The 25 Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History — Ranked
They’ve stood tall under pressure, pulled off impossible saves, and changed the course of football history. Goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes — but not today. From Hugo Lloris to the legendary Lev Yashin, here’s a countdown of the 25 best goalkeepers to ever grace the game.
25. Hugo Lloris
Lloris was a pillar of consistency for Tottenham during their rise under Mauricio Pochettino, even captaining them to a Champions League final. Though he never won a trophy at club level, his leadership with France brought him a World Cup title in 2018 and made him his country’s most capped player.
24. Rinat Dasayev
Nicknamed "The Iron Curtain," Dasayev earned global acclaim with his performances for Spartak Moscow and the Soviet Union. His one-handed saves and agility made him a standout at Euro 1988, where he helped his nation reach the final.
23. Michel Preud'homme
Belgium’s Michel Preud'homme was a shot-stopping icon for Standard Liege, Mechelen, and Benfica. Internationally, he made his mark by winning the Yashin Award at the 1994 World Cup as the tournament’s top goalkeeper.
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22. Walter Zenga
A symbol of Italian resilience, Zenga was Inter Milan’s No. 1 for years and led Italy to a third-place finish in the 1990 World Cup. He was named the best goalkeeper in the world three years running at the peak of his career.
21. Peter Shilton
With 125 England caps, Shilton’s longevity and achievements with Nottingham Forest — including two European Cups — solidify his place among the greats. While he never won a major tournament with England, his club success was unmatched.
20. Andoni Zubizarreta
Zubizarreta’s calmness under pressure and skill with the ball at his feet made him a pioneer of the modern goalkeeping style. His decorated club career with Barcelona, including six La Liga titles and a European Cup, made him a legend in Spain.
19. Ricardo Zamora
A true icon of early Spanish football, Zamora’s influence was so great that La Liga’s top goalkeeper award now bears his name. Known as "El Divino," he played through injuries and led Spain to historic wins in the 1930s.
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18. Dino Zoff
Zoff captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982 at the age of 40, becoming the oldest player to lift the trophy. He was a model of consistency with Juventus, winning six Serie A titles and leaving a lasting legacy in both Italian and global football.
17. Gilmar
Brazil’s Gilmar was the man behind two World Cup-winning sides in 1958 and 1962, providing calm and class in goal. His time at Santos, playing alongside legends like Pelé, was filled with domestic and continental triumphs.
16. Neville Southall
Southall was Everton’s cornerstone during a golden era, winning two league titles and the 1985 European Cup Winners’ Cup. With over 750 club appearances and 92 for Wales, he remains one of British football’s most respected goalkeepers.
15. Sepp Maier
Nicknamed “The Cat from Anzing,” Maier’s quick reflexes and consistency helped Bayern Munich dominate Europe in the 1970s. He was also part of West Germany’s 1974 World Cup-winning side and remains one of the country’s most beloved players.
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14. David Seaman
Seaman was Arsenal’s stalwart for over a decade, known for his iconic look and steady hands. Despite a few high-profile errors, he was central to Arsenal's domestic dominance and played a vital role for England in the '90s.
13. Dida
Dida was the first Brazilian goalkeeper to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or and starred for AC Milan in the mid-2000s. His composure and shot-stopping helped Milan win two Champions Leagues, a Serie A title, and solidified his status as a modern great.
12. Pat Jennings
One of the few players adored by both Arsenal and Spurs fans, Jennings was admired for his calm presence and elite reflexes. He won major honors at both clubs and held the Northern Ireland cap record for decades.
11. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has built an impressive legacy at Chelsea and Real Madrid, including a man-of-the-match performance in the 2022 Champions League final. His combination of size, agility, and clutch performances has made him one of the modern era’s finest.
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10. Gordon Banks
Banks will forever be remembered for that save against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup. A 1966 World Cup winner with England, he was known for his dependability and remains a national hero in English football history.
9. Alisson Becker
Signed by Liverpool to elevate their defense, Alisson did just that — winning the Premier League and Champions League soon after his arrival. His poise, distribution, and clutch saves have made him one of the defining keepers of his generation.
8. Edwin van der Sar
Van der Sar’s career spanned over two decades, with silverware collected at Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. His world record for minutes without conceding and his Champions League heroics underline a legendary run at the top level.
7. Peter Schmeichel
Schmeichel’s explosive presence and commanding leadership were pivotal in Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning season. A Euro 1992 champion with Denmark, his acrobatic saves and fiery demeanor made him a fan favorite.
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6. Petr Čech
Čech’s Premier League clean sheet record (202) stands as a testament to his elite consistency. His bravery post-head injury, coupled with key saves in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League win, cemented his place among the all-time greats.
5. Oliver Kahn
Kahn's intensity and winning mentality defined an era at Bayern Munich, culminating in the 2001 Champions League win. He even won the Golden Ball at the 2002 World Cup — a rare feat for a goalkeeper — after a heroic campaign.
4. Iker Casillas
Casillas won everything with both Real Madrid and Spain, including three Champions Leagues and a historic Euro-World Cup-Euro treble. His agility and leadership under pressure made him a key figure in one of football’s most dominant dynasties.
3. Manuel Neuer
Neuer redefined the role of a goalkeeper, popularizing the 'sweeper keeper' style with Bayern and Germany. A 2014 World Cup winner, his technical ability and game-reading revolutionized expectations for modern shot-stoppers.
2. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon's 28-year career saw him win nearly everything — except the Champions League. Revered for his consistency, leadership, and longevity, the Italian legend’s crowning moment came in 2006 when he lifted the World Cup.
1. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin remains the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, and his legacy endures through the Yashin Trophy. Nicknamed "The Black Spider," he was a revolutionary figure who inspired generations — even earning praise from Pelé himself.
