By OkayGoal 
AZ Alkmaar shot-stopper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro has been ranked as the fourth best young goalkeeper in the world, according to the latest rankings released by the CIES Football Observatory on April 29, 2026.
The 21-year-old, who turns 22 on July 2, is widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in his position. Only Mike Penders (on loan from Chelsea at RC Strasbourg), Jonas Urbig of Bayern Munich, and Robin Risser of RC Lens were placed ahead of him.
Owusu-Oduro, who is of Ghanaian descent, remains eligible to represent the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being born in the Netherlands.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.
This season, Owusu-Oduro has made 36 appearances across all competitions, including in the Europa Conference League. He has conceded 46 goals and kept 13 clean sheets.
AZ Alkmaar currently sit sixth in the Dutch Eredivisie and are in pole position to qualify for European football next season. The young goalkeeper’s growing reputation will only fuel further debate about his international future as the World Cup approaches.