Five favourites to win Golden Glove at FIFA World Cup 2022

Thibaut Courtois won the award last time around.

Every year, at the FIFA World Cup, some new players emerge and stake their authority in world football. World Cup is one of the biggest stages for any footballer to write his name in history. Goalkeepers particularly remain under great pressure during these marquee events which is why the golden glove is a big achievement for any goalkeeper. Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove award in 2018, signalling his ascendance to dominance.

At the moment, there aren't many goalkeepers that are on par with Courtois, but by the time the 2022 World Cup rolls around, many names will be itching to win this prestigious award. Many big names will play in the upcoming World Cup and there is expected to be a big tussle for the golden glove. Here are the top five players who are likely to win a Golden Glove.

5. Unai Simon (Spain)

Under Luis Enrique, the Spanish team has been through a lot of change, and introducing Unai Simon to the goal is one of the most significant decisions he has made. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has been a revolution in the Spanish National Team setup and provides that much-needed sweeper-keeper option to the team.

Since his debut in the national team, Unai Simon has been symbolic of Spain's impressive performances. He is looking very sharp going into the World Cup and last year in the Euros also, Simon was pivotal in Spain's performance. This season as well, Simon has been quite solid in La Liga maintaining four clean sheets despite Bilbao's shaky defence. 

4. Alisson Becker (Brazil)

Having regained his mojo this season, Alison Becker appears poised to reclaim the role of Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper. In the Copa America 2021, Tite chose Ederson over him after Alisson’s torrid time with Brazil in the goal. However, the Liverpool star has returned to the starting lineup in recent friendlies and appears to have secured his place going into World Cup.

However, there will be a lot of trouble on the Tite's part when it comes to choosing between Alisson and Ederson for the starting position. But Alisson's last World Cup experience could give him a huge advantage over Manchester City’s gloveman in this regard.

3. Hugo Lloris (France)

The World Cup-winning captain of 2018 will again be France's custodian in the goal and this time around will be hoping to secure personal glory along with the team's triumph. Despite being 35 years old, the Tottenham Hotspurs' goalkeeper has proven to be one of the best in the Premier League this season and has been a rock-solid performer.

This season, he has kept four clean sheets in the Premier League. With 3 clean sheets in the 2018 World Cup, Lloris had a tremendous time himself. He again will be France's biggest hope in defending the title.

2. Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer will be heading into his fourth World Cup as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper and like every time, he is again one of the topmost contenders to win the Golden Glove. The German maniac has already won the award before in the 2014 World Cup and will be hoping to again replicate the same magic. 

Although Germany does have Marc-André ter Stegen in their team who has been in red-hot form for FC Barcelona recently, Hansi Flick may prefer Neuer over ter Stegen in the end. Currently, Neuer is injured, but it is expected that he will be back in the game by the time the World Cup begins.

1. Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

The Belgian shot-stopper won the Golden Glove of the 2018 World Cup and again looks like a supreme candidate to replicate the same magic. He is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment and has had big success in recent times. Courtois heading into the World Cup on the back of the Champions League and La Liga wins, as well as winning the title of the best goalie.

Although Courtois is yet to keep a clean sheet in La Liga so far this season, the Belgian superstar's record is not that bad and it might not be a major obstacle. The Belgian champions finished third last in 2018 but with Courtois maintaining this form, they will expect to go all the way this time around.