Whether you’re setting up counter-attacking tactics, preparing a team full of wonderkids, or just navigating the meta, a good goalkeeper is important for any Football Manager 26 save. A goalkeeper’s role in the modern era is to be a defensive commander and the first attacker. As such, you need both good composure and high shot power.
This list of the best goalkeepers in Football Manager 26 consists of the most impactful options: well-known stars that guarantee points, wonderkids with high potential, and even underrated academy players. All of them can play a crucial part in any FM26 save, so keep your eyes peeled for that transfer market.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Starting strong, Donnarumma is the pick for the most immediate and established world-class goalkeeper in Football Manager 26. At the age of 26, he currently plays for a top-tier Premier League team, Manchester City. He is already a strong starter with excellent stats, but can be polished even further with proper development.
Signing him may be an obvious choice for most FM26 players, although acquiring him will be a difficult task. With a steep price tag that can creep up to €80M or beyond, he certainly doesn’t come cheap. However, splurging on him guarantees you a consistent goalkeeper who performs at the highest level.
Diogo Costa
Another 26-year-old goalkeeper with top potential. Diogo Costa is a Swiss player who plays for Primeira Liga club Porto, one of the top teams in the Portuguese league. Costa is the perfect blend of high current ability and elite potential. Much like Donnarumma, he’s a world-class talent and is a comparatively cheaper alternative for around €54M – €60M.
This Swiss player showcases excellent goalkeeping in the modern era. The man has impressive technical ability with his feet and old-fashioned shot-stopping prowess. He is an ideal goalkeeper for teams that prefer to play out from the back, providing immediate quality and long-term security.
Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan is another world-class talent who his proven his abilities time and time again. He performs consistently at both national and international levels. This French player is a star for Serie A club AC Milan and is known for his reliable performance between the posts. At the age of 29, he’s not the youngest player on the list, but his experience will help a lot.
With an impressive overall current rating, Maignan is a veteran at what he does and specializes in communication and elite reflexes. Although he is a little older than the rest and has an undefined price tag, he is still an ideal signing for almost any club.
Guillaume Restes
Guillaume Restes is one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in Football Manager 26, currently playing for Toulouse FC. The 20-year-old Frenchman already shows composure beyond his years, with sharp reflexes and confidence on the ball.
While he still has room to grow, he’s ready for top-flight football and fits perfectly in teams that focus on youth development. Valued at around €26M–€30M, Restes is a smart long-term investment for clubs looking for a future first-choice goalkeeper.
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro is a reliable starter for AZ Alkmaar at just 21 years old. He’s quick to react, strong in one-on-one situations, and handles pressure well for his age. With a valuation between €17.5M and €41M, he’s a strong long-term option who can immediately compete for the starting spot. Managers looking for a balance of current ability and long-term potential will find Owusu-Oduro one of the safest picks in FM26.
Dennis Seimen
Dennis Seimen is a 19-year-old prospect who starts raw but develops into an excellent goalkeeper with the right guidance. He’s aggressive in closing down space and shows great awareness, even if his early handling and positioning need work. Priced around €2.3M, Seimen is an affordable pickup for lower-tier or developing clubs. Given time, he can easily grow into one of the best bargains in the game.
Tommaso Martinelli
Tommaso Martinelli, the 19-year-old Fiorentina goalkeeper, is another solid choice for long-term planning. Standing at 6’5, he’s dominant in the air and confident in claiming crosses, which makes him useful against physically strong opponents. At around €2M–€2.6M, he’s an excellent signing for managers who want a cheap option with high potential. Martinelli doesn’t need to be rushed into the first team, but can become a dependable starter within a few seasons.
Ferran Quetglas
Ferran Quetglas is a Real Madrid academy goalkeeper who starts with a low valuation of about €50K but has a clear path to becoming a top talent. He’s quick, calm under pressure, and has solid technical ability with his feet. Signing him early is difficult since Spanish clubs monitor his progress closely, but pulling it off gives your team a capable young keeper who can develop into a first-choice player in the right environment.
