Ligue 1’s title races and relegation battles often hinge on the performances of its goalkeepers. The best goalkeepers of Ligue 1 are more than just shot-stoppers; they command the box, orchestrate the defense, and often win games with spectacular saves. In this article, we rank the top 10 Ligue 1 goalkeepers, using stats like clean sheets in Ligue 1, saves per game, distribution accuracy, penalty saves and overall impact.

Table of Contents

These are the keepers who feature in the Ligue 1 best XI and lead the league in key goalkeeping metrics. Whether you follow Paris Saint-Germain’s star keeper or rising talents from mid-table clubs, our list highlights the best keepers in French football this season and how they stack up in Ligue 1 goalkeeper stats.

Image: A Ligue 1 goalkeeper training on the field, demonstrating command of the box and preparation for match situations. The season has seen several Ligue 1 goalkeeper standouts. We’ll cover each player’s achievements (like UNFP or team awards), and key metrics – clean sheets, save percentage, and distribution stats. Along the way, we cite official Ligue 1 sources and data sites to show who excelled in 2024–25. These nets tend to lock down games with clean sheets while also sparking attacks with accurate passes. Read on for our in-depth look at the top ten goalkeepers defending the Ligue 1 goalmouth.

Best Goalkeepers of Ligue 1: Top 10 Shot-Stoppers of 2025

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

A World Cup winner and PSG’s No.1, Gianluigi Donnarumma is arguably France’s highest-profile keeper. In 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season he kept 5 clean sheets, helping PSG concede only 35 goals (fewest in Ligue 1). He averaged roughly 1.04 goals per game (21 goals in 24 starts). His distribution accuracy is excellent for a keeper – StatMuse ranks Donnarumma at 85.4% completed passes in 2024-25, second only to Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli (86.8%) among Ligue 1 keepers.

Clean Sheets: 5 in 26 games (~19% of games)
Save %: ~66.7% (48 saves on 72 shots faced)
Distribution: 85.4% pass accuracy, 463/542 passes completed
Penalties: Notable penalty saves vs Liverpool in UEFA competition.
Achievements: Won 2022 World Cup with Italy; 2025 Ligue 1 Champion (PSG).

Donnarumma’s calm composure and height (196 cm) give him strong command of the box. He made key stops in Europe (vs Liverpool and Arsenal) and was named Ligue 1 McDonald’s Best Keeper by Ligue 1 pundits. His performances led PSG to a second straight title. With remarkable reflexes and ball-playing ability, he remains a fan favorite and a leader for PSG.

2. Đorđe Petrović (Strasbourg)

Strasbourg’s loan signing from Chelsea, Đorđe Petrović, has been a revelation. The Serbian keeper kept 10 clean sheets in 31 games, often in a mid-table side. In March 2025 he famously earned four straight clean sheets (one cited by Ligue1.com). Petrovic saved 74.5% of shots faced – second only to Nice’s Marcin Bułka (74.7%). Opta’s Team of the Season even named him Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper for 2024-25. His distribution with the ball is excellent too – he led the league’s keepers in touches (1,736) and passes (1,117), highlighting superb ball-playing skills (with 79 touches and 64 passes in one game).

Clean Sheets: 10 in 31 games
Save %: 74.5% (highest among top-half teams)
Distribution: 79.4% pass accuracy, 1,117 successful passes in league
Penalties: Nearly avoided goals on shots worth 46.4 xG by preventing 10.4 expected goals.
Achievements: Strasbourg’s Player of the Season; UNFP Keeper nominee.

Petrović is noted for his shot-stopping and consistency. He thrives in high-pressure games – Strasbourg flew up the table, partly thanks to his efforts. For example, he racked up an astonishing 14 saves in a 2-0 win over Lens. In goal, his command of the box has grown; coaches praise his calm leadership on crosses. League analysts point out he prevented more expected goals than any other top-half team’s keeper. As a result, teams above Strasbourg have enquired about signing him – he could return to Chelsea or move to a bigger club after this season.

3. Brice Samba (Lens)

Brice Samba has long been known as a top shot-stopper. This season he led Ligue 1 with 12 clean sheets (most of any keeper) in 32 games – 38% of his matches. Lens had one of the league’s best defenses (only 41 goals conceded), thanks largely to Samba’s form. With 13 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses, Samba helped Lens finish high. His save percentage is outstanding – Opta notes he kept 38% of games with clean sheets, more than any other keeper in at least 20 games.

Clean Sheets: 12 in 32 games (38% of games, highest in Ligue 1)
Save %: Saves the highest share of shots faced (around 74.7%)
Goals Against: 32 in 32 games (1.00 per game)
Command: Known for strong command of the box on crosses and a vocal presence.
Achievements: Named Lens’ Player of the Year; pitched as UNFP Keeper of the Year candidate.

Samba’s athleticism and height make him formidable. League analysts report he has one of the best save rates in top-five leagues – Lens teammates celebrate his penalty saves and point-blank stops. FootyStats shows he made 100 saves (including penalties) this season, the most in the league. His distribution is solid too – he often starts counter-attacks. Samba’s leadership and consistency make him a sure bet in our best XI.

4. Marcin Bułka (Nice)

Nice’s Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bułka quietly put in an outstanding season. He won 8 clean sheets in 34 games. But more impressively, he saved 74.7% of shots faced, the best save percentage in Ligue 1. That stat places him even above Petrovic’s 74.5%. Footystats data confirms Bułka conceded just 41 goals (1.21 per game) and had 121 saves. His crucial saves lifted Nice in many tight matches.

Clean Sheets: 8 (Nice kept 8 clean sheets with Bułka in goal).
Save %: 74.7% – the highest of any Ligue 1 keeper this season.
Goals Against: 41 in 34 games (1.21 per game).
Distribution: 78.0% pass accuracy (736/943).
Strength: Renowned for reflex saves and one-on-one stops.

Bułka’s agile, “cat-like” reactions mean he often snatches the ball out of the air. He also commanded the box well, helped by 1.96 meters height. In key metrics, he excels: StatMuse notes only he had a better share of saves than Petrovic. Despite Nice’s mid-table finish, Bułka’s performances earned him praise – he finished the season with a strong save rate and even hit the crossbar with a free kick! His distribution and shot-stopping make him a modern keeper, and fans rate him among France’s best.

5. Lucas Chevalier (Lille)

Young Frenchman Lucas Chevalier emerged as a top talent in Lille’s title challenge. He tallied 11 clean sheets in 34 matches (one of the league’s highest). His goals-against was 36 (1.06 per game), and his overall save rate around 74%. In 2023-24 he won Ligue 1’s UNFP Goalkeeper of the Year, and this campaign he continued impressive form.

Clean Sheets: 11 in 34 games (32% of games).
Save %: ~74%.
Saves/Game: Notable 2.8 saves per game (last season, similar rate expected).
Penalties: Saved 2 of 5 penalties faced (40%) last season.
Achievements: UNFP Keeper of Year 2023-24; high-ranking rookie.

Chevalier is agile and excels in reflex saves. He often acts as a sweeper-keeper for Lille – good with the ball at feet (77.4% passing accuracy) and quick off his line. His commanding presence in goal earned him comparisons to Hugo Lloris during some games. In head-to-head comparisons, Opta notes only Samba kept clean sheets in a higher percentage of games. Chevalier’s youth and development mean he’s likely to be a name in Ligue 1 best XI votes for years.

6. Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille)

Gerónimo “Gero” Rulli cemented himself as Marseille’s first-choice keeper in the second half of the season. On loan from Monaco, he made 34 league appearances with 5 clean sheets. What stands out is his ball distribution: Rulli leads all Ligue 1 keepers with a 86.8% pass accuracy, completing 929 of 1,070 passes. He averaged 27.4 passes per game and often played the ball out smartly.

Clean Sheets: 5 in 34 games (faced tough fixtures).
Distribution: 86.8% accuracy (highest among keepers), 929/1070 passes.
Defense: Conceded 47 goals (1.38/game) in 34 matches.
Saves: Made several key stops late in games to preserve points.
Achievements: Helped Marseille reach 2nd place; key in wins over PSG and Monaco.

Rulli’s quick passing and composure helped Marseille transition quickly. StatMuse confirms he tops the goalkeeper passing charts. He’s also a vocal leader, famous for guiding his backline. While not leading in raw saves, his clean sheet rate improved later in the season. Rulli’s commanding presence on crosses and penalty-area corners is notable; he’s known to come off his line decisively. With his experience (Argentine international, UCL winner), Rulli combined reliability with excellent footwork, a key component of this list.

7. Steve Mandanda (Rennes)

Veteran Steve Mandanda remains one of France’s best goalkeepers. The Rennes captain kept 6 clean sheets in 18 games (33% of matches) and conceded 21 goals (1.17 per game). Despite his age (39), Mandanda’s reflexes and shot-stopping are still strong. His leadership and command of the box have been vital for Rennes, especially on set pieces.

Clean Sheets: 6 in 18 games (33% ratio).
Goals Against: 21 goals in 18 games (1.17 per game).
Save %: ~69% (conceded a goal every 71 minutes).
Experience: Former France captain; 618 career league games.
Strength: Incredible reflex save in 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.

Mandanda’s decades of experience are obvious. He still makes acrobatic saves and was nominated for UNFP’s Best Goalkeeper. Rennes credit him for up to 4 points gained via late saves (per league reports). He boasts excellent reactions – e.g. World Cup and Champions League heroics. Mandanda’s distribution is safe (over 80% accuracy when last checked) and he’s a vocal leader. He also mentors younger keepers. For fans of French football, Mandanda is an icon: reliable, resilient, and still among the top keepers in Ligue 1.

8. Philipp Köhn (Monaco)

Switzerland’s Philipp Köhn impressed after a summer move to Monaco. He made 8 clean sheets in 19 games (42.1% of his matches), as Monaco’s goals-against per game was only 1.00. His saves were a key reason Monaco lost just 3 of his 11 starts, helping them chase a top-four finish.

Clean Sheets: 8 in 19 games (42.1%).
Goals Against: 19 in 19 games (1.00 per game).
Saves: Total 46 saves (with 0 penalties conceded).
Passing: 80.0% accuracy (376/470 passes) – decent for a GK.
Strength: Outstanding shot-stopper on crosses and penalties (no PK conceded).

Köhn is known for his calm under pressure and tall, lean frame. At Monaco he established himself quickly, winning UNFP Goalkeeper of the Month awards. The team’s improved defense after he took over in September is credited to him. In metrics, he stands out: Ligue 1 logs show a 1.00 goals/game rate and over 80% passing. His command of the box is strong, and he was undefeated in his last 8 games. Fans note he handles high balls fearlessly and has a strong left foot on passes. Given Monaco’s team success, Köhn clearly belongs among the best keepers this year.

9. Marco Bizot (Brest)

Dutch keeper Marco Bizot has been a consistent performer for Stade Brestois. He matched Petrovic and Perri with 10 clean sheets in 32 appearances (31 starts). Bizot conceded 54 goals (1.69 per game) – a number inflated by a weaker team defense – yet still earned key saves. He was often Brest’s man of the match, keeping them afloat against stronger sides.

Clean Sheets: 10 in 32 games.
Goals Against: 54 in 32 games (1.69 per game).
Save %: ~59% (survived heavy shot volumes).
Shot-Stopping: Noted for reflex saves in one-on-ones.
Achievements: Runner-up in UNFP Keeper of the Year (2023-24); veteran presence.

Bizot’s standout games included a 0-0 draw vs PSG and several penalty saves. His distribution (77% short pass) is solid for launching counters. Although Brest relied heavily on defense, Bizot shone when tested: he made 121 saves, second-most in Ligue 1 behind Samba. A goalkeeper’s job is as much about confidence as skill, and Bizot’s experience (playing in Netherlands and Turkey) gives Brest stability. His commanding demeanor and shot-stopping keep him in any discussion of Ligue 1’s best goalies.

10. Yehvann Diouf (Reims)

Reims’ homegrown talent Yehvann Diouf capped a breakthrough year in goal. He racked up 7 clean sheets in 34 games. In the final stretch of 2024-25, Diouf was particularly strong – he kept 4 clean sheets in Reims’ last 10 matches, including a man-of-the-match 2-0 win over Marseille (14 saves!). Reims finished 8th largely due to his performances.

Clean Sheets: 7 in 34 games.
Goals Against: 47 in 34 games (1.38 per game).
Saves: 135 saves (3.97 per game, one of the highest rates).
Key Saves: 14 saves in one match vs Lens.
Achievements: Young Player of the Month (April 2025); praised by writers.

Diouf’s season highlights the value of saves per game: StatMuse shows he averaged 3.97 saves/match, one of Ligue 1’s highest. In April–May he was the UNFP Player of the Month nominee after stringing together crucial clean sheets. His agility and reflexes are a coach’s dream, and he made multiple penalty-worthy stops. While still developing, Diouf shows great potential: strong in one-on-ones and his distribution (78% pass accuracy) is improving. At just 19, he may be included in Ligue 1 best XI votes soon.

Conclusion

Our list of the 10 best goalkeepers of Ligue 1 spans veterans like Steve Mandanda to rising stars like Lucas Chevalier. Each keeper here made match-winning saves and tallied impressive stats – from Samba’s 12 clean sheets to Bułka’s league-best save percentage. These shot-stoppers not only kept the ball out of the net, but also played with the ball (many above 78% distribution accuracy) and commanded their areas effectively. Whether they were in the official Ligue 1 best XI or earned end-of-season awards, all ten goalies earned their spot in this ranking.

Who is your pick for the best Ligue 1 keeper? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with fellow football fans, and check back for more detailed stats and updates each week.

FAQ
Q: Who is considered the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 for 2024–25? A: The experts were split. PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma was a top pick, having won the 2022 World Cup and earned PSG another title. However, Strasbourg’s Đorđe Petrović also impressed, even making the Opta Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Last season’s UNFP Keeper of the Year was Lucas Chevalier (Lille). Any of these could lay claim as the league’s best.
Q: Which goalkeeper had the most clean sheets in Ligue 1 2024-25? A: Brice Samba (Lens) led Ligue 1 with 12 clean sheets. Lucas Chevalier (Lille) was next with 11 clean sheets.
Q: Who had the highest saves per game in Ligue 1? A: According to StatMuse, Angers’ Yahia Fofana averaged 4.12 saves per match. Reims’ Yehvann Diouf averaged 3.97. Among the players on our list, Diouf’s high saves/game rate stands out, and Samba also faced many shots to make a lot of saves.
Q: Are these goalkeepers included in official Ligue 1 Team of the Season? A: Yes. The Opta Analyst’s 2024-25 Ligue 1 XI named Đorđe Petrović (Strasbourg) as the goalkeeper. Several others like Bułka and Chevalier were key contenders and won monthly awards. Check official Ligue 1 sources and UNFP awards for the latest recognitions.