Goalkeepers are the unsung heroes of football, often making crucial saves to secure victories for their teams. Here are the top 20 greatest goalkeepers in football history, known for their exceptional skills, reflexes, and contributions to their teams’ success.
1. Lev Yashin (1950-1970)
Known as the “Black Spider,” Yashin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, known for his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping ability.
2. Gianluigi Buffon (1995-2023)
A legendary Italian goalkeeper, Buffon is a World Cup winner and has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career.
3. Manuel Neuer (2004-present)
A pioneer of the “sweeper-keeper” style, Neuer is a highly decorated German goalkeeper known for his exceptional footwork and distribution.
4. Iker Casillas (1998-2020)
A Spanish goalkeeping icon, Casillas is a two-time European Championship winner and has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career.
5. Oliver Kahn (1987-2008)
A German goalkeeping legend, Kahn is a two-time European Footballer of the Year and is known for his exceptional leadership and shot-stopping ability.
6. Petr Cech (1999-2019)
A highly decorated Czech goalkeeper, Cech is a four-time Golden Glove winner and has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career.
7. Peter Schmeichel (1981-2003)
A Danish goalkeeping legend, Schmeichel is a two-time European Footballer of the Year and is known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and leadership.
8. Edwin van der Sar (1990-2016)
A Dutch goalkeeping legend, van der Sar is a two-time European Championship winner and has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career.
9. Alisson Becker (2013-present)
A Brazilian goalkeeper, Alisson is a two-time Golden Glove winner and has consistently performed at the highest level throughout his career.
10. Gordon Banks (1958-1977)
An English goalkeeping legend, Banks is a World Cup winner and is known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and iconic saves.
11. Pat Jennings (1963-1986)
12. Dida (1992-2015)
13. David Seaman (1982-2004)
14. Thibaut Courtois (2009-present)
15. Hugo Lloris (2005-present)
16. Sepp Maier (1962-1980)
17. Neville Southall (1973-1998)
18. Dino Zoff (1961-1983)
19. Andoni Zubizarreta (1980-1998)
20. Peter Shilton (1966-1997)
