The Golden Glove is awarded to the goalkeeper deemed the best by the FIFA Technical Study Group at any given World Cup.
Some of the world’s best shot stoppers will provide the final line of defence for their respective nations in Russia and we are sure to be treated to some truly world-class acrobatics and skill at the 2018 World Cup.
Manuel Neuer was allotted the honour when Germany won the 2014 World Cup and he remains the $4 favourite to defend his title in Russia, from Spain David de Gea ($4.50), Brazil’s Alisson Becker ($5) and France’s Hugo Lloris ($5).
Since the World Cup Golden Glove was first conceived in 1994, its has gone to the goalkeeper from the winning nation four times, once to the runner-up and only once to a player who did not appear in the decider.
The Favourites
Manuel Neuer ($4) – Germany
Neuer has had a far less than ideal World Cup preparation but so is the class of the thirty-two-year-old, he remains a fitting favourite to win the Golden Glove. The Bayern Munich man was out of action for most of Bayern Munich’s most-recent campaign and has only returned to action during Germany’s final few friendlies in preparation for Russia.
David de Gea ($4.50) – Spain
De Gea has been outstanding for club and country throughout the last few seasons and is primed for a big tournament in Russia. The Manchester United shot stopper has again been linked with a move back to his homeland and Real Madrid, and he is sure to put his best foot forward in what could be another glittering World Cup for Spain.
Alisson Becker ($5) – Brazil
Brazil are spoiled for choice with quality keepers at the 2018 World Cup but Roma man Alisson Becker has been handed the number 1 jersey. Becker has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Serie A and didn’t concede a single goal in the Champions League at the Sadio Olimpico until his side’s final match of the competition against Liverpool. He’s garnered plenty of rave reviews and will increase his presence with a big World Cup.
Hugo Lloris ($5) – France
Hugo Lloris has been one of the world’s best keepers for several years and could realistically find himself in the World Cup final. The thirty-one-year-old has some of the fastest reflexes of any keeper at the World Cup and remains a tough opponent for attackers in one-on-one scenarios. Plenty is expected of France again at the 2018 World Cup and Lloris can lead from the back with a Golden Glove-quality tournament.
Interesting Outsiders
Rui Patricio ($21) – Portugal
Portugal could sneak their way into the final throws of the 2018 World Cup and Rui Patricio could play a vital role in that materialising from between the posts. Patricio has been a stalwart in the Sporting Lisbon line-up since debuting in 2006 and provided a sturdy base for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo to work in Portugal’s successful Euro 2016 campaign.
Guillermo Ochoa ($67) – Mexico
Without a club at the time, Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa was outstanding for his nation at the 2014 World Cup and is worth consideration as a roughie to win the Golden Glove in Russia. It is interesting to note that Mexico have always progressed from the Group stage at the World Cup since returning from a ban in 1994 and Ochoa will be key in them getting out of a tough group once more.
Mat Ryan ($101) – Australia
An honourable mention has to go to Australia’s Mat Ryan, particularly at triple-figure odds. The Brighton man has been terrific for Australia for the last half-decade and has been key in a number of positive results for the Socceroos. Australia doesn’t look like faring much of a chance in Russia but if something incredible is to happen, Ryan will be right in the thick of it.