In the vast arena of football, where grace meets power and anticipation intertwines with skill, there exists a special breed of guardians who rise above the rest. They are the steadfast sentinels, the last line of defence, and the keepers of dreams and heartbreaks. And in the UEFA Champions League season of 2022–23, their heroic exploits echoed throughout stadiums, captivating audiences with their dazzling displays. Among these remarkable goalkeepers, a select few stood tall, leaving their indelible mark on the annals of football history.

Leading this prestigious list is the incomparable Andre Onana, a maestro between the posts whose agile reflexes thwarted opposition attacks with breathtaking precision. With an astonishing 44 saves to his name, he defied the odds, leaving spectators awestruck by his unwavering determination and unwavering resolve.

Close on his heels, we find the towering presence of Thibaut Courtois, a guardian of immense stature and immeasurable talent. With 42 saves to his credit, he instilled fear in the hearts of even the most audacious strikers, commanding his penalty area like a lion in his kingdom.

Simon Mignolet, a paragon of consistency and poise, takes the third spot on this hallowed roster. His remarkable agility and acrobatic saves earned him 34 saves, leaving opponents puzzled and fans in awe of his mastery.

Diogo Costa and Anatoliy Trubin complete this constellation of shot-stopping brilliance with 31 and 30 saves, respectively. These young prodigies demonstrated maturity beyond their years, channelling their passion into saves that defied logic and ignited hope in the hearts of their teammates.

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana has challenged Manchester City to prove they are the world’s best team in Saturday’s Champions League final.

City are overwhelming favourites to overcome Inter in Istanbul and claim the trophy for the first time, sealing an historic treble in the process.

Yet Onana has turned up the heat on City by pointing out they have yet to deliver on this stage. City lost their only Champions League Final to Chelsea two years ago.

‘They are probably the best team in the world but they have to show this on Saturday,’ said Onana. ‘We’ll be there to defend and represent Inter, to make history. It is not going to be easy but they have to show they are the best.

‘Why would I not be relaxed? I am calm. I have no pressure, we have no pressure at all. We know it is not going to be easy but we will be there. They have more pressure than us, I am calm.

‘It is football. In this life I am only afraid of God and I don’t see him on the pitch. Men are men.’

If the match were to go to penalties, Inter would expect Onana to have his say.

The former Ajax man has saved seven of the 33 penalties he has faced in his career and would relish the challenge of a shoot-out.

He said: ‘Do we know which way they will hit their penalties? I cannot say! But I feel very good about facing penalties.

‘But I am not afraid to face anyone. We are all big players and know how to play finals. It will be tough for us but also for them as well.’