Scouting Potential Foreign Goalkeepers for MLS (2024)

Following the previous report on potential signings for MLS, Everybody Soccer returns with another scouting report on possible foreign goalkeepers for MLS teams. The US’s top league has finally started to explore more avenues when it comes to buying and selling players, both domestic and foreign.

Eligible goalkeepers were limited to (1) being at least 21 years old, (2) listed as having less than a $1,250,000 market value by Transfermarkt, and (3) ones that would have the highest possibility of being re-sold by an MLS team. Additionally, information on their current club situation is provided beneath each picture, along with a brief bio about their play style and potential move to MLS.

Vitezslav Jaros (22) - Liverpool

Club: Liverpool (England.1)
(on loan with Sturm Graz, Austria.1)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $317,000

Nationality: Czech Republic

The Czech youth international left Liverpool earlier this month on a recently loan out to Sturm Graz in Austria. With Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher’s rise to success, Jaros has been left out in the cold and will likely be exploring new options when his contract reportedly runs out this summer. The lanky yet explosive young goalkeeper was previously getting a push within Liverpool and the current plateau is something he won’t want to let define him. Last summer, Jaros led Czech Republic’s U21s over Germany in a 2-1 win during the U-21 Euro, including a fantastic late-time save on a free kick.

Luca Philipp (23) - Hoffenheim

Club: Hoffenheim (Germany.1)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $380,000

Nationality: Germany

After a decade with Hoffenheim, the former German U21 starter has still yet to be given a pathway forward. Philipp has been given a handful of starts over the last couple years but has seemingly dropped below 20-year-old teammate Nahuel Noll in terms of investment from the club. Philipp is long overdue a fresh start and given a consistent stream of games and MLS would match nicely with the German-style of goalkeeping: hyper-efficient and powerful shot-stopping with a modern tactical approach.

Markus Schubert (25) - Vitesse

Club: Vitesse (Netherlands.1)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $380,000

Nationality: Germany

After a hapless couple years with FC Schalke, Schubert moved north for Vitesse on a free transfer. Schubert has helped the Dutch club progress in the KNVB Cup with back-to-back-to-back 1-0 wins, with the most recent victory coming earlier this week against AFC. Schubert has advanced Vitesse to the quarterfinals and could draw some attention but it’s unlikely it’ll be enough to raise his stock much higher than it already is. If Vitesse doesn’t have a pathway forward to him, MLS teams could utilize the former German YNT goalkeeper for a year or two.

Lennart Grill (25) - Union Berlin

Club: Union Berlin (Germany.1)
(on loan with VfL Osnabrück, Germany.2)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $1,014,000

Nationality: Germany

Currently on loan with VfL Osnabrück, Grill has been cutting his teeth on one of the worst clubs in the German second division. Although Union Berlin may be able to see through the team’s failures for Grill’s individual efforts and higher ceiling, it’s likely he’ll get labeled as a relegated goalkeeper after this season, barring a mircle from VfL Osnabrück. And with both Frederik Rönnow and Alexander Schwolow back home at Union Berlin, there’s a decent chance Grill will be looking for a new home for the 2024-25 season.

Viljami Sinisalo (22) - Aston Villa

Club: Aston Villa (England.1)
(currently on loan to Exter City, England.3)

Reported end of contract: May 31, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $760,000

Nationality: Finland

Already with two caps to his name, the Finnish international finds himself in England’s third division after being sent out of loan from to Aston Villa. Unfortuantely for Sinisalo, Exter City are just earshot out of the relegation zone. Each match feels like a dogfight for Sinisalo, if not a one-sided stomp. Aston Villa will most certainly continue to run with Emi Martinez for another few years while Sinisalo will be chomping at the bit for serious minutes in a serious league. MLS has been a good home for many Finnish players - most notably Teemu Pukki - and could do wonders for Sinisalo’s next step.

Phillip Menzel (25) - A. Klagenfurt

Club: A. Klagenfurt (Austria.1)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2024

Transfermarkt value: $887,000

Nationality: Germany

After a limited run with Wolfsburg, Menzel joined Austria Klagenfurt ahead of the 2020-21 season. Since then, Menzel has shown well in a league that is more about “keeping the ball out of the net” than playing on a field that allows for a smooth rolling of the ball. The grittiness of Austria’s Bundesliga has worked well for Menzel, earning over 100 appearances for the club and helping Klagenfurt earn promotion into the first division after his first season with the club. Klagenfurt now sits 5th overall, thanks largely to Menzel’s efforts. Not to take anything away from Menzel’s distribution skills but for MLS teams that are more focused on shot stopping, Menzel would be a great addition to their goalkeeping core, before potentially selling him back to the German Bundesliga.

Joan García (22) - Espanyol

Club: Espanyol (Spain.2)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2028

Transfermarkt value: $507,000

Nationality: Spain

Admittedly, García’s contract situation will likely complicate a potential move. However, for a club that has gotten little to no use out of the former Spanish youth international (only seven appearances in the past twelve months), they may entertain a fair offer for the rarely seen goalkeeper. A few MLS teams are trying to possess more and although García is a fine shot-stopper in his own right, he could be the missing piece for those that want their goalkeeper to do more than just smash goal kicks downfield.

João Virgínia (24) - Everton

Club: Everton (England.1)

Reported end of contract: June 30, 2025

Transfermarkt value: $1,014,000

Nationality: Portugal

Virgínia first joined Everton in 2019 but it’s been a bumpy and winding road thus far. At just 24 years old, Virgínia has already completed his third loan (going to Reading, Sporting CP, and now SC Cambuur) while still barely featuring for Everton. At this point, Virgínia has made more appearances for Portuguese youth national teams than with Everton or their U23s and there doesn’t seem to be any plan for him to take over for Pickford (29 years old) any time soon. Everton may want to see what they can squeeze out of Virgínia at the end of the day - he admittedly played well in the FA Cup replay against Palace - but there’s a high likelihood that he walks for free in the end.

Top 200 European Club Elo Ratings

cover photo belongs to Getty Images

W-T-L records are tallied from the last two years of league matches and Champions League play while the Elo rating is accumulated from games starting in 2015.

The last three columns count how many times a team played against a team in the top 50, 150, or 200 over the last two years, with the “6mo elo change” detailing the club’s rise and fall in the past six months.

Graphs of past team performances can be made available at request. An example can be found here.

Last updated December 1, 2023

Rank Club Rating Country W-T-L ppg vs. top50 vs. top100 vs. top200 6m elo change
1 Barcelona 2160 Spain 75-2-4 2.80 30 48 80 +53
2 Lyon 2127 France 55-4-4 2.68 34 50 61 +41
3 Bayern München 1995 Germany 47-9-5 2.46 43 60 61 -62
4 Chelsea 1907 England 43-8-7 2.36 37 55 56 -76
5 Arsenal 1866 England 39-9-12 2.10 39 55 58 +48
6 Wolfsburg 1837 Germany 47-8-8 2.37 44 60 62 -101
7 Häcken 1825 Sweden 39-12-10 2.11 41 60 61 +6
8 SL Benfica 1777 Portugal 53-1-9 2.54 23 34 55 -28
9 PSG 1770 France 42-11-11 2.14 35 47 62 -47
10 Manchester City 1755 England 31-3-9 2.23 24 40 43 +19
11 Paris 1739 France 33-12-9 2.06 26 40 52 +144
12 Eintracht Frankfurt 1737 Germany 35-7-11 2.11 33 50 52 -67
13 Hammarby 1721 Sweden 33-8-11 2.06 32 51 52 +80
14 Roma 1713 Italy 53-6-7 2.50 20 37 54 +116
15 Manchester United 1710 England 29-8-6 2.21 27 40 43 -105
16 Linköping 1670 Sweden 35-8-10 2.13 34 51 52 +42
17 Twente 1640 Netherlands 44-2-4 2.68 10 25 44 +83
18 Hoffenheim 1636 Germany 27-8-11 1.93 30 44 46 -130
19 Ajax 1628 Netherlands 41-7-5 2.45 14 30 47 +36
20 Zenit 1613 Russia 39-10-2 2.49 15 33 49 +33
21 Sporting CP 1586 Portugal 33-5-6 2.36 10 17 42 +15
22 Juventus 1580 Italy 43-14-8 2.20 15 34 52 -10
23 Leverkusen 1574 Germany 13-11-20 1.14 30 43 44 +31
24 Vittsjö 1573 Sweden 27-10-14 1.78 31 49 51 +35
25 Kristianstad 1572 Sweden 30-13-11 1.91 31 53 54 -13
26 Piteå 1549 Sweden 29-8-16 1.79 31 51 53 -9
27 Rosengård 1544 Sweden 36-13-16 1.86 42 63 65 -124
28 CSKA Moskva 1541 Russia 39-4-8 2.37 13 31 49 +2
29 Real Madrid 1519 Spain 58-7-15 2.26 25 43 76 -59
30 Lokomotiv Moskva 1492 Russia 35-7-9 2.20 14 34 49 +16
31 SGS Essen 1455 Germany 12-10-22 1.05 30 43 44 +85
32 Brann 1422 Norway 39-13-10 2.10 19 34 59 +46
33 Atletico Madrid 1420 Spain 35-15-10 2.00 10 25 59 +64
34 Werder Bremen 1414 Germany 11-11-22 1.00 32 43 44 +75
35 AIK 1412 Sweden 24-6-22 1.50 19 33 46 +211
36 Fleury 91 1395 France 22-8-13 1.72 20 33 43 -110
37 Rosenborg 1394 Norway 36-8-12 2.07 16 31 55 +5
38 Stade de Reims 1387 France 21-6-16 1.60 21 30 43 +60
39 Sporting Braga 1378 Portugal 29-5-10 2.09 11 18 40 -53
40 Montpellier 1366 France 21-10-15 1.59 21 34 46 -35
41 Levante 1362 Spain 38-8-17 1.94 14 30 61 +30
42 Slavia Praha 1360 Czech Republic 37-5-9 2.27 12 19 19 +3
43 Freiburg 1355 Germany 16-10-18 1.32 29 43 44 +25
44 Everton 1351 England 12-8-22 1.05 24 39 42 +8
45 Aston Villa 1346 England 14-4-23 1.12 27 38 41 -124
46 Fortuna Sittard 1334 Netherlands 18-4-8 1.93 6 14 27 +37
47 Lillestrøm 1333 Norway 25-14-13 1.71 15 27 50 +149
48 Vålerenga 1333 Norway 35-13-8 2.11 14 34 55 -213
49 Tottenham Hotspur 1332 England 13-9-20 1.14 23 40 42 +52
50 Växjö 1331 Sweden 29-10-14 1.83 16 30 44 -5
51 Liverpool 1330 England 18-10-12 1.60 14 27 31 +92
52 St. Pölten 1324 Austria 41-3-8 2.42 8 16 35 -32
53 Köln 1322 Germany 11-10-23 0.98 28 43 44 -6
54 KIF Örebro 1290 Sweden 19-5-28 1.19 32 51 52 -51
55 Zvezda Perm 1287 Russia 18-14-17 1.39 14 28 47 +97
56 Madrid 1274 Spain 28-6-26 1.50 15 31 58 +42
57 Norrköping 1249 Sweden 25-6-19 1.62 15 30 42 +42
58 Brommapojkarna 1241 Sweden 7-11-35 0.60 39 52 53 +107
59 Fiorentina 1235 Italy 24-7-18 1.61 11 24 42 +87
60 PSV 1232 Netherlands 25-7-14 1.78 11 22 41 +14
61 Leicester City 1230 England 9-5-28 0.76 28 41 42 +58
62 Sevilla 1229 Spain 22-15-22 1.37 14 30 58 +81
63 Brøndby 1219 Denmark 29-6-13 1.94 6 18 43 -11
64 Brighton & Hove Albion 1219 England 9-7-26 0.81 25 41 42 -21
65 Køge 1218 Denmark 35-8-9 2.17 4 19 48 -176
66 Uppsala 1215 Sweden 20-15-17 1.44 16 30 43 +13
67 Duisburg 1208 Germany 17-8-23 1.23 23 32 42 -74
68 West Ham United 1203 England 11-6-25 0.93 25 39 42 -70
69 Dinamo Moskva 1193 Russia 14-2-11 1.63 9 17 25 +95
70 BIIK Kazygurt 1193 Kazakhstan 31-4-2 2.62 0 0 15 -38
71 Le Havre 1193 France 17-13-15 1.42 17 26 39 +107
72 AC Milan 1192 Italy 22-11-16 1.57 13 24 42 -120
73 Trelleborg 1187 Sweden 17-5-4 2.15 1 6 21 +27
74 Bordeaux 1185 France 15-8-21 1.20 20 32 44 -118
75 Djurgården 1173 Sweden 14-8-31 0.94 34 52 53 -20
76 Valur 1171 Iceland 33-9-7 2.20 4 5 35 -35
77 Racing Seixal 1161 Portugal 4-1-3 1.63 2 2 8 +11
78 Guingamp 1157 France 13-6-26 1.00 22 33 45 -72
79 Turbine Potsdam 1153 Germany 17-7-23 1.23 24 36 42 -94
80 PEC Zwolle 1150 Netherlands 17-8-20 1.31 11 25 41 +67
81 Internazionale 1141 Italy 22-10-17 1.55 11 26 41 -10
82 Fortuna Hjørring 1131 Denmark 25-6-17 1.69 9 20 44 -100
83 Dinamo-BGU 1120 Belarus 56-3-2 2.80 2 2 8 +42
84 Kiryat Gat 1120 Israel 40-11-3 2.43 1 1 21 -18
85 ADO Den Haag 1119 Netherlands 21-8-15 1.61 12 19 39 -58
86 Marítimo 1118 Portugal 17-3-24 1.23 14 23 40 +207
87 Stabæk 1115 Norway 18-10-24 1.23 22 32 51 +54
88 Famalicão 1111 Portugal 20-6-18 1.50 15 17 41 -97
89 RB Leipzig 1111 Germany 33-6-13 2.02 6 13 38 +15
90 Alingsås 1105 Sweden 31-15-7 2.04 2 15 41 -52
91 Sparta Praha 1101 Czech Republic 25-7-10 1.95 10 12 12 -44
92 Rangers 1098 Scotland 54-9-4 2.55 2 5 19 +65
93 UD Tenerife 1082 Spain 27-10-22 1.54 13 25 58 -28
94 Meppen 1081 Germany 21-9-20 1.44 16 24 41 -123
95 Real Sociedad 1081 Spain 27-13-22 1.52 14 25 62 -17
96 Nordsjælland 1078 Denmark 17-11-18 1.35 7 23 41 +130
97 Celtic 1073 Scotland 53-5-8 2.48 1 9 16 +72
98 Spartak Subotica 1069 Serbia 27-3-4 2.47 3 3 4 -1
99 Lidköping 1062 Sweden 24-13-15 1.63 0 14 38 +73
100 Lyn 1060 Norway 18-15-19 1.33 14 29 49 -8
101 Altach / Vorderland 1055 Austria 26-4-6 2.28 3 8 20 +62
102 Dijon 1044 France 6-10-28 0.64 24 35 44 +36
103 Chertanovo 1040 Russia 17-10-22 1.24 11 28 46 -134
104 Athletic Club 1039 Spain 23-8-29 1.28 15 30 59 +16
105 Krasnodar 1036 Russia 15-10-25 1.10 12 29 47 +83
106 Nürnberg 1028 Germany 25-3-22 1.56 7 14 39 +31
107 Valadares Gaia 1024 Portugal 20-8-16 1.55 9 13 33 +143
108 Damaiense 1018 Portugal 14-7-9 1.63 8 11 28 +1
109 Utrecht 1012 Netherlands 5-2-4 1.55 2 6 10 +12
110 Stjarnan 1010 Iceland 22-10-11 1.77 1 8 33 -21
111 Sturm Graz 1010 Austria 27-4-9 2.13 6 6 23 -141
112 Thróttur Reykjavík 1008 Iceland 21-6-14 1.68 0 6 31 +95
113 Sassuolo 1007 Italy 18-11-20 1.33 8 19 37 -47
114 Breidablik 1004 Iceland 24-7-14 1.76 2 8 33 -39
115 Eskilstuna United 1003 Sweden 22-10-21 1.43 17 34 47 -210
116 Rostov 1002 Russia 17-11-23 1.22 18 30 48 -180
117 Torreense 984 Portugal 12-10-22 1.05 15 23 41 +28
118 Levante Las Planas 979 Spain 20-17-24 1.26 8 19 50 +98
119 Yenisey 976 Russia 13-10-27 0.98 12 27 47 +42
120 Ryazan 976 Russia 10-8-32 0.76 15 32 48 -28
121 Umeå 975 Sweden 14-7-31 0.94 20 35 46 -78
122 Bristol City 974 England 22-7-14 1.70 5 10 19 +51
123 Birmingham City 971 England 24-5-18 1.64 11 12 23 -55
124 Mallbacken 968 Sweden 21-9-22 1.38 2 15 39 +90
125 SC Sand 965 Germany 19-13-19 1.37 10 16 40 +57
126 Real Betis 965 Spain 14-16-30 0.97 12 31 59 +34
127 Deportivo 961 Spain 32-17-17 1.71 0 0 27 +107
128 Lille 960 France 26-7-12 1.89 5 8 19 +27
129 Saint-Étienne 956 France 20-6-19 1.47 10 18 25 +55
130 Valencia 954 Spain 19-10-31 1.12 13 30 59 -7
131 Kalmar 952 Sweden 5-7-39 0.43 36 51 51 -86
132 First Vienna 951 Austria 20-3-13 1.75 4 7 19 +182
133 Kolbotn 951 Norway 28-8-14 1.84 6 14 24 -28
134 Gamla Upsala 945 Sweden 22-10-19 1.49 1 18 38 -48
135 Feyenoord 934 Netherlands 13-9-23 1.07 11 24 40 -91
136 Jitex 930 Sweden 24-7-21 1.52 1 17 36 +5
137 Røa 925 Norway 8-14-31 0.72 16 33 50 -23
138 Villarreal 920 Spain 14-14-32 0.93 14 32 58 +29
139 Kolding 917 Denmark 14-10-22 1.13 7 24 42 -31
140 OH Leuven 915 Belgium 40-8-8 2.29 0 4 13 +1
141 Glasgow City 912 Scotland 53-7-10 2.37 1 10 18 -75
142 Marseille 911 France 27-6-10 2.02 0 0 8 +75
143 Thisted FC 906 Denmark 10-7-29 0.80 8 24 42 +59
144 Sundsvall 903 Sweden 15-5-31 0.98 0 17 41 +238
145 Como 900 Italy 24-11-19 1.54 6 13 27 +100
146 Gütersloh 898 Germany 24-11-19 1.54 0 7 38 -85
147 Åsane 897 Norway 18-7-22 1.30 8 19 33 +99
148 Alhama 897 Spain 23-14-23 1.38 7 16 36 +21
149 Barcelona II 889 Spain 36-10-16 1.90 0 0 28 +33
150 Carl Zeiss Jena 887 Germany 19-7-26 1.23 10 17 40 -7
151 Espanyol 884 Spain 28-18-14 1.70 0 1 29 +176
152 Arna-Bjørnar 882 Norway 12-8-33 0.83 14 31 50 -77
153 Andernach 879 Germany 24-18-12 1.67 0 6 37 -30
154 KuPS 869 Finland 39-5-7 2.39 3 5 5 +117
155 Thór / KA 868 Iceland 15-5-21 1.22 0 6 31 +55
156 AGF 866 Denmark 16-3-17 1.42 3 12 23 +54
157 Charlton Athletic 866 England 22-12-11 1.73 0 5 16 +114
158 Reading 860 England 9-9-25 0.84 20 30 35 -291
159 Albergaria 860 Portugal 9-7-28 0.77 16 23 42 -63
160 Strasbourg 858 France 24-10-8 1.95 0 0 9 +98
161 Avaldsnes 853 Norway 11-10-33 0.80 15 29 49 +14
162 Anderlecht 847 Belgium 45-5-10 2.33 0 1 14 -110
163 Eintracht Frankfurt II 840 Germany 22-11-21 1.43 0 5 36 +26
164 Tomiris Turan 838 Kazakhstan 20-5-11 1.81 1 8 17 +2
165 Apollon Limassol 835 Cyprus 43-1-3 2.77 2 2 2 -1
166 Rodez 834 France 15-7-19 1.27 12 19 26 -143
167 Rubin Kazan 834 Russia 8-14-28 0.76 12 32 47 -68
168 Tindastóll 832 Iceland 7-5-9 1.24 0 4 16 +85
169 Eibar 831 Spain 19-17-24 1.23 7 16 43 -18
170 FH 829 Iceland 8-5-10 1.26 0 4 19 +134
171 Heerenveen 829 Netherlands 10-5-29 0.80 10 25 41 -121
172 Minsk 828 Belarus 51-2-8 2.54 2 9 9 -82
173 Osasuna 824 Spain 30-17-16 1.70 0 0 29 +36
174 Hapoel Jerusalem 816 Israel 15-9-8 1.69 0 3 9 +55
175 Granada 816 Spain 29-12-25 1.50 3 7 31 -118
176 Sampdoria 814 Italy 14-5-30 0.96 7 20 38 +26
177 Deportivo Alavés 808 Spain 11-13-36 0.77 10 26 53 -61
178 Neulengbach 808 Austria 18-2-16 1.56 4 7 19 -11
179 PAOK 807 Greece 41-1-3 2.76 1 2 2 +7
180 Ferencváros 804 Hungary 46-4-1 2.78 0 2 2 +29
181 Excelsior 800 Netherlands 5-9-31 0.53 11 26 43 +91
182 Standard Liège 795 Belgium 32-9-15 1.88 0 4 16 +19
183 Austria Wien 795 Austria 16-6-14 1.50 4 7 19 -18
184 Crystal Palace 792 England 23-4-17 1.66 0 2 16 +105
185 Mönchengladbach 792 Germany 4-3-5 1.25 0 2 6 -63
186 Vilaverdense 790 Portugal 10-3-31 0.75 15 23 43 -139
187 Sporting de Huelva 789 Spain 12-15-33 0.85 14 31 60 -133
188 Okzhetpes 788 Kazakhstan 21-6-11 1.82 1 9 17 -134
189 Ingolstadt 787 Germany 20-10-26 1.25 0 7 41 +85
190 Ouriense 787 Portugal 13-9-22 1.09 8 11 32 -1
191 Nantes 781 France 22-8-13 1.72 0 0 13 +37
192 Keflavík 771 Iceland 11-7-21 1.03 0 6 29 +81
193 Telstar 769 Netherlands 5-5-21 0.65 7 18 29 -3
194 Southampton 767 England 16-6-11 1.64 0 2 11 +59
195 ASA Tel Aviv 760 Israel 18-10-21 1.31 0 1 19 +38
196 Albacete 758 Spain 21-19-21 1.34 0 0 21 +53
197 AEM Lleida 758 Spain 28-12-21 1.57 0 0 25 -12
198 Bromölla 756 Sweden 17-8-27 1.13 1 13 39 -147
199 Bayern München II 752 Germany 23-9-21 1.47 0 6 34 -83
200 Bollstanäs 744 Sweden 4-11-10 0.92 1 9 21 +18

Women's Goalkeeper Hall of Fame

The Women’s Goalkeeper Hall of Fame honors the top goalkeepers in the history of women’s football. Starting in 1990, the Hall of Fame retroactively inducted the most qualified retired goalkeeper from each respective year and continued forward with an annual recipient. Eligible goalkeepers for the Hall of Fame are evaluated on their international and domestic accolades and the goalkeeper’s overall ability.

To help evaluate a goalkeeper’s playing career with proper context, Weighted Cap Total (WCT) is used as a guideline. WCT balances a player’s international appearances based on the number of available games during the player’s ages from 19-34 to show if the player’s cap count is inflated (due to an above-average amount of available games to play) or undervalued (due to a lack of available games). For example, if player A had the opportunity to play in 500 games during their career while player B only had 125 available matches, player A’s WCT would be cut in half while player B’s would be doubled, as the latter had fewer opportunities to receive caps.

Each goalkeeper is listed with their current cap total, their WCT, and highlights from their career. To learn more about each goalkeeper and why they’re considered one of the best goalkeepers of all time, click their name to read a short biography on their playing career.

Legend

* - estimates
RU = runner-up
SF = semifinal
WC = World Cup
Oly - Olympics
QF - Qualifying

Year Goalkeeper Country Caps WCT Major Accomplishments
1990 Annie Hastie England --- --- Dick, Kerr Ladies FC
1991 Wilma Seghetti Italy 35* 83* '70 WC RU, '79 Euro RU
1992 Birte Kjems Denmark 12* 48* 1971 WC Winner
1993 Marianne Riis Denmark 27 84 1979 Euro Winner
1994 Sue Buckett England 30 170 8x FA Cup Winner
1995 Theresa Wiseman England 60 167 1984 Euro RU
1996 Elisabeth Leidinge Sweden 112 239 '84 Euro Winner, '91 WC 3rd
1997 Marion Isbert Germany 58 85 '89/91 Euro Winner, '95 WC RU
1998 Manuela Goller Germany 45 47 '95 WC RU, '95 Euro Winner
1999 Eva Russo Italy 57 87 '84/86 Mundalito Winner
2000 Leslie King New Zealand 28 115 1991 WC Standout
2001 Margarete Pioresan Brazil 22* 212* 1996 Olympics 4th
2002 Daniela Sogliani Italy 27 71 1971 WC 3rd
2003 Giorgia Brenzan Italy 111 168 '93/97 Euro RU
2004 Gao Hong China 110* 114* '96 Olympics RU, '99 WC RU
2005 Pauline Cope England 60 114 '95 Euro SF, '95 WC 7th
2006 Svetlana Petko Russia 144 199 '99 WC 5th, '97/01 Euro
2007 Stefania Antonini Italy 32 44 '91 WC 6th, 5x Serie A Champ
2008 Marleen Wissink Netherlands 141 230 4x Euro QF, 6x Bundesliga Champ
2009 Silke Rottenberg Germany 125 124 '03 WC Winner, '00/04 Oly 3rd
2010 Bente Nordby Norway 172 159 '95 WC Winner, '00 Oly Winner
2011 Briana Scurry USA 175 125 '96/04 Oly Winner, '99 WC Winner
2012 Sandrine Roux France 70 127 6x French League Champ, '97 Euro 6th
2013 Caroline Jönsson Sweden 80 72 '01 Euro RU, '03 WC RU
2014 Carla Brunozzi Italy 55 66 3x Serie A, 2x Italian Cup
2015 Ursula Holl Germany 5 4 2x UEFA CL, 3x Bundesliga Champ
2016 Nadine Angerer Germany 146 134 '07 WC Winner, 2013 FIFA POTY
2017 Hope Solo USA 202 119 '15 WC Winner, '08/12 Oly Winner
2018 Emma Byrne Ireland 134 256 11x English League Champion
2019 Precious Dede Nigeria 99 182 '04 Oly 6th, 4x WC Starter
2020 Ingrid Hjelmseth Norway 138 125 2013 Euro RU, 2009 Euro SF
2021 Rachel Brown-Finnis England 82 98 '10 FA Cup, '07 WC 7th, '09 Euro 2nd
2022 Sari van Veenendaal Netherlands 91 109 '17 Euro, '19 WC RU, '19 World Best XI
2023 Karen Bardsley England 81 92 '15 WC 3rd, 8 trophies w/Man City

Seven Goalkeepers in Europe with Long-Term NWSL Potential 

This article is a guest-submitted article by a writer wishing to stay anonymous. The post was edited by Bill Reno. Cover photo belongs to Arsenal FC.

For many goalkeepers based abroad, a new season is beginning, with all the associated hopes for personal achievement and team glory. Other players are deep into the schedule, hoping to grasp silverware or avoid the turmoil of relegation. As is customary for the position, a single heroic moment or blunder could forever become etched into club lore. While the quality in Europe can vary compared to the National Women’s Soccer League, there are several intriguing talents plying their respective trades and building careers across the Old Continent. 

With most clubs carrying two or three goalkeepers on the roster, there are few domestic opportunities for match time. After several years in college, gaining professional experience is essential, after which a move could be made to the NWSL. Here are five European-based players to watch with the potential to climb the ladder. 

Getty Images

Kaylan Marckese, Arsenal (England) 

After spending an underwhelming debut professional season with NJ/NY Gotham FC, the former Florida Gator has carved out quite the burgeoning career in Europe. Following a season at Icelandic outfit Selfoss, which included claiming the Women’s Football Super Cup, Marckese moved to HB Køge. She claimed the starting job and led Svanerne (The Swans) to consecutive Kvindeliga titles.

Her performances drew the attention of 15-time domestic champions Arsenal, who signed the 24-year-old on a permanent contract. She competed twice against the Gunners last season in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her new manager, Jonas Eidevall, expects her to “bring real quality to [the] squad” and is “ready for the challenge of playing in England.”

Arsenal finished second in the table last season with Austrian international Manuela Zinsberger making 33 appearances. She should be the assumed starter again, although Marckese will have ample opportunities as a backup. The new signing is expected to “add competition to the squad.”

Marckese has a solid, powerful frame that allows her to handle physical challenges on crosses. While lacking explosive athleticism, the 5’11” goalkeeper possesses a calm nature and is often in the perfect position to make a save, more than capable of covering the entire area. Contrary to the typical American player, she utilizes her whole body to make stops, unafraid to kick out her legs on low, driven shots. 

Marckese was on the fringes of the national team program in her youth, earning an invitation to a U-19 camp in 2015. While distant from a senior call-up, there is a compelling composure to the nature of her game – a no-frills steadiness that is often embodied by reliable back-ups. If able to earn regular playing time and claim the number one role at Arsenal, she is on an easily charted upward trajectory with an unknown ceiling and young enough to still reach those heights.

Peter Sonander/SPP/Shutterstock

Amanda “Mandy” McGlynn, Piteå IF (Sweden) 

Considered one of the top collegiate prospects in the 2020 NWSL Draft, Gotham FC selected McGlynn following four decorated seasons at Virginia Tech. The Jacksonville, Florida native set school records for shutouts and goals against average, while earning an array of All-Conference and All-American accolades. Her professional career began with a slow start, as she made a mere single appearance across two seasons.

In December, Gotham announced that the goalkeeper was moving to Piteå IF in the Swedish Damallsvenskan on a one-year contract. The American club would “retain her NWSL playing rights until the 2024 preseason.” McGlynn was excited for the opportunity to become a “more all-around” player.

Piteå is currently lodged in the middle of the Swedish table, with McGlynn having played in every match. She is gaining the necessary experience and impressing local media with her performances. “Sharp” is the most frequently used description, as her athleticism is rescuing points and helping the club steal results.

McGlynn is a solid shot-stopper with strong propulsion on her jumps and dives, having the mental presence to push the ball away without surrendering cheap rebounds. Her form and footwork are excellent, which sets her up to be in the right position. She displays the ability to recover on crosses, deflections, and loose balls in the final third, making heroic sprints across the line that culminates with an intelligent kick-out or fingertip save. 

As an international, McGlynn was a frequent inclusion for the United States at the youth level. She was in goal at the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship and on the roster for the ensuing World Cup. Her most recent call-up was an invitation to a U-23 camp, but perhaps her time in Sweden could lead back to the NWSL and the senior squad.

Photo belongs to Isabel Cutileiro

Katelin Talbert, Benfica (Portugal) 

One of the year’s best stories, Talbert signed with Benfica during the winter and led the historic outfit to the Campeonato Nacional Feminino title. The 23-year-old hit the ground running and established a long shutout streak, surrendering a mere four goals in eight appearances. She made a series of stunning saves in the deciding match against Sporting CP, including a confident stop on a penalty attempt. Despite her brief tenure, the players’ union named her Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2021/22 season.

Talbert is something of a Srinivasa Ramanujan-type, lacking the tutelage of “a dedicated goalkeeper coach” prior to her time in Portugal. She played collegiate ball at Humboldt State University (now known as California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt) from 2016 through 2019, a Division II institution nestled into the northwest of the Golden State. After graduating, she played with California Storm and trained with OL Reign before joining Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar in the second tier of Iceland and making 18 total appearances. Following a few months of training with West Ham, her winding career journey landed with Benfica – an overnight sensation years in the making.

Almost impossible to beat from distance, Talbert has thrived in Portugal’s professional environment, improving her “technique and positioning.” She describes her confident style as “making difficult flying saves,” occasionally “jumping like a crazy person” while also charging out of the box to beat attackers to long balls. Stopping penalty attempts is an asset, possessing the composure and intelligence to read the opponent’s body. Her composed distribution allows her to receive hard passes from teammates and select the proper option when under pressure.

Photo from the Kansas City Star

Carly Nelson, Nordsjælland (Denmark) 

Nelson has taken an interesting journey through the ranks, enduring noted struggles that included jaw surgery that required the use of a medication tube while competing with the Utah Royals FC reserve team. After capping a four-year career at the University of Utah with All-Pac-12 and All-Pacific Region selection, the 24-year-old signed a short-term contract with OL Reign in advance of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. The club gave her another deal through the end of the ensuing Fall Series.

Nelson then moved to expansion side Kansas City Current. In her sole appearance, she earned a shutout in a 0-0 draw against North Carolina Courage, an experience described as “a dream come true.” Her remaining time at the club would last a total of one month, being sent on loan to Nordsjælland of the Danish Kvindeligaen.

During her first season in Europe, Nelson featured in 23 matches. The goalkeeper “settled in really well,” utilizing the club’s development resources and “fantastic coaches,” which allowed her to “feel a greater understanding and attention to the game.” She earned Team of the Week honors an impressive four times. Following her release from Kansas City this summer, Nordsjælland converted the loan into a permanent deal.

Nelson’s preference can be to hang back, waiting to make a save, but she will charge off the line at a sharp angle when necessary. The Nordsjælland back line hangs her out to dry from time to time, allowing the opponent to penetrate far too deep into the defensive third, which forces her into emergency mode. Her footwork, notably horizontal shuffling, proves useful in all situations and, of course, on penalty attempts. There is little hesitation when challenging for crosses, often absorbing heavy contact but still ending up with the ball. 

Nordsjælland opened the season with a 3-0 loss to FC Thy-Thisted Q, which could be a sign of trouble ahead. Nelson will have to continue to earn points for her club, the opportunity to earn accolades with heroic play. While competing for champions is preferable, grinding in the mid-table can provide necessary experience for a goalkeeper looking to develop as a professional. 

Photo from Arkansas State University

Megan McClure, KFF Vllaznia Shkodër (Albania) 

One of the most recent Americans to head overseas, McClure registered five seasons at Arkansas State, setting several school records. During her final years, she was named Sun Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. Despite training with Racing Louisville, the allure of continental competition beckoned.

McClure joined Albanian powerhouse KFF Vllaznia Shkodër, which has claimed nine consecutive National Football Championships and Women’s Cups. The Kuq e Blutë (Red & Blues) are in the qualifying rounds of this year’s UEFA Champions League, starting with a match against the winner between Breznica and Spartak Myjava. The new goalkeeper has the opportunity to earn playing time and make an immediate impact. While not venturing to a destination league or toiling away as a back-up at a more prestigious club, this is a shrewd decision to start the beginning of a career in order to gain a toehold in the professional world.

Perhaps what stands out most about McClure is her ability to make fast-twitch saves, quickly shifting into a dive to shots from close range and reacting when screened. She also has solid hands and is unafraid to challenge for a cross in a crowded box. While many goalkeepers struggle to make decisions or react under pressure, the 23-year-old possesses the presence of mind to kick out when forced into an awkward movement in the goalmouth or in the midst of a breakaway, thus avoiding unnecessary blunders. 

Photo belongs to Oregon State University

Bridgette Skiba, HB Køge (Denmark) 

Currently building a dynasty in Denmark, HB Køge needed to rebound from the departure of Marckese and made a strong statement with her replacement. Dipping back into the American pool, the club added Skiba on a two-year contract. The “ambitious and brave” goalkeeper was most recently on the books with the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, signed as a “replacement player” in July.

While a standout with Oregon State, she was unable to latch onto an NWSL roster and faced the tough decision to wait for the next chance or look elsewhere. With limited opportunities in the United States, Skiba was able to accomplish her “big dream” of playing in Europe. The new signing “feels comfortable” at Køge and earned the first professional minutes of her career, starting and earning a shutout in a 4-0 victory over FC Thy-Thisted Q.  

Skiba is an intriguing player who should continue to develop with experience. She gets to the ground quickly and is rarely beaten on low shots. An impressive wingspan allows her to cover the entire goalmouth when fully extended, reaching high to stop balls destined for the top shelf. As with many goalkeepers enjoying their first extended spell in a professional environment, her athleticism and physical attributes should improve with structured training and a committed program, which should enable the 22-year-old to push for a higher level after a few seasons in Denmark. 

Photo belongs to University of Nebraska

Aubrei Corder, IFK Kalmar (Sweden) 

On her third European club, Corder could be considered something of a veteran. Following four years and 80 appearances at the University of Nebraska, she moved abroad and started her professional career with Poland’s KKPK Medyk Konin. After a runner-up finish, the coronavirus pandemic forced an early return home. The next stop was at Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.

Next, she went to IFK Kalmar, then in Sweden’s second-tier Elitettan. In her first season, Corder made 22 appearances, leading the club to a runner-up finish and promotion. Local media considered her a standout and the lynchpin of a stout defense. The club signed the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year to a contract extension in advance of the promotion adventure, with the adopted country “a good environment to grow.”

The adjustment to the first-tier Damallsvenskan has been steep, with Kalmar currently at 10th place in the 14-team table, a mere two points above the relegation-playoff spot. Compounding matters, Corder underwent knee surgery during the offseason and dealt with a collision-induced concussion in March but was able to maintain the number one role. Despite struggling with the occasional error, her play is described as “fantastic,” often forced to play the hero. The club is building for the future, with the West Virginia native expected to be a key part of the roster moving forward.

At 6’, Corder has the height to cover the crossbar and cuts down angles when fast-breaking opponents maraud into the final third. She performs the necessary lateral movements and rapidly shifts into a diving motion, displaying impressive athleticism when called into action. Teammates praise her as being “focused, always doing the right thing, and commanding the penalty area.”

Enduring a challenging season with a club punching above its weight can be the best learning experience for a goalkeeper. While being shelled is far from ideal, the best players will steal points and make a real difference in avoiding relegation. Corder is likely to emerge from Sweden in a strong mental state with the improved form that comes from age and experience.