20 Greatest Goalkeepers in Premier League History (Ranked)

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

3:29

Related

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related

Football’s strangest rules: Joe Hart had to explain Premier League incident in 2014