Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Raya

Discover the career path of David Raya, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

David Raya is a Spanish professional footballer, currently playing as a goalkeeper for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Spain national team. He is highly regarded for his skills, particularly his distribution, command of the penalty area, and shot-stopping capabilities, establishing him as one of the world's top goalkeepers.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: David Seaman's Clean Sheet Record

On 27 December, David Raya claimed a clean sheet against Ipswich Town, his 23rd in 50 Premier League games for the Gunners. In doing so, he broke David Seaman's record (22) set in 1993 for the most clean sheets kept by an Arsenal goalkeeper in his first 50 appearances for the club in the division.

2003: Premier League Stats Tracking

Since the Premier League started tracking goalkeeper stats in 2003, David Raya was the only goalkeeper to lead in both saves and save percentage in the 2022-2023 season.

2008: Clean Sheet Record

In April 2024, David Raya became the second goalkeeper in Premier League history to keep a sixth consecutive away clean sheet, after Edwin van der Sar did so in 2008-2009.

2009: Arsenal Champions League Qualification

In March 2024, David Raya helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

July 2012: Joins Blackburn Rovers

In July 2012, David Raya moved to England to join Blackburn Rovers on a scholarship.

February 2014: Signs Professional Contract

On 26 February 2014, David Raya signed a professional contract with Blackburn Rovers.

April 2015: Signs New Contract

In April 2015, David Raya signed a new three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers after returning from a loan spell.

2015: Second-Choice Goalkeeper

In 2015, David Raya served as Rovers' second-choice goalkeeper behind Jason Steele.

2016: Second-Choice Goalkeeper

In 2016, David Raya served as Rovers' second-choice goalkeeper behind Jason Steele.

2017: Takes Over as First-Choice Goalkeeper

In 2017, Rovers' relegation to League One saw Raya take over as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

2018: Promotion from League One

In 2018, David Raya achieved his professional breakthrough with Blackburn Rovers, being part of the team that gained promotion from League One.

2018: Helps the club to automatic promotion

In 2018, David Raya made 47 appearances and helped Blackburn Rovers to automatic promotion straight back to the Championship.

July 2019: Departure from Rovers

In July 2019, David Raya departed Blackburn Rovers after making 108 appearances for the club.

July 2019: Signs for Brentford

On 6 July 2019, David Raya signed for Championship club Brentford on a four-year contract.

2019: Transfer to Brentford

In 2019, David Raya transferred to Championship club Brentford.

October 2020: Signs New Contract with Brentford

On 2 October 2020, David Raya signed a new four-year contract with Brentford after being reintegrated into the team.

2020: Passing Ability

During the 2020-21 season, Raya attempted 300 more passes than any other goalkeeper in the Championship.

2021: Promotion with Brentford

In 2021, David Raya finished the season with a promotion medal after Brentford's 2–0 Championship play-off final victory over Swansea City.

2021: Promotion to the Premier League

In 2021, David Raya was part of the Brentford team that earned promotion to the Premier League.

February 2022: Return to Competitive Match Play

On 1 February 2022, David Raya made a behind closed doors friendly appearance. On 4 February 2022, David Raya returned to competitive match play with a start in a 4–1 FA Cup fourth round defeat to Everton.

March 2022: Maiden International Call-up and Debut

In March 2022, David Raya received his first international call-up to the Spain senior team and made his debut in a 2–1 win over Albania on 26 March.

2022: International Debut and World Cup Squad

In 2022, David Raya made his international debut for Spain and was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2022: World Cup Appearance

In 2022, David Raya was named in Spain's 2022 World Cup squad, and prior to the team's exit in the round of 16, his only match play during the period came with a second half substitute appearance in a pre-tournament friendly versus Jordan.

2022: Saves and Save Percentage Leader

In the 2022 Premier League, David Raya led all goalkeepers for both saves (154) and save percentage (77%).

January 2023: Premier League Player of the Month Nomination and Contract Rejection

In January 2023, David Raya was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award and rejected a second offer of a new contract with Brentford.

August 2023: Loan Move to Arsenal

On 15 August 2023, David Raya completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal.

2023: Loan to Arsenal F.C.

In 2023, David Raya joined Arsenal F.C. on loan, winning the Golden Glove award in his debut season and earning a permanent transfer the following summer.

2023: Premier League Golden Glove Winner

On 4 May 2024, David Raya was confirmed as the outright winner of the 2023-24 Premier League Golden Glove.

March 2024: Champions League Penalty Shootout Heroics

On 12 March 2024, David Raya saved two penalties in a penalty shootout win against Porto, qualifying Arsenal for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

August 2024: Permanent Move to Arsenal and Save of the Month Award

In August 2024, David Raya completed his permanent move to Arsenal. Also, in August 2024 he made a stunning save against Aston Villa which would later win August 2024's Premier League Save of the Month award.