The 20 Greatest Goalkeepers in Premier League History – Ranked
The Premier League has seen some of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, with shot-stoppers playing crucial roles in their teams’ successes. From commanding leaders to agile shot-stoppers, these goalkeepers have made their mark through consistency, incredible reflexes, and game-changing saves.
In this article, we take a closer look at the 20 greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, ranking them from great to the best.
20. Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel recorded 82 clean sheets in 284 games, proving himself as a top Premier League goalkeeper. Best known for leading Leicester City to their historic 2015-16 title win, he was a reliable shot-stopper and a vocal leader on the pitch.
19. Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer kept 152 clean sheets in 514 games, making him one of the league’s most dependable goalkeepers. Playing for Middlesbrough, Fulham, and Chelsea, the Australian holds the record for the most Premier League appearances by a non-British player.
18. Tim Howard
Tim Howard secured 132 clean sheets in 399 games, becoming one of Everton’s most iconic goalkeepers. Known for his quick reflexes and shot-stopping ability, the American also famously scored a goal from his own penalty area.
17. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois managed 48 clean sheets in 126 games, winning two Premier League titles with Chelsea. His towering presence and composure made him a key figure in José Mourinho’s and Antonio Conte’s championship-winning teams.
16. Nigel Martyn
Nigel Martyn earned 137 clean sheets in 372 games, making a name for himself with Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton. Often underrated, his consistency and leadership made him one of England’s most reliable goalkeepers.
15. Pepe Reina
Pepe Reina achieved 136 clean sheets in 297 games, cementing himself as one of Liverpool’s best-ever goalkeepers. Winning the Golden Glove three times in a row, the Spaniard was instrumental in Rafael Benítez’s defensive setup.
14. Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris kept 127 clean sheets in 361 games, serving as Tottenham Hotspur’s captain for much of his time in England. His quick reflexes and ability to play as a sweeper-keeper made him one of the league’s most modern and effective goalkeepers.
13. Neville Southall
Neville Southall registered 62 clean sheets in 208 games, though much of his legendary status came before the Premier League era. A dominant figure at Everton, his shot-stopping ability and leadership set the standard for future generations.
12. David James
David James recorded 169 clean sheets in 572 games, making him one of the league’s most experienced goalkeepers. Playing for Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Portsmouth, he was known for his athletic saves but also had moments of inconsistency.
11. Joe Hart
Joe Hart earned 127 clean sheets in 340 games, becoming a key player in Manchester City’s rise to dominance. Winning two Premier League titles, he was known for his sharp reflexes and passionate performances.
10. Brad Friedel
Brad Friedel managed 132 clean sheets in 450 games, setting the record for most consecutive appearances with 310 games. The American played for clubs like Blackburn, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, proving his consistency and reliability.
9. Shay Given
Shay Given kept 113 clean sheets in 450 games, spending most of his career as Newcastle United’s number one. His agility and shot-stopping ability made him one of the league’s most respected goalkeepers.
8. Jens Lehmann
Jens Lehmann recorded 54 clean sheets in 148 games, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s “Invincibles” season. The German goalkeeper was known for his fiery personality and ability to make big saves in critical moments.
7. Ederson
Ederson has achieved 267 clean sheets in 116 games, redefining the goalkeeper’s role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. His exceptional distribution and composure under pressure make him one of the best modern goalkeepers.
6. David De Gea
David De Gea kept 147 clean sheets in 415 games, often single-handedly keeping Manchester United in matches. Winning multiple Golden Glove awards, he was regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers of his generation.
5. Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has recorded 220 clean sheets in 93 games, quickly establishing himself as a Premier League great. His arrival at Liverpool transformed their defense, helping the club win both the Premier League and Champions League.
4. David Seaman
David Seaman earned 141 clean sheets in 344 games, becoming a legendary figure at Arsenal. His composure, leadership, and crucial saves helped the Gunners win multiple league titles under Arsène Wenger.
3. Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar registered 132 clean sheets in 313 games, providing stability and experience for Manchester United. His calmness under pressure and record-breaking clean sheets played a key role in United’s domestic and European success.
2. Petr Čech
Petr Čech remains the all-time Premier League clean sheet leader with 202 clean sheets in 433 games. A four-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, his bravery, reflexes, and leadership set him apart as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever.
1. Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel recorded 128 clean sheets in 310 games, widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history. His leadership, shot-stopping ability, and presence in the box helped Manchester United dominate the 1990s, including their famous treble-winning season in 1999.
