Courtois Names His Top Three Goalkeepers — and His No.1 Might Surprise You”
Thibaut Courtois, one of the most respected and decorated goalkeepers of his generation, has offered his personal ranking of who he believes are the best shot-stoppers in the world right now. His opinion naturally carries weight, not just because of his achievements, but also because he understands the technical, mental, and tactical demands of elite goalkeeping at the highest level. When Courtois speaks on this topic, fans and professionals listen.
In third place, Courtois placed Jan Oblak, the Atlético Madrid icon known for his outstanding positioning and remarkable consistency. Courtois pointed out that Oblak has maintained a world-class standard for many years, often carrying his team through difficult moments with decisive saves. His calmness, professionalism, and reliability make him a goalkeeper every defensive line dreams of having behind them. Despite Atlético’s challenges in recent seasons, Oblak’s performances remain a benchmark for excellence.
Courtois’ second choice was Alisson Becker, the Liverpool star who has redefined the role of a modern keeper. Courtois praised Alisson for combining traditional shot-stopping quality with exceptional ball control and leadership. Whether it’s sweeping behind a high defensive line, launching attacks with precise long passes, or making game-saving interventions at crucial moments, Alisson has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s identity. Courtois believes that Alisson’s overall influence on his team’s style of play elevates him above most keepers in the world.
The name that Courtois placed at the very top of his list — David Raya — may catch some by surprise, but Courtois made it clear that Raya’s recent performances justify it. He described Raya as a goalkeeper with outstanding reflexes, flawless distribution, and a calm confidence that strengthens Arsenal’s buildup play. Courtois also highlighted how Raya has rapidly adapted to the pressures of competing at the highest level, earning trust and delivering consistency in one of the most demanding leagues. For Courtois, Raya’s blend of modern technical ability and mental sharpness sets him apart right now.
Courtois’ ranking also reflects how the role of the goalkeeper has evolved. The position is no longer just about making saves — it’s about helping to build attacks, organizing the defense, maintaining composure under pressure, and adapting to complex systems. His choices show that the world’s best goalkeepers today must be complete athletes, tacticians, and leaders. By naming these three, Courtois is also indirectly highlighting the direction in which world football is moving.
Ultimately, Courtois’ top three list adds valuable insight to the global conversation about elite goalkeeping. His perspective blends his personal experience with a deep understanding of the demands of the modern game. Whether fans agree or not, his rankings reinforce the idea that goalkeepers play a more crucial and technically demanding role than ever before — and these three represent the very best of that evolution.
