Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Raya

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

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

David Raya Martín is a Spanish professional footballer, currently playing as a goalkeeper for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Spain national team. He is widely considered among the best goalkeepers globally, recognized for his consistency, excellent distribution skills, remarkable shot-stopping, and strong command of his penalty area.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Arsenal Reached Champions League Quarter-Finals

David Raya helped Arsenal reach the Champions League quarter finals for the first time since 2010 on March 12, 2024.

July 2012: Joined Blackburn Rovers

In July 2012, at the age of 17, David Raya moved to England to join Blackburn Rovers on a scholarship.

February 2014: Signed Professional Contract with Blackburn Rovers

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

April 2015: Signed New Contract

In April 2015, David Raya signed a new three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers.

2015: Second-Choice Goalkeeper

During the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, David Raya was Rovers' second-choice goalkeeper.

2016: Second-Choice Goalkeeper

During the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, David Raya was Rovers' second-choice goalkeeper.

2017: Became First-Choice Goalkeeper

At the end of the 2016-17 season, following Rovers' relegation to League One, David Raya became the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

2018: Helped Rovers to Automatic Promotion

During the 2017-18 season, David Raya made 47 appearances and helped Blackburn Rovers to automatic promotion back to the Championship.

2018: Promotion from League One

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

July 2019: Departed Rovers

In July 2019, David Raya departed Rovers, having made 108 appearances for the club.

July 2019: Signed for Brentford

On July 6, 2019, David Raya signed for Championship club Brentford on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £3 million.

2019: Transferred to Championship Club Brentford

In 2019, David Raya transferred to Championship club Brentford.

October 2020: Signed New Contract

On October 2, 2020, David Raya signed a new four-year contract with Brentford.

2020: Sweeper-Keeper Style

During the 2020-21 season, David Raya attempted 300 more passes than any other goalkeeper in the Championship due to his and Brentford's style of play as a sweeper-keeper.

2021: Promotion Medal with Brentford

In 2021, David Raya finished the season with 48 appearances, 17 clean sheets and a promotion medal, earned with a 2–0 2021 Championship play-off final victory over Swansea City.

2021: Promotion to Premier League with Brentford

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

March 2022: Maiden International Call-Up

In March 2022, David Raya received his maiden international call-up to the senior Spain team for a pair of friendlies and made his debut with a start in a 2–1 win over Albania on 26 March.

2022: International Debut for Spain

In 2022, David Raya made his international debut for Spain, also participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2022: Named in World Cup Squad

In 2022, David Raya was named in Spain's 2022 World Cup squad, making a substitute appearance in a pre-tournament friendly versus Jordan.

August 2023: Loan Move to Arsenal

On August 15, 2023, David Raya completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal. Arsenal paid £3 million to complete the loan deal, which had a purchase option of £27 million. As part of the deal, Raya signed a two-year contract extension with Brentford, which also included a club option for an additional 12 months.

2023: Joined Arsenal

In 2023, David Raya joined Arsenal and has since won the Premier League Golden Glove twice.

2023: Premier League Golden Glove Winner

On May 4, 2024, it was confirmed that David Raya was the outright winner of the 2023–24 Premier League Golden Glove, having kept the most clean sheets (16) of any goalkeeper in the season.

March 2024: Saved Two Penalties in Champions League

On March 12, 2024, David Raya saved two penalties in a penalty shootout win against Porto in the Champions League round of 16, helping Arsenal reach the quarter finals for the first time since 2010.

2024: Played in UEFA Euro 2024

In 2024, David Raya was part of the Spain squad that won UEFA Euro 2024, playing one match, starting the final group stage match in a 1–0 win over Albania.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Win

In 2024, David Raya won the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain.

September 2025: 100th Appearance for Arsenal

On September 13, 2025, David Raya made his 100th appearance for Arsenal in a 3–0 home win against Nottingham Forest, also recording his 42nd clean sheet for the club.