Ranking the 20 Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History

June 4, 2025 Oliver Obel

Throughout history, the goalkeeper position has been crucial to any team’s success. From miraculous saves to decisive performances in finals, some shot-stoppers have left an unforgettable mark on world football. This ranking highlights the 20 greatest of all time, based on their longevity, consistency, and brilliance in the most important moments.

20. Hugo Lloris

Lloris led Tottenham during one of their most successful modern periods and captained France to a World Cup title in 2018. His penalty-saving heroics and leadership made him a mainstay at the top level for nearly two decades.

19. Peter Shilton

Shilton was pivotal in Nottingham Forest’s back-to-back European Cup wins and still holds the record for England appearances. Despite never winning a major international trophy, his career longevity and consistency were unmatched in English football.

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18. Andoni Zubizarreta

Zubizarreta starred for Barcelona and Spain, winning multiple La Liga titles and a European Cup with Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’. He was ahead of his time with his composure and ball-playing skills from the back.

17. Dino Zoff

Zoff famously captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982 at the age of 40. With six Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup at club level, his calmness and reliability became his defining traits.

16. Neville Southall

Southall was a cornerstone of Everton’s success in the 1980s, helping them to domestic and European trophies. His sheer number of appearances and FWA Footballer of the Year award underline his excellence.

15. Sepp Maier

A Bayern Munich icon, Maier helped the German giants win three consecutive European Cups. He also lifted the 1974 World Cup and Euro 1972 with West Germany, making him a legend for both club and country.

14. David Seaman

Seaman was Arsenal’s trusted last line of defence for over a decade, collecting three league titles and four FA Cups. Known for his iconic ponytail and reflex saves, he remains one of England’s most beloved keepers.

13. Dida

The Brazilian star was AC Milan’s wall during a golden era, winning two Champions Leagues and a Serie A title. He also shone on the international stage, capturing the 2002 World Cup with Brazil.

12. Pat Jennings

Jennings earned the rare respect of both Arsenal and Tottenham fans, playing over 700 club games combined for the rivals. Northern Ireland’s long-serving stopper was known for his sharp reflexes and gentlemanly conduct.

11. Thibaut Courtois

Courtois was Real Madrid’s hero in the 2022 Champions League final and has won league titles in Spain and England. His combination of size, agility, and composure has placed him among the modern greats.

10. Gordon Banks

Banks is remembered for one of the greatest saves in history against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup. More importantly, he was England’s No. 1 when they lifted the World Cup in 1966.

9. Alisson Becker

Since joining Liverpool in 2018, Alisson has transformed the team’s defensive fortunes, guiding them to a Champions League and Premier League title. His calm presence and incredible reflexes have made him one of the best in the world.

8. Edwin van der Sar

Van der Sar holds the record for longest time without conceding in Premier League history and won trophies at Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. His elegant style and leadership made him a rare goalkeeper who only got better with age.

7. Peter Schmeichel

Schmeichel helped Manchester United to a historic treble in 1999 and was a Euro 1992 hero with Denmark. Known for his commanding presence and remarkable shot-stopping, he was a nightmare for strikers.

6. Petr Čech

Čech holds the Premier League record for most clean sheets and was a key figure in Chelsea’s dominance under Mourinho. Even a life-threatening skull injury couldn’t stop him from maintaining world-class form.

5. Oliver Kahn

Kahn’s intensity and leadership saw him dominate for Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League in 2001. He was the first and only goalkeeper to win the World Cup Golden Ball, earned in 2002 despite finishing runner-up.

4. Iker Casillas

Photo: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley / Shutterstock.com

Casillas led Spain through a golden era, winning two Euros and a World Cup in four years. At Real Madrid, he collected three Champions League titles, becoming one of the most decorated keepers ever.

3. Manuel Neuer

Neuer revolutionized the position with his ‘sweeper-keeper’ style, giving Bayern and Germany a tactical edge. He won the 2014 World Cup and two Champions Leagues, pairing innovation with brilliance.

2. Gianluigi Buffon

Photo: Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

Buffon enjoyed an astonishing 28-year career and won ten Serie A titles with Juventus. A 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, his consistency and passion made him a footballing icon.

1. Lev Yashin

Yashin, nicknamed ‘The Black Spider’, remains the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or. His dominance in the 1950s and 60s set the benchmark for all goalkeepers to follow.