A ranked list of 10 of the best young goalkeepers at the moment

Football is constantly changing, so the quest for greatness never ends as goalkeepers significantly impact the outcomes of games. The best young goalkeepers shine a light on the rising stars who are about to change the art of stopping shots. In this article, ten of the most talented young goalkeepers at the top of their game are introduced and ranked.

These young players are getting much attention in the exciting world of football. Young goalies are making waves with their excellent saves and confidently ruling their penalty areas, showing they are older than their years. They could be the ones to watch over the goalposts in the future and might even become heroes.

Top 10 of the best young goalkeepers in the world

Even though it is early in the season, several young goalies have made it into first teams and show great promise for future seasons. Here is a list of the best young goalkeepers in the world.

Fascinating facts about the best offensive midfielders in the world right now

Football

10. Luis Marquines — Atletico Nacional

Luis Miguel Marquines plays as a goalkeeper for Atlético Nacional of the Primera A league in Colombia. After signing with the team in 2021, his consistent play in goal has attracted the attention of scouts worldwide. Luis has been touted as a possible future Colombia No. 1, and that's reflected in his potential rating of 82.

9. Giorgi Mamardashvili — Valencia

A native of Georgia, Giorgi Mamardashvili rose to fame at a young age. He joined La Liga club Valencia on a one-year loan in 2021 with the possibility of a buyout the following year.

His performance in preseason impressed manager José Bordalás, who promoted him from the reserve team to the main lineup. As a result, he started the season-opening against Getafe and magnificently kept the scoreless.

After witnessing Mamardashvili's impressive performances, Valencia decided to sign him permanently. The Georgian netted ten shutouts in 23 matches played in 2018. At one point, he played 560 minutes without conceding a goal. Among the best young goalkeepers in the world right now is Mamardashvili, a prominent goalkeeper in La Liga.

8. Gabriel Slonina - Chelsea

Gabriel Slonina became the second-youngest player ever signed by the Chicago Fire and the second-youngest player in MLS history when he was fourteen. He made history in 2021, making his professional debut for Chicago Fire against New York City FC at seventeen years and eighty-one days; he was the league's youngest starting goalie.

Slonina became the youngest goalie in Major League Soccer history to earn a shutout in his debut, making four saves to preserve the scoreless draw. Gabriel Slonina joined Chelsea in August 2022 for a transfer fee that, with add-ons, may exceed $15 million.

Chelsea recruit Gabriel Slonina is one of the best young American goalkeepers and is plying his trade for Chicago Fire in FIFA 23, but he could be a decent option in Career Mode. Juventus have a bright prospect in Giovanni Garofini, whose potential rating is 81.

7. Lucas Chevalier — Lille

The Lille youth academy produced Lucas Chevalier. With Mike Maignan and Orestis Karnezis as the starting goalkeepers, he was the club's third string in 2020–21, when they lost the league championship.

He signed a one-year loan with Valenciennes of Ligue 2 in July 2021. After returning to Lille, he has been consistently putting on spectacular shows.

6. Diogo Costa — Porto (23)

He was a product of Porto's youth program and was named the 2019 UEFA Youth League champion. After moving from the reserve squad to the leading team in 2019, he went on to win the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal in his debut season. In 2021, at 22, he debuted in the starting lineup, led Porto to their second domestic double, and was named to the Primeira Liga Team of the Year.

He became the youngest goalkeeper from Portugal to participate in a major international tournament at 23 years old. Despite Portugal's quarterfinal exit at the hands of Morocco, he performed well in every minute of the game.

5. Alban Lafont — Nantes (23)

Alban Lafont joined Toulouse in 2014 after completing his development at AS Lattoise's academy. The following year, at 16, he made his Ligue 1 debut, becoming the league's youngest goalkeeper ever. Alban Lafont is still a top Ligue 1 goalie despite his youth.

Before signing with Fiorentina in 2018, he made over a hundred appearances in all competitions. He signed a loan deal with Nantes in 2019; the following year, the value became permanent.

At the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Lafont appeared for France. Lafont's speed, agility, and reflexes set him apart as one of the top young goalkeepers in football.

4. Maarten Vandevoordt — Genk

The Belgian club KRC Genk was Maarten Vandevoordt's stepping stone to stardom. Even at an early age, he had solidified his position as the club's starting goalkeeper.

At only 20 years old, Vandervoordt has played on a grand scale, most notably in the UEFA Champions League. At seventeen, he made history as the Champions League's youngest goalkeeper to start a match. Afterwards, top clubs flocked to sign the Belgian; he will join Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in 2024 on a five-year contract that will last until 2029, according to an announcement on April 12, 2022.

3. Illan Meslier — Leeds United

The 22-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier moved to Leeds United, initially on loan in 2019. Meslier set a record in February 2021 by keeping eleven clean sheets in a single Premier League season, becoming the first goalkeeper under 21 years.

Meslier was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance against Liverpool in October. He made nine saves, helping his team to a 2-1 away win and lifting them out of the relegation zone.

His fantastic distribution and unbelievable reflexes make him an assured and secure presence in goal. The Frenchman's style of goalkeeping has drawn comparisons to Thibaut Courtois of Belgium, mainly because of his stature and appearance.

2. Gavin Bazunu — Southampton

Southampton of the English Premier League employs Gavin Okeroghene Bazunu, a goalkeeper from the Republic of Ireland. Bazunu made his professional debut with Shamrock Rovers in June 2018 when he was sixteen.

After signing with Manchester City in February 2019, he went on loan to Rochdale and Portsmouth for the following two years. The second event was when he was honoured as Portsmouth's MVP.

Gavin Bazunu reportedly paid £12 million to join Southampton on a five-year deal on June 17, 2022. Among the Premier League's young goalkeepers, he stands out.

1. Gianluigi Donnaruma — PSG

It was clear from the start that Gianluigi Donnaruma had a bright future after becoming AC Milan's starting goalkeeper at the tender age of 16. Donnarumma was sensational for Italy in their 2020 Euro victory, proving that he is Gianluigi Buffon's legitimate successor. Both the tournament's best player and goalie were bestowed upon him.

At the tender age of 22, the miraculous goalie let in a mere four goals during the entire tournament. He won the Ligue 1 in his first season with PSG after signing for free in 2021. The Italian goalkeeper is currently thought of by many as one of the top in the world. Gianluigi Donnarumma will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best goalkeepers ever.

Final word

In the constantly changing world of football, the search for the best young goalkeepers is full of expectations. As more than just netkeepers, these young goalkeepers are paving the way for a new era of excellent goalkeeping. As they cut their way through the ground, the next generation of goalkeepers will be in good hands.

Sports Brief revealed Sir Kenny Dalglish's net worth in a recent article. His net worth spiked high after winning several trophies with Celtic and Liverpool, including the European Cup, European Super Cup, and Football League Super Cup.

Dalglish has been involved in various business ventures, endorsements, and ambassadorial roles. Sir Kenny Dalglish's net worth includes earnings from playing contracts, managerial positions, endorsement deals, and other experiences. Find out Sir Kenny Dalglish's' net worth by clicking the link above.