Courtois becomes Best FIFA Goalkeeper having helped Belgium win World Cup bronze medal

Courtois becomes The Best FIFA Goalkeeper having helped Belgium win World Cup bronze medal

When it comes to mere presence between the sticks, there are few goalkeepers who can match Thibaut Courtois’ imposing frame. But there is more to the 1.99m Belgian shot stopper than his physical attributes. His ability to command a penalty area is perhaps taken for granted given his height, but the now Real Madrid man’s penchant for gravity-defying saves – particularly in positions that are not easy to reach for a man of his height – is something that is most impressive.

The Red Devil was rewarded for his superb performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ by taking home the adidas Golden Glove. Combined with his highly impressive record for Chelsea during the 2017/18 season – only two goalkeepers kept more than his 15 clean sheets in the English Premier League – the now Real Madrid man can now add the title of The Best FIFA Goalkeeper to his impressive and rapidly expanding CV.

3 finalists for FIFA Best Goalkeeper Award

Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid/Chelsea, Belgium 

- Won the Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™

 - Helped Belgium to clinch bronze in Russia

 - Kept 15 English Premier League clean sheets last season

Hugo Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur, France

 - Captained France to World Cup glory in Russia

 - Kept clean sheets in four games on the way to the final

 - Was also unbeaten in 15 Premier League matches with Spurs

Kasper Schmeichel

Leicester City, Denmark

 - Saved 91% of shots faced at Russia 2018, more than anyone who played more than once

 - Saved three penalties in the Round of 16 match against Croatia

 - Set a new record unbeaten streak for Denmark, not conceding for 572 minutes

The three contenders for the FIFA Goalkeeper Award have been confirmed, with one of the trio set to walk away with the trophy which Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon lifted a year ago.