As the stature of the women’s game continues to grow, so too does the competition to be ranked among the world’s best.
As far as goalkeepers are concerned, Hope Solo, Sari van Veenendaal and Nadine Angerer are among those to be considered such in the past, but who is the best now?
That’s what we’re here to find out.
As part of our Top 90 series, the 90min team have predicted who we think will be the top 10 best goalkeepers of 2024.
Australia international Mackenzie Arnold started all three of the Matildas group stage games at the Olympics this past summer, although they failed to progress after finishing behind Germany and USA.
Arnold, 30, departed West Ham at the end of last season following the expiration of her contract, and she has joined NWSL side Portland Thorns. The 2023 FIFA Best goalkeeper finalist is a highly decorated stopper and boasts experience on the biggest stage.
She was crowned West Ham’s female Hammer of the Year for the 2023/24 season and was a standout performer in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign for Rehanne Skinner’s side.
Former Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Panos has recently joined Mexican side Club America following the expiration of her contract with the Liga F club. But the shot-stopper was part of the Catalans’ quadruple winning side in 2023/24.
She was required to battle it out for a starting spot against teammate Cata Coll throughout the last campaign, but she will hope a fresh start abroad allows her to get back to her best this season.
While she had to play back-up to her Germany teammate Ann Katrin-Berger at the 2024 Olympics, Merle Frohms had a solid season with Wolfsburg. She made 19 Frauen Bundesliga appearances last term and kept nine clean sheets in the process.
They did, however, fail to qualify for the group stage of last season’s Champions League after a shock defeat to Paris FC in the second round of qualifying. They will hope to avoid a similar result this season when they enter qualifying at the same stage.
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating was one of the standout performers in the WSL last term. Due to the absence of Ellie Roebuck in 2023/24, the youngster was handed a first team opportunity by Gareth Taylor and she grabbed it with both hands.
Keating’s performances domestically earned her a call-up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad in October of 2023. While she is yet to make her senior debut for the national side, 2024/25 could prove to be another huge campaign for the 20-year-old.
Despite competition for places in the City squad ahead of the new season, Keating will back herself to retain her starting place in the team and help her side mount another title charge.
Chicago Red Stars stopper Alyssa Naeher has long been regarded as one of the best in the world in her position, not least because of the glistening success the USWNT have experienced over the years. At the Olympics over the summer, the 36-year-old proved her worth once again.
Naeher helped Emma Hayes’ side claim Olympic gold in Paris last month and played an integral role en-route to the final. She has made 16 appearances for Red Stars this year, and kept three clean sheets.
In April, former Chelsea goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger announced her departure from the WSL club as she joined NWSL side NJ/NY Gotham. The 33-year-old left as Chelsea’s longest-serving goalkeeper, although made just five appearances for the club last season.
At the Olympics over the summer, Berger ended the tournament as the hero for Germany as she played a pivotal role in them claiming a bronze medal ahead of world champions Spain. She made numerous saves in a penalty shootout against Canada at the quarter-final stage, while she also kept out a spot-kick from Spain’s Alexia Putellas in the dying stages of the bronze medal match.
Gremio goalkeeper Lorena was also a standout performer at the Olympics this summer. The Brazilian had an exceptional tournament to help her side reach the final and claim silver behind the USA.
The 27-year-old has often flown under the radar as she’s played her entire career in her homeland, Brazil. But she received her first senior call-up to the national team in 2021 and made her debut.
Canada and San Diego Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has had a solid year for both club and country. She once again represented her nationl team at an Olympic games, while she has also kept five clean sheets in 18 NWSL games so far in 2024.
The 29-year-old has claimed numerous awards over the years, and she continues to prove why she’s one of the best in the world. She has with San Diego since 2022, after spending four years with league rivals NJ/NY Gotham.
It’s fair to say Mary Earps has had a stellar few years for both club and country. Last year, she was named the FIFA Best Goalkeeper for 2023 again, after helping the England to the World Cup final.
This year, at club level, she helped guide Manchester United to their first piece of silverware in the form of the FA Cup. She has now embarked on a new chapter with French giants Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of her contract at Leigh Sports Village.
It’s testament to the growing competition for places in the England squad that she faces a battle to keep her place. But, the 31-year-old will no doubt continue to shine as she looks to cement her place as one of the world’s best once again, with all eyes on next summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler had a fantastic season for Lyon as she helped guide Lyon to another league title last term, as well as the Champions League final. Over the years, the 33-year-old has received FIFA and Ballon d’Or nominations, and she remains arguably the best to this day.
Endler retired from international football in November last year, but she continues to shine at club level for Lyon. She had registered over 100 caps for her country since her debut in 2009, and it’s no surprise she is heralded as one of the best of all time.
