The top goalkeeper news stories from 2nd November to 9th November 2025.
Emiliano Martinez set to leave Aston Villa?
During the international break, Argentina’s number one has been linked with moves away from Aston Villa. The club who reportedly seems the most interested is Inter Milan, but Tottenham Hotspur have also shown their interest in a goalkeeper they are said to regard as world-class. Manchester United had shown interest in Martinez over the summer transfer window but are happy with their latest goalkeeper acquisition, Senne Lammens. As for Villa, they are tangentially reported to still be in the market for a goalkeeper to fill the gloves of Emilliano Martinez should he depart.
Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson write their name in World Cup history
During the international break, England played their remaining two World Cup qualifying games against Serbia, with Pickford in goal, and Albania, with Henderson in goal. Both games were won by a 2-0 margin, with the Three Lions topping their World Cup qualifying group with the maximum 24 points. Not only did they win every game, but they won every single one without conceding a goal. This is the first time in European World Cup qualifying history that this feat had been achieved - a fantastic record for England’s goalkeepers to hold going forward.
Ancelotti reveals bizarre confidence tactic he used with Real Madrid goalkeeper
In an interview this week, former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about his second spell in the Spanish Capital and how he coached his players, including Thibaut Courtois. The Italian manager, who has won more Champions League titles than any other, revealed that ‘Sometimes in training, I used to tell Courtois to deliberately let the strikers score to boost their confidence.’ Perhaps not the most conventional tactic, but it clearly worked, with Los Blancos winning two Champions League trophies during that spell. A mastermind at work with a masterful goalkeeper between the sticks.
Who does Thibaut Courtois think are the three best goalkeepers in the world?
We end this week's edition with another story related to the Belgian superstar. On recent international duty, Thibaut Courtois was asked during media duties who he thought the best goalkeepers in the world were at this time. Before answering the question, he made it clear that he would ‘step aside for this one’, alluding to the fact he would back himself as the world’s very best. Courtois ranked ‘Jan Oblak in third, Alisson second, and David Raya first’ as he is a goalkeeper that he ‘really likes.’
Yassine Bounou wins African football award
The Confederation of African Football last week decided to award Yassine Bounou the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year trophy. Bounou, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most consistent and accomplished goalkeepers, appeared in person at the CAF Awards ceremony to accept the honor.
The win comes following his absence from shortlists for such awards in recent years, which puzzled onlookers and analysts alike due to his standout displays in European competitions and his pivotal role in Morocco’s runs on the global stage.
In his acceptance speech, a visibly proud Bounou thanked Morocco and expressed his gratitude to his family and his teammates, who have made his ongoing journey possible.
