Goalkeepers in FIFA 22 can be game-changers. Whether you’re playing Career Mode or FUT, having the right tactics and understanding how to control your goalkeeper effectively can prevent last-minute heartbreak. With FIFA 22’s improved gameplay mechanics and HyperMotion technology, keeping clean sheets requires more precision than ever. This guide will walk you through essential goalkeeper tips to help you save every shot and dominate defensively.

1. Pick the Right Goalkeeper

Before mastering saves, you need the right player between the sticks. Focus on these stats when choosing your keeper:

  • Reflexes: Crucial for close-range saves.

  • Diving: Helps with long-range shots.

  • Positioning: Ensures your keeper reacts correctly.

  • Handling: Reduces chances of rebound goals.

  • Kicking/Passing: Important in FIFA 22’s build-up play.

🔑 Best Goalkeepers in FIFA 22:

  • Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – best all-rounder.

  • Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – outstanding positioning.

  • Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – strong reflexes, perfect for FUT.

  • Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) – budget beast with reliable handling.

2. Learn Manual Goalkeeper Movement (R3 / Right Stick)

AI goalkeepers are good, but not perfect. FIFA 22 gives you more control to manually move your keeper.

  • Use Right Stick (R3) to position your GK.

  • Anticipate the opponent’s shot angle – for example, if they cut inside, move slightly to the near post.

  • Don’t overcommit—tiny adjustments make a huge difference.

Pro tip: In penalties, moving early often helps psych out opponents.

3. 1v1 Situations: Rush at the Right Time

The timing of when to rush your goalkeeper can make or break the save.

  • Use Triangle (PS) / Y (Xbox) to bring your GK out.

  • Rush when the attacker is heavy on touch or about to shoot.

  • Avoid rushing too early, as skilled attackers will chip or finesse.

🔑 Combo trick: Hold L1/LB + R3 to manually move and narrow the angle while rushing.

4. Master Reflex Saves with Button Inputs

  • Finesse Shots → Position keeper to far post; dive early.

  • Power Shots → Stay central, rely on reflex saves.

  • Headers → Position slightly ahead to anticipate downward headers.

Extra tip: Hold L2/LT when rushing out; this makes the keeper spread wide for body blocks.

5. Distribute Like a Playmaker

In FIFA 22, goalkeepers are part of your build-up.

  • Short pass → safer, but riskier if opponent presses high.

  • Driven throw (R1 + X / RB + A) → great for fast counterattacks.

  • Long kick (hold Square / X) → effective if you have a tall striker.

Elite trick: Use goal kicks with L1/LB + X/A to play short but lofted passes, bypassing the first press line.

6. Train Defensive Support

Even the best goalkeeper won’t save you if your defense leaks. Improve your defending so the keeper faces fewer shots:

  • Control CBs to cut passing lanes.

  • Don’t drag defenders out of position.

  • Force opponents wide instead of central.

7. Practice in Skill Games

FIFA 22 includes goalkeeper drills in Skill Games. Use them to sharpen reflexes, positioning, and anticipation.

Conclusion

Being a great goalkeeper in FIFA 22 isn’t just about saves—it’s about anticipation, timing, and smart decision-making. With the right keeper, proper manual control, and strong distribution, you’ll stop conceding cheap goals and give your team the best chance to win.

💡 Pro Tip: Always study your opponent’s playstyle—do they finesse a lot, go for power shots, or try cutbacks? Adjust your goalkeeper positioning accordingly.