Goalkeepers have their own routines and little quirks. While field players talk about football boots or shin pads, for keepers it’s all about grip, protection, stability and flexibility.
Over the last few years, some exciting new trends have taken over. A few are real game changers for goalkeeping, others are more about style – but have already reached cult status. We’ve put together the key goalkeeper trends for 2025, along with insights on how they can take your performance to the next level.
1. base layer shirt over gloves
One trend you’ll spot with more pro goalkeepers: pulling the base layer shirt over the goalkeeper gloves. Made famous by Gigio Donnarumma, it might look like just a style move at first glance – but there’s more to it.
Keepers who play with strapless gloves often use the long sleeve of the base layer to add extra support and stability around the wrist, basically replacing the missing strap. But even goalkeepers who wear goalkeeper gloves with straps are pulling their shirts over them. For them, it’s less about stability and more about having that secure, locked-in feeling.
Whether it’s a practical solution or simply a personal style choice – one thing’s clear: this trend is spreading fast and once again proves that goalkeepers do things their own way.
Strapless goalkeeper gloves have been around since 2018, but by 2025 they’ve firmly established themselves as a go-to trend. Many pros and amateur keepers choose strapless glovesbecause they feel lighter and allow for greater freedom of movement.
Visually, the trend also makes a statement: clean, modern gloves that signal confidence and professionalism between the posts. For goalkeepers looking to combine comfort, performance and style, strapless gloves remain one of the most exciting options in 2025.
3. Holes in the socks
Outfield players like Jude Bellingham, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish made the hole-in-the-socks trend popular. James Trafford was the first goalkeeper to follow, cutting open his socks for more freedom of movement and to fight against cramps.
For keepers, it’s about more than just comfort. The holes are meant to provide extra flexibility and mobility during quick sprints, jumps or sharp changes of direction.
Supporters of the trend also claim it improves blood circulation in the calves and helps prevent muscle cramps – though that’s never really been proven. Medical or not, the fact is: some players simply feel freer and more flexible with it.
A trend that’s here to stay: grip socks give you stability inside the boot, stop slipping and improve your push-off. Especially in explosive movements like jumps or sharp changes of direction, they make all the difference. These days, hardly any pro plays without them.
5. underpants over socks
A trend that really stands out with pros like Szczęsny: wearing base layer pants pulled over the socks. At first glance it might look unusual, but many goalkeepers swear by the secure fit this combo provides.
The practical benefit is mainly about comfort and stability. The pants keep the socks firmly in place, stop them from slipping during sprints or dives, and help maintain consistent compression in the legs.
Not the flashiest trend, but an incredibly important one: knee and elbow pads protect against injuries on hard pitches or artificial turf. Many goalkeepers underestimate the strain that comes with daily training. For young keepers especially, pads could become a real trend in 2025. Protecting knees and elbows means training longer, safer, and with less risk.
7. KEEPERdummies in goalkeeper training
Goalkeeper training is becoming more realistic and intense, and the KEEPERdummy Pro as well as the KEEPERdummy Contact are now a key part of it. These training tools simulate opponents in the box, forcing keepers to make quick decisions, react aggressively, and show real presence.
Especially in one-on-one situations or when dealing with crosses, the KEEPERdummy helps recreate match scenarios that are otherwise hard to train. Goalkeepers learn to defend space, control the ball under pressure, and use their body effectively – without risking injury to a teammate.
Another big advantage: dummies allow you to combine conditioning and coordination in one drill. Keepers sharpen not only their technique, but also their reaction speed, body balance and timing when facing shots or deflections.
By now, these training aids aren’t just found at pro clubs or academies. Ambitious amateur teams and goalkeeper coaches are also relying on dummies to make training sessions more realistic, challenging and varied.
Goalkeeper coaching is getting more and more digital. Video analysis, online learning platforms and interactive apps have become everyday tools for modern keeper coaches. They make it easier to break down movements frame by frame, highlight technical mistakes and track progress over time.
For goalkeepers, this means smarter, more individual training. Instead of generic drills, coaches can design sessions that target specific weaknesses and build on strengths. Whether it’s analysing positioning, footwork or reaction time – digital tools are helping keepers reach the next level faster.
9. matchday vlogs
More and more goalkeepers, like André Breitfuss or Filip Truksa, are using social media to share their games – whether it’s for their community or for their own analysis. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they showcase saves, match situations and quick reactions. These videos aren’t just about entertainment – they’re powerful tools for error analysis and performance improvement. By reviewing and reflecting on key moments, keepers can work specifically on their technique and decision-making. It’s a trend that’s helping both pros and amateurs take their game to the next level.
The star ball has earned cult status in goalkeeper training over the past few years – and in 2025 it’s back as a major trend. Its unpredictability forces keepers to stay switched on at all times and react in a split second. Unlike standard training balls, the star ball challenges not only reactions, but also reflexes, hand-eye coordination and concentration all at once.
It’s especially effective in reaction drills, like blocking from close range or one-on-one situations. Because of its unpredictability, the training feels much closer to real match scenarios, improving decision-making speed and overall body tension.
Another big plus: the star ball adds fun to every session, motivates keepers to train at higher intensity and boosts training frequency – particularly for young goalkeepers. Both pros and amateurs use it to sharpen reaction speed, timing and agility.
