About RANK Goalkeeping

RANK Goalkeeping is an independent North American goalkeeper glove and equipment brand founded by goalkeeper James Romero. Our company creates premium, trend forward designed gloves, bags, apparel and equipment for competitive youth, college and professional goalkeepers.

At RANK Goalkeeping, we believe that the goalkeeper is the heart of the team and the last line of defense and the first point of attack.

Our journey began with first hand experience and a simple idea: to create a line of goalkeeping gloves that combine quality with unparalleled comfort and durability. 

We understand the unique demands of the position from the explosive dives, the crucial catches, and the intense pressure of a one-on-one situation. That's why we meticulously engineer our gloves with premium latex for superior grip and advanced protection systems to mitigate impact. We are committed to continuous innovation, constantly seeking out new and top quality materials with elevated and innovative designs to give our keepers a competitive edge and grabbing the attention of onlookers and fans.

RANK Goalkeeping can be seen on the soccer pitch at the highest levels for professional and serious youth goalkeepers in Major League Soccer, Liga MX, NCAA Division 1, MLS Next Pro, USL, NWSA and the highest youth levels such as MLS Next, ECNL Boys and Girls, Elite Academy League and Girls Academy League.

 

JAMES ROMERO // RANK Goalkeeping Founder

James Romero is an 18-year-old goalkeeper whose rapid rise through the Southern California soccer landscape has positioned him among the most promising young talents in the country.  A product of the LAFC Academy in MLS Next, Romero has developed in one of the nation’s most competitive elite environments, consistently demonstrating advanced shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and strong distribution out of the back.  His time within the academy system has seen him compete against top domestic talent, sharpening both his technical skillset and tactical awareness.

Romero's performances have also earned him opportunities on the international stage, where he has been identified within the Mexico Youth National Team player pool. Representing Mexico at the youth level reflects not only his dual-national pathway but also his ability to compete among elite prospects across North America. His experience in international camps and competition environments has further accelerated his growth and exposure to high-level play.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Romero has shown a strong commitment to giving back to the goalkeeper community.  At age 17, Romero fulfilled a dream and started his own business as an entrepreneur.  He is the founder of RANK Goalkeeping, a training platform dedicated to developing the next generation of goalkeepers through specialized coaching, modern training methods, and a focus on technical excellence. Through this initiative, Romero has translated his own high-level experience into mentorship and development opportunities for young athletes.  RANK Goalkeeping gloves are seen on goalkeepers in the MLS, USL, MLS Next Pro, U.S. and Mexico National Teams, NWSL, NCAA Division 1, ECNL, USL Academy, Liga MX and Girls Soccer League.

Continuing his academic and athletic journey, Romero has committed to Oregon State Beavers men's soccer, the nationally top ranked program known for its competitive presence in the NCAA Tournament, strong recruiting classes, and development of top talent in professional leagues across the globe.  As part of the 2026 recruiting class, he is expected to bring his leadership, discipline, and high-performance mindset to the collegiate level while continuing to evolve as a goalkeeper.

With a foundation built on elite training, international experience, and entrepreneurial initiative, James Romero represents a new generation of goalkeepers—one defined not only by performance, but by vision, leadership, and impact on the game.