22 David Raya

Born on September 15, 1995, in Barcelona, Catalonia, David Raya began his football journey in Spain, playing both goalkeeping and futsal. He later joined Cornellà’s youth academy before moving to England in 2012, signing a scholarship deal with Blackburn Rovers. His move was part of a scouting agreement between Blackburn and Cornellà.

Club Career

Blackburn Rovers: Professional Breakthrough

After progressing through Blackburn’s academy, Raya signed his first professional contract in 2014. He gained valuable first-team experience with a loan spell at Southport, making 24 appearances. Following Blackburn’s relegation to League One in 2017, Raya became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, playing a crucial role in their immediate promotion back to the Championship in 2018. He made 108 appearances for the club before leaving in July 2019.

Brentford: Rise to Premier League Stardom

In July 2019, Raya transferred to Brentford for a reported £3 million fee. His debut season saw him win the EFL Golden Glove, keeping 16 clean sheets. He played a pivotal role in Brentford’s journey to the 2020 Championship play-off final, though they lost to Fulham.

In 2020–21, Raya’s impressive sweeper-keeper style and passing ability contributed to Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. He attempted 300 more passes than any other goalkeeper in the Championship that season. Despite an injury setback in 2021, he returned strongly and led all Premier League goalkeepers in saves (154) and save percentage (77%) in the 2022–23 season.

Arsenal: Golden Glove and Permanent Move

In August 2023, Raya joined Arsenal on loan for £3 million, with an option to buy for £27 million. He quickly became Arsenal’s starting goalkeeper, making his debut on September 17 against Everton. Raya played a vital role in Arsenal’s Champions League run, saving two penalties in a shootout victory over Porto in the Round of 16.

His stellar performances earned him the 2023–24 Premier League Golden Glove, becoming only the third Arsenal goalkeeper to win the award. He also made history by keeping six consecutive away clean sheets, a record only previously achieved by Edwin van der Sar.

After a successful season, Arsenal made Raya’s move permanent on July 4, 2024. He continued his fine form in the 2024–25 season, winning Premier League Save of the Month for August and breaking David Seaman’s record for most clean sheets in an Arsenal goalkeeper’s first 50 Premier League games.

International Career

Despite not receiving a youth call-up, Raya made his Spain senior debut in 2022. He was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup but did not feature in any matches.

In UEFA Euro 2024, Raya was part of the Spain squad that won the tournament, making one appearance in the group stage win against Albania.

Playing Style

A modern sweeper-keeper, Raya is known for his elite distribution, anticipation, and command of the box. His ability to play out from the back allows his teams to maintain possession and build attacks from deep. His transformation into a proactive goalkeeper is credited to Iñaki Caña, his former Brentford and current Arsenal goalkeeping coach.

Personal Life

Raya grew up in Pallejà, Catalonia, and is a Real Madrid supporter. He is currently in a relationship with Tatiana Trouboul.