues achieve European qualification and go on a successful cup run will be at the forefront of his mind, as will holding down his starting spot for England. -- Beth Lindop

8. Diogo COSTA, FC Porto/Portugal, 26

What makes him special: Efficient, intelligent and composed, we're all just waiting to see him make a move to a bigger European league.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked

No. of FC 100 appearances: New to the list

One key stat: He is the first goalkeeper with 20-plus shutouts in a Portuguese Primeira Liga season since 2022-23 (Odysseas Vlachodimos' 21 in 2022-23).

Why he's on the list: Costa popped up in the Porto first-team squad back in 2019, but it wasn't until he took the No. 1 job from the injured Agustin Marchesin in 2021 that he fully asserted himself as a goalkeeper to watch.

It's been a steady upward trajectory ever since. Rarely missing game time, Costa has bloomed into one of the savviest "sweeper keepers" in the modern game, taking the reins from the likes of Manuel Neuer as a calm, clever passer who can cue attacks from deep. His distribution with a throw or his feet make him a threat in possession, as he can break an opponent's press with the right pass.

Costa's reading of the game is strong in possession or in defense, though his pure shot-stopping numbers have hovered around 70% for his career, leaving some room for improvement. His summer was brief but eventful as Portugal reached the round of 16 where they lost to Spain, but Costa is one of those next-to-break-out goalkeepers who put up career-best stats in 2025-26 -- 79.7% save percentage, 0.46 goals against per 90 minutes -- as Porto won yet another league title. The trend suggests he's not done improving yet, and turning 27 next month, he's still far from his peak years.

What's next: Chelsea were reportedly interested in the Portugal star following the World Cup, with Blues manager Xabi Alonso keen to upgrade his options between the posts. Man United had been linked with Costa in several past windows, but he has continued his progression and until someone makes an official approach -- Porto would expect a big fee for their No. 1 -- he is preparing for another season that will include UEFA Champions League action for the first time since 2023-24. -- James Tyler

7. ALISSON, Liverpool/Brazil, 33

What makes him special: A club legend who continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 2

No. of FC 100 appearances: 8

One key stat: Two shutouts in the 2026 World Cup, reaching seven in total for his career -- the third most by a Brazilian goalkeeper in the tournament in the past 60 years.

Why he's on the list: Last season wasn't a vintage one for Liverpool or Alisson, who spent several spells on the sideline with muscle problems. His persistent injury issues mean he is not as high up on this list as he once was, but his enduring class is undeniable when fully fit.

At 33, Alisson remains one of the best one-on-one shot stoppers in the world, hence why he held down the No. 1 spot for Brazil at this summer's World Cup. His imposing 6-foot-4 frame and impeccable positioning give him a unique aura that frustrates opposition attackers, while his ample experience at the top level makes him a continued asset for both club and country.

What's next: There had been some speculation that Alisson might seek a move this summer, with Juventus interested in his signature. But Liverpool were adamant they wanted to keep him for the final year of his contract, and if this is to be his last season at Anfield, he will surely want to end a glittering chapter on a high. -- Beth Lindop

6. Emiliano MARTÍNEZ, Aston Villa/Argentina, 33

What makes him special: It's rare for goalkeepers to have that X factor, the kind of ability and personality to decide a game, but Martínez definitely has it.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 4

No. of FC 100 appearances: 5

One key stat: He made 11 saves in the 2026 World Cup final, the most in a final in the past 60 years and tied for the second-most saves by a player in a men's FIFA World Cup knockout stage in the past 60 years (after Tim Howard's 15 saves for the U.S. in the 2014 World Cup round of 16).

Why he's on the list: Martínez enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 season with Aston Villa, helping them to fourth in the Premier League and a spot in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League. He also won the Europa League, keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg despite breaking one of his fingers in the warmup. Such moments sum up the Argentine well as he always seems to be at the very center of the story.

Last season, he produced a long list of ridiculous saves, a handful of equally ridiculous errors, and played one pass in the buildup to a goal against Lille that was so good, his teammates mobbed him instead of goal scorer John McGinn. He took that form -- and his fractured digit -- into the 2026 World Cup, where he reached the final with Argentina and put on a show, making 10 saves to keep Spain at bay for as long as possible.

What kind of goalkeeper outshines Lionel Messi in a World Cup final? This one.

What's next: Transfer interest from Juventus has died off and, as it stands, another season with Villa in the Champions League beckons. -- Sam Tighe

5. Joan GARCÍA, Barcelona/Spain, 25

What makes him special: He joined Spanish champions Barcelona and made them instantly stronger defensively due to world-class shot stopping.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: Unranked

No. of FC 100 appearances: New to the list

One key stat: Allowed the fewest goals across Europe's Big Five leagues in 2025-26 among goalkeepers with 30-plus matches played (21 goals conceded).

Why he's on the list: After making the controversial cross-city move from Espanyol to Barcelona for €25 million last summer, García delivered a standout season for the Catalan club. His displays singlehandedly earned Hansi Flick's side points in several games, including twice against Rayo Vallecano and away at former club Espanyol, where his incredible stop from Pere Milla earned him Save of the Season in LaLiga.

Often exposed by Barça's high line, his brilliance has allowed the team to continue playing in such a risky manner, though it also means he is usually busy. He ended the LaLiga season with the highest GPrv (goals prevented) in the league at 10.72 (Getafe's David Soria ranked second with 9.03) after keeping 15 clean sheets in 30 games, conceding just 21 goals. To put that into context, in eight games with Wojciech Szczęsny playing, Barça leaked 15 goals.

What's next: García quickly established himself as Barça's No. 1, which has forced Marc-André ter Stegen to seek minutes on loan at Ajax for the 2026-27 season. García's task now is to replicate his league form in the Champions League, where he hasn't been poor, though there is certainly room for improvement. It also feels like a matter of time before he wrestles the Spain gloves away from Unai Simón, although after Simón helped deliver a second World Cup for La Roja this summer, Garcia might have to wait a little longer and fight a little harder to win the top job with the national team. -- Sam Marsden

4. Unai SIMÓN, Athletic Club/Spain, 29

What makes him special: He kept David Raya and Joan García out of the Spain starting XI, and went home with a World Cup winner's medal.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 8

No. of FC 100 appearances: 2

One key stat: Set the record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a World Cup goal (649), breaking the mark set by Italy's Walter Zenga in 1990 (517).

Why he's on the list: Forget the 2025-26 LaLiga season, in which Simón was really quite average for Athletic Club. The Spain keeper will forever be remembered for what he achieved with his country at this summer's World Cup. Conceding just one goal in eight games, and winning the tournament's Golden Glove, was a truly remarkable achievement. Sure, the team's defensive structure and possession-heavy style played a big part, but he delivered when called upon -- such as in the semifinal against France, when Simón made three late saves.

For many observers, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's decision to omit Raya and García and persist with Simón was foolhardy, but the coach's belief in the Basque as a leader -- and a reliable, cool head under pressure -- was fully justified during the tournament. Simón now has a World Cup to add to the European Championship he won two years ago. He's now an all-time Spain great, even if he's probably not the best, or even second best, Spanish keeper playing right now.

What's next: First up will be improving on Athletic's underwhelming 12th-place finish in LaLiga last season, under new coach Edin Terzic. At least they'll have no European football to distract them this time, after last season's Champions League campaign -- finishing 29th in the league phase, with some heavy defeats along the way -- proved a step too far.

With Spain, Simón will have to once again defend his No. 1 spot from Raya and García, as the world champions kick off in the Nations League against England in September. Will De la Fuente stick with his favorite, or opt for a changing of the guard? -- Alex Kirkland

3. Gianluigi DONNARUMMA, Manchester City/Italy, 27

What makes him special: Physically imposing, he's arguably the best pure shot stopper in the world.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 3

No. of FC 100 appearances: 7

One key stat: He kept a shutout in 15 of 34 Premier League games played last season (44%). That shutout rate is the second highest in the Premier League this past season, behind David Raya's 51% (among GKs with more than one game played), and the highest of his career in a single league season.

Why he's on the list: After helping PSG win the Champions League in 2025, Donnarumma was told he was surplus to requirements. A move to Manchester City followed, and the Italian international enjoyed a positive first season in the Premier League, winning the internal battle with James Trafford to be No. 1. Questions about whether he's good enough with the ball at his feet remain, but he produced some stunning saves to help get City to within touching distance of a farewell title for Pep Guardiola.

What's next: With Guardiola gone, Donnarumma will want to establish himself as Enzo Maresca's first-choice goalkeeper. He'll also be desperate for some international success after Italy missed out on their third successive World Cup this past summer. -- Rob Dawson

2. Thibaut COURTOIS, Real Madrid/Belgium, 34

What makes him special: His 6-foot-7 frame makes him one of the most imposing shot stoppers in world football, and he frequently rises to the challenge for club and country.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 1

No. of FC 100 appearances: 8

One key stat: Ranked second in LaLiga last season in shutouts (13) and shutout percentage (41%).

Why he's on the list: Real Madrid didn't have a great LaLiga season -- finishing well behind Barcelona -- but Courtois wasn't one of the problems. He conceded 28 goals in 32 league games, with only Barça's Joan García bettering his goals against average of 0.88. Only García improved on Courtois' 13 LaLiga clean sheets, too.

In the Champions League, Madrid's progression to the quarterfinals was aided by Courtois' 81.5% save percentage, bettered only by David Raya. Then, in his first international tournament since 2022, Courtois helped Belgium reach the World Cup quarterfinals. At 1-1 with eventual champions Spain, Courtois picked up an injury, and a mistake from replacement Senne Lammens saw Belgium eliminated. It was hard not to think things might have been different with Courtois on the pitch.

What's next: Madrid are entering a new era under coach José Mourinho. Courtois has been crying out for defensive stability, rigor and training-ground discipline at Madrid for years; with Mourinho in charge, he's now likely to get it. Madrid have also invested heavily in the squad -- their defense in particular -- this summer as they look to win back LaLiga.

Meanwhile, with Belgium, Courtois would like some time off. "I'd like a quieter year, where I can stay ​in Madrid during the Nations League campaign," he said after the World Cup. "If [Belgium] accept that, I'd be open to continuing." -- Alex Kirkland

1. David RAYA, Arsenal/Spain, 30

What makes him special: He's a world-class shot stopper who is perfect for the Premier League's physical style.

Rank in 2025 FC 100: 6

No. of FC 100 appearances: 2

One key stat: He had 19 shutouts in the Premier League last season, four more than any other goalkeeper, and his 48 shutouts over the past three Premier League seasons are 12 more than any other GK.

Why he's on the list: Raya was one of Arsenal's key players as they lifted the 2025-26 Premier League title and finished runners-up in the Champions League. He was perhaps the best part of an outstanding Arsenal defense that recorded 32 clean sheets in all competitions last season, earning him a third straight Premier League Golden Glove award. He has come a long way from the player whose arrival at the Emirates was overshadowed by debate over whether he was better than his predecessor, Aaron Ramsdale.

Raya could argue that he's the world's best goalkeeper, yet he played no part in Spain's World Cup triumph as manager Luis de la Fuente preferred to play Unai Simón instead.

What's next: Part of Arsenal's success last season came from being hard to beat rather than being a free-scoring side. Regardless of whether manager Mikel Arteta eases off the handbrake this term, having an elite-level goalkeeper like Raya is huge for Arsenal's hopes of defending their Premier League title -- or even going one further and winning the Champions League. -- Connor O'Halloran

The 2026 FC 100, position by position

Click here to read article