Julio Cesar picks out the three best goalkeepers in the world

The best goalkeepers in the world previously used to be judged on their ability to keep the ball out of the net, but the evolution of the position means there are many other factors to consider when attempting to identify who's number one.

Technical ability and passing range are now just as essential as making saves and catching crosses in a goalkeeper's skillset, although their ability to execute the latter should never be underestimated.

Julio Cesar knows all too well of the requirements to perform at the pinnacle of world football having operated between the sticks during Inter's Treble triumph in 2010.

Winning the Scudetto five times during a trophy-laden stint in Milan, Cesar is one of only three Brazilian goalkeepers to have been dominated for the Ballon d'Or and was inducted into Inter's Hall of Fame in 2020.

In years gone by, annual goalkeeping awards such as the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper accolade were dominated by one of Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas or Manuel Neuer but in recent seasons, identifying the worlds best goalkeeper has become an increasingly competitive industry.

Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez was awarded the Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper in 2024, although the Argentine goalkeeper does not rank in Cesar's top three.

"Nowadays it's hard to say who's the best," Cesar told bet365. "Everyone has their moments, as I did at Inter. Ederson fits into that category and you look at how good Yann Sommer is now.

"For the top three goalkeepers that I like, I'll start with Thibaut Courtois. He is always ready for the important moments, like in the final against Liverpool a few years ago he produced an an amazing game.

"Gigi Donnarumma, he's had an amazing season. Then there is Alisson, who I love and is very good.

Maybe [Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili] to push him Alisson to become better and better.

Alisson has received a number of glowing endorsements from his Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has consistently praised the Brazilian for his exemplary professionalism.

The 32-year-old produced one of the all-time greatest goalkeeping displays during Liverpool's 1-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in the UEFA Champions League last-16 as he thwarted Luis Enrique's rampant outfit with nine crucial stops.

"I don't think that I have ever worked with a goalkeeper at this level before, which is normal because he is the best in the world," Slot said of Alisson to the BBC.

"I have had some very good players as a manager but never the best goalkeeper in the world until now."

Jaquob Crooke

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