Which Goalkeeper Gloves Are The Top Pro Keepers Wearing?

When you watch your favourite professional goalkeeper produce a breathtaking save, it’s only natural to wonder: “What gloves is that keeper wearing?” The truth is that while some models may look identical to what you see in the shops, most elite keepers use “special make-up” (SMU) versions—subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) tweaked to meet their exact requirements.

Below, we explore the specific gloves worn by some of the world’s most prominent shot-stoppers. We’ll then look at what SMU gloves actually are, the factors that influence a pro keeper’s choice, and tips to help you choose the best gloves for your own game.

Gloves Worn by Today’s Elite Goalkeepers

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

• Brand/Model: Reusch Attrakt Duo Evolution
• Notes: Alisson’s Reusch gloves incorporate advanced foam technology, providing him with a consistently secure grip in various match conditions. He may incorporate minor SMU adjustments, such as tweaking the finger cut or adding silicone grips, to enhance stability.

André Onana (Manchester United)

• Brand/Model: Rinat Nkam
• Notes: Onana is known for confident distribution and athletic shot-stopping. He may add SMU features, including personalised latex compounds or an adapted wrist closure, to optimise comfort and control.

David Raya (Arsenal)

• Brand/Model: The One Glove GEO 3.0 Vision
• Notes: Raya opts for a special make-up (SMU) version of the GEO 3.0 Vision, altering factors like the latex palm and stitching. These tweaks tailor the gloves to his exact preferences for fit and grip.

Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)

• Brand/Model: Puma Future
• Notes: Ederson’s Puma Future gloves use a hybrid cut and reinforced backhand to support his pinpoint distribution. SMU tweaks may boost wrist stability and refine latex properties for swift ball handling.

Emiliano “Emi” Martínez (Aston Villa)

• Brand/Model: Adidas Predator
• Notes: Martínez’s gloves are from the GL Competition variant of the Predator Pro, enhanced with SMU wrist support and finger flexibility. These modifications suit his dynamic, high-impact style of goalkeeping.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Brand/Model: Adidas Predator
• Notes: Donnarumma wears the Predator with custom latex and finger gusset tweaks to accommodate his large hand size. These SMU features ensure a secure grip and control, particularly in high-pressure matches.

Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)

• Brand/Model: Reusch Attrakt Gold X Evolution
• Notes: Kobel’s gloves offer robust backhand protection while maintaining flexibility, key to his agile style. SMU alterations can further refine fit and wrist support for top-level shot-stopping.

Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)

• Brand/Model: Uhlsport Absolutgrip
• Notes: Vicario’s Absolutgrip gloves deliver dependable latex for secure handling in the fast-paced Premier League. He may benefit from subtle SMU edits for optimal fit and comfort.

Guillermo Ochoa (Salernitana / Mexico National Team)

• Brand/Model: Nike Vapor
• Notes: Ochoa’s lightweight Nike Vapor gloves may include backhand modifications for stronger punching and greater wrist flexibility. This streamlined design supports his quick reactions and agility.

Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid)

• Brand/Model: Puma Future
• Notes: Oblak’s choice of Puma Future demonstrates his openness to evolving tech. SMU latex compounds and cuts are typically tailored for La Liga’s warm, dry conditions, boosting grip and comfort.

Jordan Pickford (Everton)

• Brand/Model: Puma Future
• Notes: Pickford’s Future gloves combine a secure wrist strap with balanced grip, vital for the Premier League’s demands. He may add SMU reinforcement in key impact zones to handle powerful shots.

Kasper Schmeichel (R.S.C. Anderlecht)

• Brand/Model: Uhlsport Absolutgrip
• Notes: Schmeichel’s Absolutgrip gloves often feature personal embroidery and reinforced zones for durability. These SMU adjustments ensure a reliable fit and support his accomplished shot-stopping.

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth, on loan from Chelsea)

• Brand/Model: Adidas Predator
• Notes: Kepa typically prefers a snug negative cut in the Predator line. SMU foam modifications can help combat damp English conditions, enhancing grip and consistency.

Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Brand/Model: Sells Total Contact Aqua Pure
• Notes: Navas relies on Sells for maximum grip and resilience, crucial in multi-tournament campaigns. SMU wet-weather latex often aids his performance on Champions League nights and in rigorous training.

Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona)

• Brand/Model: Adidas Predator
• Notes: Ter Stegen’s Predator gloves feature a negative cut for superior ball feel. SMU elements like reinforced fingertips or a specialised closure assist his quick reflex saves and confident distribution.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

• Brand/Model: Adidas Predator
• Notes: Neuer’s gloves frequently utilize a tighter negative cut for a second-skin feel. His emphasis on the Predator Pro design balances grip, flexibility, and padding to suit his commanding play.

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

• Brand/Model: Elite Sport
• Notes: Courtois recently moved to Elite Sport, praised for its high-quality latex and comfort. SMU adjustments often address his height, extending wrist straps and refining the glove’s fit.

Wojciech Szczęsny (Barcelona)

• Brand/Model: Reusch Attrakt Fusion Guardian
• Notes: Szczęsny’s gloves blend a snug wrist strap with reinforced fingertips, vital for La Liga’s diverse climates. He has tested different constructions over time, fine-tuning his preferences for comfort and performance.

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Special Make-Up (SMU) Goalkeeper Gloves

What Are SMU Gloves?

“Special make-up” gloves are customised or modified versions of standard models offered by a brand. They might look similar to what’s in the shops, but subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) tweaks are made to cater directly to a pro’s hand shape, latex preference, or comfort specifications.

Typical SMU Alterations

• Latex Upgrades: Different foam densities or weather-specific grips.
• Enhanced Wrist Straps: Modified closures offering extra support.
• Cut Customisation: Switches between roll-finger, flat, negative, or hybrid cuts for personalised finger feel.
• Personal Branding: Embroidered names, numbers, or symbols.

Are Any SMU Gloves Sold in Shops?

Because SMUs are tailor-made, these specific alterations usually aren’t reproduced in high volumes. They’re unique to each player’s contract and preferences, so even if the glove model name is the same, the pro version can differ significantly from its retail counterpart.

Factors Influencing a Pro Keeper’s Glove Choice

1. Sponsorship Deals

Pro goalkeepers often partner with brands for both financial benefits and bespoke glove designs. These SMU (Special Make-Up) models cater to specific preferences for grip, fit, and wrist support. Keepers may also switch brands if a new contract offers better terms or an improved glove design.

2. Personal Comfort

Gloves are highly individual. Some goalkeepers prefer a looser, more flexible fit, while others want a tighter, second-skin feel. Latex composition is crucial too—certain foams excel in rain, whereas others prioritise durability on abrasive surfaces. Confidence in a glove’s feel can make all the difference on match day.

3. Playing Conditions

Weather and pitch surfaces heavily influence glove choice. Keepers in wet climates need latex that maintains grip in the rain, while those in hotter regions may look for gloves that resist heat damage. Even artificial turf can wear down certain latex types faster, prompting players to seek extra durability.

4. Performance Enhancements

Different cuts (negative, roll-finger, flat, hybrid) offer varied ball feel and handling. Some keepers also use finger spines or other support elements to protect against hard shots. Minor tweaks can have a major impact on a keeper’s confidence and overall performance.

Note: Professional goalkeepers’ glove preferences can change quickly. A goalkeeper synonymous with one brand may switch if they find a better fit, or land a new sponsorship. These shifts are common—so it’s not unusual to see your favourite stopper debut new gloves from season to season.

How to Choose the Right Gloves for You

It’s tempting to opt for the gloves worn by your favourite star, but bear in mind:

• SMU Factor: The “same” glove appearence or name may hide big under-the-hood differences from versions worn by professional goalkeepers.
• Your Own Comfort: What works for a tall keeper with large hands may not suit smaller hands or different playing styles.
• Budget: Pro-level gloves can be pricey and can wear down quickly if used extensively for training.

Top Tips

1. Try Different Brands: Experiment with multiple cuts and latex types. Each brand’s fit can vary widely.
2. Prioritise Comfort: If a glove hinders your ability to catch, punch, or distribute, it’s not the right glove for you.
3. Consider Your Playing Environment: Wet, cold, hot, or artificial pitches—match your glove to your usual conditions.
4. Seek Good Value: Mid-range gloves often perform excellently without the premium price tag.
5. Maintain Proper Care: Rinse gloves in lukewarm water, air-dry naturally, and store them away from direct heat to preserve the latex.

To find the perfect pair of GK gloves for you, read our Ultimate Goalkeeper Glove Buying Guide.

Conclusion

Professional goalkeepers’ glove choices offer fascinating insights into how cutting-edge design, sponsorship relationships, and personal preferences shape the evolution of goalkeeper equipment. From David Raya’s SMU version of The One Glove Company’s GEO 3.0 Vision to Emi Martínez’s customised Adidas Predator Pro, each top keeper’s glove set-up reflects a blend of brand innovation and individual needs.

As an aspiring or amateur goalkeeper, take inspiration from these pros—but remember, an SMU glove is designed to fit one particular keeper’s hands and style. Your objective is to find what works best for you, whether that’s a well-known model or a lesser-known brand that offers great value and performance.

Your perfect glove choice awaits—don’t be afraid to experiment with smaller brands to find a pair that enhances your unique strengths between the sticks for the right price.