Goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes of the game, standing as the last line of defense when it matters most. While strikers may take the headlines, it’s the crucial saves and commanding presence of the goalkeepers that ensure victory. Here’s a countdown of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
10. Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar was known for his remarkable calmness, ball distribution, and consistency over two decades of top-flight football. He made history with Ajax’s 1995 Champions League triumph and went on to shine at Manchester United, where he won multiple Premier League titles.
Van der Sar set an extraordinary record by going over 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in a league season and is remembered for his leadership at the back.
9. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper with his “sweeper-keeper” style, rushing out of goal to intercept through balls and start attacks.
His extraordinary reflexes and shot-stopping ability have helped Bayern Munich and Germany to unprecedented success, including a 2014 World Cup triumph. Neuer is a modern-day legend, redefining the role of goalkeepers in the sport.
8. Oliver Kahn
Few goalkeepers were as intimidating as Oliver Kahn. His aggressive style earned him nicknames like “The Titan” and “Vol-kahn-o.” Kahn was key to Germany’s run to the 2002 World Cup final and was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament.
His success at Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League and numerous Bundesliga titles, made him one of the best of all time.
7. Iker Casillas
Known as “San Iker,” Casillas was the epitome of reliability during Spain’s golden era. With a sharp instinct for pulling off incredible saves, Casillas helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championships. His long tenure at Real Madrid was full of domestic and international success, including five La Liga titles and three Champions League victories.
6. Sepp Maier
Nicknamed “The Cat from Anzing” for his agility and reflexes, Sepp Maier was the backbone of both Bayern Munich and the West German national team in the 1970s.
Maier was a three-time European Cup winner with Bayern and was part of the legendary German team that won the 1974 World Cup and Euro 1972. He was revered for his athleticism, consistency, and ability to make decisive saves.
5. Gordon Banks
Gordon Banks’ legendary status was cemented by his stunning save against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup — often called the greatest save in history. Banks helped England win their only World Cup in 1966 and was named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year six times.
His calm presence in goal and exceptional shot-stopping made him one of the greatest English players of all time.
4. Dino Zoff
Dino Zoff was renowned for his remarkable longevity, playing at the top level well into his 40s. He captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982, becoming the oldest player ever to win the tournament.
Zoff’s ability to lead, coupled with his brilliant shot-stopping, saw him achieve immense success at both international and club levels, particularly with Juventus.
3. Peter Schmeichel
One of the most commanding goalkeepers to ever play, Peter Schmeichel was a colossus at Manchester United, leading them to five Premier League titles and captaining them to their historic 1999 treble.
Known for his reflex saves and powerful throws to start counter-attacks, Schmeichel was also a leader for Denmark, helping them win the 1992 European Championship.
2. Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon’s name is synonymous with longevity, brilliance, and dedication. With over 1,100 career appearances and an illustrious spell at Juventus, Buffon won almost every title available, including the 2006 World Cup with Italy. His leadership, positioning, and consistency made him one of the best to ever play between the posts.
1. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin stands as the undisputed greatest goalkeeper in football history. Nicknamed the “Black Spider” for his seemingly endless reach, Yashin revolutionized the role of the goalkeeper.
He was the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, and his remarkable penalty-saving record (over 150) and 270+ clean sheets make his legacy unmatchable. Yashin’s influence on how goalkeepers play today is still felt in modern football.
Honourable Mentions:
Other notable names who are among the best Football Goalkeepers of all time include:
- Michel Preud’homme
- Nasser Hejazi
- Petr Cech
- Vincent Enyeama
- Jose Luis Chilavert
- Peter Shilton
- Claudio Bravo
- Harald Schumacher
- Victor Valdes
- Thomas N’Kono
- Emiliano Martinez
- Essam El-Hadary.
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Thibaut Courtois
- Jan Oblak
- Guillermo Ochoa
- Keylor Navas
