The season so far: Best Ligue 1 Goalkeepers
There was plenty of change between the sticks this season in Ligue 1 McDonald's, and it has not yet seen an outright goalkeeper dominating the headlines - but several have quietly built strong cases during the opening weeks of the season. With the usual suspects either injured, inconsistent, or less commanding than in previous years, the door has opened for a few understated performers to make their mark.
Robin Risser - Racing Club de Lens
Since joining Pierre Sage's side from Strasbourg over the summer, the France U21 goalkeeper has had to get used to being number one in Ligue 1 McDonald's with Lens after a promising spell in Ligue 2 BKT last season. The 20 year-old made 19 appearances during the second half of last season with Red Star FC, helping Les Audoniens to secure their status in the second tier and earned five clean sheets in the process.
The Frenchman was then searching for stable game time in Ligue 1, where he would find at Lens this season, having been signed and picked as the club's number one under Pierre Sage. It looks like that decision has paid off, with the Frenchman's save percentage at 75% with Lens fighting at 6th spot currently in the table.
Anthony Lopes - FC Nantes
The Franco-Portuguese goalkeeper has all the experience in Ligue 1 McDonald's but Anthony Lopes is once again showing why he is a sure value for Les Canaris during the start of the 2025-2026 campaign. The international has thrived under Luis Castro, not just for his shot-stopping, but for his leadership in a young, rebuilt side.
Lopes ranks top among Ligue 1 McDonald's goalkeepers in L’Équipe’s player ratings. Against Brest, for instance, he pulled off four decisive saves in a 0–0 draw despite the opponent’s 1.51 expected goals.
Hervé Koffi - Angers SCO on loan from Lens
After Lens signed Robin Risser from Strasbourg, it meant that Sang & Or number two Hervé Koffi was looking for another club to find game time: and his choice has proved fruitful so far at Angers. The Burkinabé international has quietly impressed since joining SCO this season, playing in all seven matches, and having one of the finest save percentages in the league so far at 76.8%. “I had the impression of being here for months, even years,” he said. “I was welcomed incredibly well, which allowed me to be ready for the preparatory matches and then for the championship.”
Geronimo Rulli - Olympique de Marseille
The Argentine shot-stopper has been one of the most consistent players over the past two seasons at Marseille, but he is now reaching a maturity that has also translated to some exceptional performances in both Ligue 1 McDonald's and on the European stage. He established a Champions League record when making 10 saves in the first half facing Real Madrid.
Rulli currently leads the UEFA Champions League in goals per game, with 2.59 goals saved, far ahead of Vanja Milinković-Savić (1.78) and Nikita Haikin (1.36). In Ligue 1 McDonald's he is in the top percentiles for save percentage as well as crosses stopped and defensive actions outside of the box. A calming presence, with a top level of distribution, he is the perfect profile for Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille.
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