A gas diffusion layer for an electrolyser or for a fuel cell comprises a first nonwoven layer of metal fibers provided for contacting a proton exchange membrane, a second nonwoven layer of metal fibers, and a third porous metal layer. The first nonwoven layer of metal fibers comprises metal fibers of a first equivalent diameter. The second nonwoven layer of metal fibers comprises metal fibers of a second equivalent diameter. The second equivalent diameter is larger than the first equivalent diameter. The third porous metal layer comprises open pores. The open pores of the third porous metal layer are larger than the open pores of the second nonwoven layer of metal fibers. The second nonwoven layer is provided in between and contacting the first nonwoven layer and the third porous metal layer. The second nonwoven layer is metallurgically bonded to the first nonwoven layer and to the third porous metal layer. The thickness of the third porous metal layer is at least two times—and preferably at least three times—the thickness of the first nonwoven layer.