David Raya Named Among World’s Top Goalkeepers by Courtois

David Raya’s outstanding performances for Arsenal have caught global attention, with Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois declaring him one of the world’s top three goalkeepers. Courtois’ praise highlights Raya’s rise, but also points to the fierce, healthy competition for Spain’s coveted No. 1 shirt.

David Raya’s Stellar Season at Arsenal

David Raya has rapidly established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Brentford in 2023. His impact has been immediate and immense. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have surged to the top of the Premier League table, with Raya a key figure in their defensive solidity. So far this season, he has recorded 11 clean sheets and conceded only five goals across all competitions—a remarkable record that speaks to his consistency and composure.

Raya’s performances in the Champions League have been particularly noteworthy. Arsenal are yet to concede a single goal in the group stage, highlighting Raya’s shot-stopping prowess, command of his penalty area, and ability to organize the backline. His quick distribution also fits Arteta’s tactical philosophy, allowing Arsenal to build attacks from the back.

Courtois Backs Raya but Notes Spain Competition

Thibaut Courtois, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, recently spoke to El Partidazo and included David Raya in his list of elite stoppers. He said, “Oblak is playing at a very high level this year. I really like Allison, even though he’s injured. And I also really like David Raya. Arsenal are having a great season, they’re conceding very few goals and Raya already had a great season last year.”

However, Courtois emphasized that despite Raya’s club heroics, earning the starting spot for Spain won’t be straightforward. Athletic Club’s Unai Simon has firmly held onto the national team’s No. 1 jersey under coach Luis de la Fuente, thanks to his consistent performances in high-pressure tournaments. Simon was Spain’s starting goalkeeper as they claimed the 2023 Nations League title and triumphed at Euro 2024. Under de la Fuente, Spain are unbeaten in 31 competitive matches and have conceded just two goals in their last six fixtures, keeping five consecutive clean sheets.

Healthy Rivalry for Spain’s No. 1

Courtois believes that this kind of competition is beneficial: “Although Unai is also a great goalkeeper and is performing extremely well for the national team, so he deserves to keep playing. That’s football and competition for you. I think Luis de la Fuente is clear about this and Raya will have to wait for his chance. But it’s healthy competition, especially in goal, because if you concede two goals, the manager can’t hesitate and it’s always more difficult to substitute one player.”

For Raya, patience and continued excellence at club level could eventually tip the scales in his favor. The competition with Simon is set to push both goalkeepers to even higher standards—a scenario that can only benefit Spain as they prepare for upcoming international challenges.

Thibaut Courtois: A Benchmark for Goalkeepers

Courtois himself is a gold standard in modern goalkeeping. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, he has been integral to their domestic and European success, amassing 137 clean sheets in 337 appearances, two Champions League titles, and four La Liga crowns. On the international stage, Courtois won the Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Lev Yashin Trophy in 2022. This season, despite a recent injury, he has already kept six clean sheets, reinforcing his credentials as one of football’s elite.

When asked if he considers himself the best goalkeeper in the world, Courtois offered a measured response: “I’m definitely one of the best, but it depends on each person’s taste and everyone is free to have their own opinion. And, in the end, what I have to do is help my club and what people think.”

Upcoming Fixtures and Looking Ahead

Courtois missed recent international duty with Belgium to focus on his recovery at Madrid’s training camp. As he works toward full fitness, he’ll be aiming to return to the matchday squad when Real Madrid face Elche on Sunday—a fixture that could provide another platform to showcase his world-class ability.

Meanwhile, all eyes will remain on David Raya as he continues to impress with Arsenal, hoping that his club form will be enough to eventually earn him the starting spot with Spain. For more news on football’s top stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: The Value of Healthy Competition

The rivalry between David Raya and Unai Simon for Spain’s No. 1 spot is a testament to the incredible pool of goalkeeping talent available to La Roja. Raya’s club form justifies the praise from Courtois and others, but Simon’s composure under pressure has made him de la Fuente’s trusted choice. Ultimately, this healthy competition inspires both to reach new heights, ensuring that Spain remains strong at the back for years to come.