The responsibilities of a goalkeeper have changed dramatically in recent years. Simply being a great shot stopper is no longer enough. His footwork and his ability to distribute the ball have become equally important. Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was sacked before the start of the 2023-24 season for failing to meet the last two criteria, and we are sure to see more such brutal calls in the years to come.
Transfermarkt has taken into account the aforementioned conditions, as well as the age and length of the contract of the goalkeepers, to compile the list of the most valuable goalkeepers in the world. Read on to find out the five most valuable goalkeepers in the world in January 2024:
#5 André Onana (Manchester United): €40 million ($43.95 million)
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is the fifth name on the list, and Transfermarkt has set his price at €40 million ($43.95 million). The Cameroonian goalkeeper, who has made 37 international appearances and has replaced United legend David De Gea in goal this season, has a contract until June 30, 2028.
The 27-year-old has been criticized for his poor performance for Manchester United this season. His decision making has not been the best, he has lacked composure at times and his ability to stop shots has also left a lot to be desired. Coach Erik ten Hag, however, remains confident that his goalkeeper will eventually regain his form at Inter Milan.
Onana has made 29 appearances for United this season, conceding 45 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.
#4 Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund): 40 million euros ($43.95 million)
The most valuable goalkeeper in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, has a price tag of 40 million euros ($43.95 million). The 26-year-old, who has been at Signal Iduna Park since July 2021, sees his contract with Dortmund expire in June 2028.
Kobel, who has earned five international caps for Switzerland, is yet to find his best form in the 2023-24 season. Playing 16 Bundesliga games so far, he has only kept three clean sheets and conceded 24 goals. The Swiss star must regain his footing if the black and yellow are to challenge for the German top-flight title this season.
#3 Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG): 40 million euros ($43.95 million)
One of the highest-rated goalkeepers on the planet, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s market value currently stands at €40 million ($43.95 million). In addition to being the starting goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Donnarumma also acts as Luciano Spalletti’s chosen goalkeeper for Italy.
The 24-year-old has made some mistakes in recent seasons, but certainly has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. PSG have full confidence in him and are likely to renew his contract, which expires in June 2026, sooner rather than later.
The former AC Milan player has played 22 games for Les Parisiens this season, conceding 20 goals and keeping 10 clean sheets.
#2 Mike Maignan (AC Milan): €45 million ($49.44 million)
In second place we have AC Milan’s starting goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The French international is currently valued at €45 million ($49.44 million) by Transfermarkt. Maignan, 28, still has his best years ahead of him and also has more than two years left on his contract with Milan, and his contract does not expire until June 30, 2026.
Maignan has been in good form for the Serie A hopefuls this season. Participating in 23 matches in all competitions, he kept nine clean sheets and allowed 28 goals.
#1 Diogo Costa (FC Porto): 45 million euros (49.44 million dollars)
FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is currently the most valuable goalkeeper in the world, with Transfermarkt putting a price tag of €45 million ($49.44 million) on the Portuguese. The 24-year-old is currently Portugal’s first-choice goalkeeper and is contractually linked to FC Porto until June 30, 2027.
Costa has been in good form for his team in the 2023-24 season. He has defended the net in 24 games so far, conceding 22 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.
