Football is a sport that naturally celebrates outfielders. Too often, the shiny awards are given to forwards who dominate defences. On occasion, midfielders and even defenders are also recognised for their efforts.
But in 2026, there is a genuinely compelling case for the major footballer of the year awards to go to a player whose position is always considered an afterthought - the goalkeeper. Generally, keepers are restricted to golden glove awards, as well as the Lev Yashin trophy during Ballon D’Or ceremonies.
Arsenal keeper David Raya could be on course to break that duck. And all it had to take was a moment of heroism during their crucial 1-0 win over West Ham last weekend to generate the conversation.
How Raya Stepped Up
Arsenal were taking on their West London rivals away at the Olympic stadium, and in the second half, ceded control, with the Hammers creating some good opportunities to score.
In the 78th minute , the emotional temperature of the Premier League title race was reaching a boiling point when Mateus Fernandes found himself through on goal at point-blank range, it looked certain Arsenal’s title challenge was on the brink of a devastating blow: then, David Raya happened.
Raya narrowed the angle in a heartbeat, producing a reflex block that defied the physics of the moment.
Minutes later, Leandro Trossard scored at the other end to win the game. Trossard got the headlines, but Raya’s crucial save earlier on was arguably more crucial. Without that save, there is no winner. Manchester City could've regained control of the title race.
But that was just a moment that epitomised the brilliance of Raya all season. The Spanish keeper has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent player. Although there are some shouts for Declan Rice and defender Gabriel as well.
All three players are part of a six-man race for the Premier League player of the year, with Bruno Fernandes, Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland the other contenders.
Why Raya is Undoubtedly the World’s Best Goalkeeper
If you look at the DataMB rankings for the 2025/26 season, you see why Raya is the tactical heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s system. Comparing him to some of the other keepers rated highly in world football, his numbers make for an interesting case study.
Although it might be easy to use save percentage as a metric, Arsenal do not often concede chances at the same rate as a weaker team, but when they do, they are often high quality chances, and maximum concentration by Raya is thus, of essence.
Raya’s 81.5% long-pass accuracy is the mechanical necessity of Arsenal’s transition play. Being the first line of attack, he initiates offensive situations for the side.
His ability to claim aerial balls supersedes his peers. When he claims a cross (sitting far higher in aerial dominance than Alisson or Courtois), he shifts the entire momentum of the pitch.
Schmeichel - Raya Has Been Outstanding
Former Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel did not mince words this week as a pundit for ViaPlay: Raya is his Premier League Player of the Year.
According to Schmeichel, the Gunners’ defensive record has been made better by Raya’s presence. Raya repeatedly rescues the system in its most decisive, high-pressure moments.
With a third consecutive Golden Glove now secured, Raya has joined an elite pantheon alongside Pepe Reina, Joe Hart, and Ederson. He has kept a clean sheet in half of his 36 league appearances this season.
"The greatest goalkeepers alter the behaviour of everyone around them. Defenders become more aggressive and teams press higher because they trust their ’keeper can protect the space behind them." - Matt Pyzdrowski, The Athletic
Should David Raya Win the 2026 Ballon D’Or?
No goalkeeper has won the Ballon d’Or since Lev Yashin in 1963. For nearly 60 years, the position has been considered secondary.
However, in a season where outfielders have struggled to really stand out from each other, and one defined by fine margins, Raya has been the "clutch" factor for Arsenal. It is amazing how he has not cemented himself as first choice goalkeeper for the Spain National Team.
Mark Kinyanjui - Striver Football’s Take: Awards should go to players who make the impossible look routine. David Raya is one of those players redefining the importance of the goalkeeping role.
