Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says Arsenal’s David Raya is among the top three goalkeepers in world football.
Real Madrid and Belgium shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois has been established as one of the best keepers in the world for the past decade.
But when it comes to ranking the top three, he’s picked out Arsenal man David Raya among the elite.
In a recent interview, 33-year-old Courtois was full of praise for the Arsenal keeper.
Thibaut Courtois Says David Raya Among Top Three Keepers In The World
Speaking to Spanish outlet COPE, Courtois was asked if he considered himself the best keeper in the world.
“I’m certainly one of the best,” he admitted,
“But it depends on each person’s taste, and everyone is free to have their opinion.
“Ultimately, what I have to do is help my club, and what people think.”
The Belgian’s answer reflected his focus on consistency and delivering for the team, a defining characteristic of his career in both the Premier League and La Liga.
Pressed for his top three keepers in world football right now, he removed himself from the debate.
Courtois added: “I’m out of the way.
“Currently, Oblak is playing at a very high level this year. I really like Alisson, even though he’s injured. And I also really like David Raya.”
Raya has been central to Arsenal’s superb defensive record this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just five goals in the league this campaign, the fewest of any side.
And Gunners supporters will be pleased to see their keeper is earning praise from further afield.
But with key defender Gabriel out injured for around a month, Raya will likely be tested more than ever in upcoming fixtures.
Arsenal fans were already in meltdown after Michael Oliver was appointed referee for this weekend’s North London derby, so losing Gabriel has been another blow.
But in Raya, they have a top class keeper who has proven himself more than capable of keeping another clean sheet.
David Raya’s Rise Leads To National Team Debate
Away from the Premier League, Raya’s form has also ignited a headache for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
Unai Simon has been the starter for La Roja in recent years.
Asked if his top three keepers selection means he would start Raya over Simon if he were Spain coach, Courtois sat more on the fence.
“That’s not my decision,” he said.
“I’m very grateful for Unai Simón’s words. But Arsenal are having a great season, conceding very few goals, and Raya already had a great season last year.”
“Unai is also a great goalkeeper, and he’s performing tremendously well with the national team and deserves to keep playing.”
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya gave his shirt and gloves to a fan after their win against Burnley 🫶
The Arsenal defence are on a run of seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions 👏 pic.twitter.com/B7UoPbsSXF
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 1, 2025
But the former Chelsea man acknowledged the close competition and need to pick players on form.
“That’s football and competition.
“I think Luis de la Fuente has made up his mind, 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 harder to replace one of them.”
For Raya, receiving praise from one of the modern game’s most decorated goalkeepers is another sign of his growing reputation.
And for Arsenal supporters, hearing one of the world’s best acknowledging their man will only reinforce what they’ve seen all season – a keeper who has firmly established himself among football’s elite.
