'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Goalkeeping is arguably the most underrated position in football. It is also the most difficult, as a tiny mistake could lead to a goal.
Goalkeepers are the last line of defence in football, and have to be constantly alert and aware of what is happening on the field. World-class goalkeepers possess leadership, strong personality and an eccentric steak that makes them stand out.
While they are not as highly paid as outfield players, some goalkeepers rank high in the list of the best-paid footballers in the world. On that note, here is a look at the five best-paid goalkeepers in the world at the moment:
#5 Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) | £213,000 per week
The heir to Gianluigi Buffon's throne, Gianluigi Donnarumma is well on his way to fulfilling the promise he displayed at a young age.
A prodigious talent during his AC Milan days, Donnarumma made his debut for the club aged 16. The Italy international would go on to make more than 250 appearances in all across competitions for Milan.
Renowned for his physicality and composure, Donnarumma was one of Italy's stars at the Euros this summer. He won the UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament in Italy's triumphant campaigns. He saved penalties in the Azzurri's shootout wins over Spain in the semis and England in the final.
The 22-year-old did not enjoy a good relationship with AC Milan fans, with his reluctance to sign a new deal with the club a contributing factor. He left the Serie A giants on a free transfer this summer to move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Donnarumma is competing with Keylor Navas, and has so far made five Ligue 1 appearances.
#4 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) | £230,000 per week
Thibaut Courtois is a world-class goalkeeper who has achieved a lot at every club he has played for.
Courtois made his name as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world during his three-year loan spell with Atletico Madrid. He returned to his parent club Chelsea in 2014, where he became the first-choice shot-stopper, helping them win two Premier League titles.
The Belgium international completed a controversial move to Real Madrid in 2018 for £31.5 million. Courtois' imposing frame and excellent reflexes have often come in handy for both club and country. The 29-year old has won the La Liga Zamora Trophy thrice and the Premier League Golden Glove once.
You may also like: 5 best left-backs in the Premier League this season (2021-22).
#3 Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) | £259,000 per week
Manuel Neuer is arguably the greatest goalkeeper to have played the game, and he is only getting better with age.
Neuer is often credited with transforming the art of goalkeeping. His sweeper-keeper style of play, comfort on the ball and shot-stopping ability have inspired the next generation of goalkeepers.
The Germany international caught the eye with his sensational performances for his country in their victorious FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign. He is now one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation.
After an injury-riddled 2017-18 season, it was assumed that Neuer's time at the highest level was coming to an end. But the 35-year-old bounced back strongly, helping Bayern Munich win the continental treble in 2020. He is the captain of both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
#2 Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) | £271,000 per week
Many are of the opinion that although Jan Oblak is the best goalkeeper in the world, he does not get the credit he deserves.
Oblak joined Atletico Madrid from Benfica in 2014 for £14.4 million. After a slow start to his Atletico Madrid career, the Slovenia international has become a mainstay for Diego Simeone's side. A world-class shot-stopper, Oblak has been key for the Rojiblancos over the years.
He has won the La Liga Zamora Trophy five times. The 28-yea= old continues to astound with his incredible reflex saves, while his numbers speak for themselves. Oblak has often been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid, but the Rojiblancos are unlikely to let him leave.
#1 David de Gea (Manchester United) | £375,000 per week
David de Gea is back to his best after an alarming drop in form over the past two seasons for Manchester United.
For a while, it seemed that De Gea would leave United this summer, and Dean Henderson would take over. However, the Spain international reportedly worked hard this summer to get ready for the new season, and the results have been there for everyone to see.
During his prime, David de Gea was comfortably the best goalkeeper in the game. The 30-year-old has provided several glimpses of his world-class shot-stopping ability this season, making eye-catching saves galore. De Gea's ball distribution has improved as well, and he has arguably been Manchester United's best player this season so far.
You may also like: 5 best passers in the Premier League so far (2021-22).
