10 of the Best Goalkeepers in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team

Fans of FIFA worldwide have been feeling the wrath of goalkeepers on this year’s game. EA’s rewritten system for the men and women between the goalposts has increased the number of shots that get saved per match. On Ultimate Team, players were used to experiencing chaotic high scoring contests over the years. FIFA 22 has reduced this in favour of tighter, more tense matches where the best goalkeepers often create frustration and relief.

Owning a high quality goalkeeper is now more important than ever, with high attributes being reflected in gameplay. Every footballer has a mistake in them, of course, but players can feel confident in trusting their No. 1 this season. The best keepers possess cat-like reflexes, smart positioning and acrobatic diving. Being tall and composed when kicking the ball are crucial attributes to have also. Ticking these boxes will give players someone who they, and their defenders, can rely on. These are 10 of the best goalkeepers in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, 24.5k)

One of Germany’s greatest ever between the sticks, Manuel Neuer has performed at a high level for much of his playing career. He’s why FC Barcelona’s Ter Stegen struggles to get into their country’s squad. A 90 rated card in this year’s FIFA is his reward for being so consistent. He possesses 88+ attributes in every important area for a goalkeeper, which makes him an excellent all-round choice. 89 positioning means he will often know exactly where to place himself to save shots. 88 diving and reflexes will ensure that those shots do not hit the back of the net.

The best ‘sweeper-keeper’ in the world?

The Bayern legend has been described as a ‘sweeper-keeper’, This is because of his habit of sprinting out of his box to dispossess attackers. 56 speed perhaps doesn’t reflect this ability well, but being 35 years old may be the reason why. Justice has been done in the passing department, however. 70 vision and 68 long passing mean that Neuer is capable of assisting forwards for a goal. There are not many top keepers like him in the world, so he’s definitely worth picking up.

Breakdown:

1. 90 overall
2. 88+ in important goalkeeper attributes
3. 89 positioning
4. 88 diving + reflexes
5. 70 vision
6. 68 long passing

Alisson (Liverpool, 23.5k)

Liverpool’s No. 1 has, unfortunately, not been given 90 heading accuracy after his winning goal against West Brom last season. Luckily, his goalkeeping attributes are accurate with his performances. His 89 reflexes and 90 positioning put him just above Manuel Neuer. Any rare strikes that the German giant can’t get to would likely be stopped by Alisson. Impressive 86 handling can give you confidence that he will hold onto the ball. There will be very few situations where he palms the ball out straight to a second attacker.

Bringing Alisson up for last minute corners is a good idea

Alisson prefers to stay in his own box than go on a run around the pitch. He won’t be seen taking risks just so he can grab a few goal assists. The Brazilian does, though, have the GK Long Throw trait coupled with 66 vision. He’s very helpful for starting off counterattacks with a precise throw. His valuation is rather expensive at 23.5k, but he’s one of the best keepers who sticks to a traditional style. A must-buy for any Premier League dream team.

Breakdown:

1. 89 reflexes
2. 90 positioning
3. 86 handling
4. GK Long Throw trait
5. 66 vision

Keylor Navas (PSG, 14k)

Diving is one of the strongest attributes for Costa Rica’s star goalkeeper. Rated at 89, he’ll stretch his 6’1″ frame to its limits to reach top corner-bound shots. Strong reflexes and positioning also contribute to Keylor Navas being incredibly difficult to score against. At 14k, he’s the cheapest of the 88+ overall keepers. He might not be the tallest of the bunch, but he’ll still be a physical presence during corners with 74 jumping and 75 strength.

The former Real Madrid star is very important for his country

Navas is the first entry who possesses a noticeable weakness in the eyes of EA Sports. His kicking ability lacks at 75 compared to the likes of Neuer and Alisson. He’s still capable of playing the ball out from the back, but mistakes will happen. If your play style doesn’t involve passing around the defence, then Navas is highly recommended for your team.

Breakdown:

1. 89 diving
2. 89 reflexes
3. 87 positioning
4. Cheapest of 88+ rated goalkeepers

Edouard Mendy (Chelsea, 1.4k)

Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy one of the best options for goalkeepers in FIFA 22 starter Premier League squads. For just 1.4k coins, you get a player with 84 reflexes and 83 diving. These attributes seem higher in gameplay as, from experience, Mendy has pulled off many world class saves. He towers over opponents at 6’6″ and will display authority during set-pieces. More often than not, he’ll fly through crowds of players to punch the ball away from danger.

83 overall does not accurately represent how good Mendy is

One disadvantage to Mendy’s tall frame is his severe lack of speed. In FIFA 22, he has been provided with 35 rated speed. The quickest, most clinical forwards will experience joy from sprinting around him and scoring in a one-on-one situation. You’ll love Mendy as you’re starting off your Ultimate Team journey, but when coming up against the best squads you’ll be cursing his slowness.

Breakdown:

1. 6’6″ height
2. 84 reflexes
3. 83 diving
4. 6’6″ height

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid, 31k)

The best non-Icon option has stood tall at 91 overall for a few years now. It’s for good reason, as the Atletico Madrid No. 13 has been consistently brilliant for his club since taking over the reins from David de Gea. He has three attributes at 90+ in the form of 92 diving, 90 reflexes and 90 positioning. Jan Oblak is also calm playing out from the back, reflected by 65 vision and 68 composure. He’s commanding from set pieces too. 60 sprint speed gives him a decent head start at making it to the ball before the opposition.

The best goalkeeper in the world?

Slovenia’s superstar is expensive at 31k, placing him outside of some players’ price range. His ratings show, though, that he is well worth the coins. While being 6’2″ prevents him from being among the absolute best goalkeepers in FIFA 22, Oblak is basically the equivalent of building a brick wall on the goal-line. Neuer is the only other entry who comes close to him because of his superior passing abilities.

Breakdown:

1. 92 diving
2. 90 reflexes
3. 90 positioning
4. 65 vision
5. 68 composure
6. 60 sprint speed

Ederson (Manchester City, 20.5k)

The national teammate of Alisson shares similarities with Neuer, primarily that he’s also a ‘sweeper-keeper’. Ederson’s 93 kicking is the best in the game and reflects his incredible creative contributions in real-life for Manchester City. 70 vision and 66 long passing is higher than a fair few midfielders. He will definitely stack up some assists if you like playing long balls from the back. Don’t worry, he does his actual job between the goalposts very well. 88 reflexes and 88 positioning proves that.

You could likely get away with playing Ederson in central midfield

A fun thing to note about Ederson is that he has a respectable penalties rating at 51. If a shoot-out ever went as far as the goalkeepers, you can feel comfortable when he steps up. One downside to watch out for, though, is his 82 handling. He should hold onto most shots, but the odd one may escape his hands and be parried straight into the path of an on-rushing striker.

Breakdown:

1. 93 kicking
2. 70 vision
3. 66 long passing
4. 88 reflexes
5. 88 positioning
6. 51 penalties

Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, 21k)

AC Milan’s former no.99 is undoubtedly one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. EA seem to believe this as he’s received an 89 rated card this year. He is a giant at 6’5″, so will come for every cross and win the majority of those aerial battles. 91 diving and 90 reflexes are his standout attributes. These were well on display in real-life during the 2020 Euros final penalty shoot-out. 85 positioning furthers Donnarumma’s claim to being among the best goalkeepers in FIFA 22.

The man who broke the hearts of English people

The Italian’s primary downside is his 79 kicking. While he has decent vision at 60, his passing risks being inaccurate and causing the ball to be given away. He more than has the ability, though, to make up for these mistakes. For 21k, he’s more expensive than his PSG teammate Keylor Navas but is the superior goalkeeper. If you have the extra funds, then Donnarumma is the man to go for.

Breakdown:

1. 6’5″ height
2. 91 diving
3. 90 reflexes
4. 85 positioning
5. 60 vision

Bernd Leno (Arsenal, 1.5k)

Another London club is represented here in the form of Arsenal. Bernd Leno may now be playing second fiddle to Aaron Ramsdale, but in Ultimate Team he is another great goalkeeper option for starter squads. His 85 diving and reflexes are better than Edouard Mendy. Positioning is another area in which he’s superior with a 83 rating. He’s more likely to make stunning saves and be more prepared in-between the sticks. 55 speed means he’s quicker too and will rush out of goal when necessary.

What does the future hold for Leno?

Bayer Leverkusen’s former shot-stopper does falter in the height department when compared to Mendy. He’s 3 inches shorter, so is more vulnerable from set-pieces. It would be ideal to have some tall defenders on the pitch to help out Leno. 73 jumping shows that he will do his best to punch the ball out of danger at least. At almost the same price, both goalkeepers have different advantages and disadvantages. The decision is down to what kind of keeper you want in your squad.

Breakdown:

1. 85 diving
2. 85 reflexes
3. 83 positioning
4. 55 speed
5. 73 jumping

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, 24k)

Look away now Chelsea fans. Blues supporters may not be pleased to see the Real Madrid star here. Thibaut Courtois’ departure to Spain in 2018 was a controversial situation that happened at Chelsea, causing people to quickly turn on him. His time in Madrid has been very successful, though, which EA have recognised by giving him an 89 rated card. Courtois’ biggest attribute is his staggering 6’6″ height, but he also possesses other amazing abilities such as 89 handling and 88 reflexes. He’s capable of making outstanding saves where he holds onto the ball.

Most strikers will struggle to score against the big man

86 positioning and 84 diving are great attributes that continue to present the Belgian as being one of the best goalkeepers on FIFA 22. While his tall stature is great to have, though, it does mean he’s a slow player with just 46 speed. Couple that with 74 kicking, and it’s clear that Courtois is best when he’s kept in his box. When it comes to one-on-ones and set-pieces, he will bail you out of scary situations many times.

Breakdown:

1. 6’6″ height
2. 89 handling
3. 88 reflexes
4. 86 positoning
5. 84 diving

Lev Yashin (Icons, 120k)

The legendary Russian shot-stopper is, of course, the most expensive entry on this list because of his Icon status. His mid Icon card, rated 91 overall, possesses eye-watering attributes such as 93 reflexes, 93 diving and 92 positioning. Lev Yashin has some other great ratings for a goalkeeper, too. 89 jumping and 81 agility mean that conceding from set-pieces will be a rarity with him in the squad. He and his cap will be pouncing onto every loose ball, with impressive 62 speed also playing a big factor.

Clean sheets are almost guaranteed with this legend in your squad

Yashin is more of an old-school goalkeeper, so understandably he doesn’t fare too well in the passing category. With 73 kicking, he won’t want to be messing around with the modern-day trend of passing around the back. His price is also an issue for many players at 120k. It may initially seem like a lot for someone of his position, but having a quality keeper is very important this year. This list has provided plenty of great alternative options, however. Enjoy racking up the clean sheets.

Breakdown:

1. 93 reflexes
2. 93 diving
3. 92 positioning
4. 89 jumping
5. 81 agility
6. 62 speed

What other players are the best goalkeepers in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team? Let me know in the comments below!

Player prices correct on PlayStation at time of writing.