The 30 Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Goalkeepers are the heartbeat of every great defence. From commanding their box with authority to producing match-winning saves, they often decide the biggest games in football history. This list ranks the 30 greatest goalkeepers of all time, taking into account their longevity, impact on the game, and unforgettable moments on the biggest stages.
30. Claudio Taffarel
Brazil’s No.1 for more than a decade, Taffarel was calm under pressure and a penalty-saving specialist. He played a key role in Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph and was also pivotal in their run to the 1998 final.
29. Jan Oblak
Widely regarded as one of the finest modern keepers, Oblak has been a wall of consistency for Atlético Madrid. His incredible reflexes and positioning have made him one of Europe’s most difficult goalkeepers to beat.
28. Rogério Ceni
Ceni was unique, not only for his longevity at São Paulo but also for his incredible scoring record as a goalkeeper, netting over 100 goals from free-kicks and penalties. His leadership and skill made him a legend in Brazil.
Read also: The 10 Best Right-Backs in the World (2025)
27. Ricardo Zamora
Considered the first great goalkeeper in football history, Zamora dominated Spanish football in the 1920s and 1930s. His spectacular style and acrobatic saves earned him such fame that La Liga’s best goalkeeper award is still named after him: the “Zamora Trophy.”
26. Keylor Navas
The Costa Rican shot-stopper rose to prominence with stunning performances at the 2014 World Cup. His reflex saves and big-game mentality helped Real Madrid secure three consecutive Champions League titles.
25. José Luis Chilavert
Like Ceni, Chilavert was famous for scoring goals, but he was also a world-class goalkeeper in his own right. Representing Paraguay, he combined charisma, strong shot-stopping, and leadership.
24. Víctor Valdés
Barcelona’s treble-winning goalkeeper was crucial to Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka era. His ability with the ball at his feet made him a pioneer of the modern sweeper-keeper role.
Read also: The 10 Best Left-Backs in the World (2025)
23. Jens Lehmann
An eccentric yet brilliant goalkeeper, Lehmann was vital in Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League season of 2003–04. He also excelled with Germany on the international stage, particularly in penalty shootouts.
22. Fabien Barthez
The Frenchman was a flamboyant character but an exceptional shot-stopper. He won the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000 with France, as well as the Champions League with Marseille.
21. Gianluca Pagliuca
A cornerstone of Italian football in the 1990s, Pagliuca was renowned for his reflexes and agility. He played a huge role for both Inter Milan and the Italian national team, including reaching the 1994 World Cup final.
20. Hugo Lloris
The French shot-stopper has been a reliable figure for both Tottenham Hotspur and the French national team. His leadership qualities and reflex saves helped France lift the 2018 World Cup, cementing his place among the modern greats.
Read also: The 10 Best Left-Wingers in the World (2025)
19. Peter Shilton
England’s most capped player, Shilton enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years. Known for his agility and command of the box, he remains a benchmark for English goalkeepers.
18. Andoni Zubizarreta
A stalwart for both Barcelona and Spain, Zubizarreta was one of the most consistent keepers of his era. He brought calmness and authority to the backline, helping shape Spanish football in the 1980s and 90s.
17. Dino Zoff
Italy’s iconic goalkeeper, Zoff captained his nation to World Cup glory in 1982 at the age of 40. His remarkable longevity and composure made him one of the finest ever to play the game.
16. Neville Southall
A legend at Everton, Southall was famed for his shot-stopping and resilience. He became one of Britain’s most respected goalkeepers, with over 750 career appearances.
Read also: The Top 11 Best-Selling Football Shirts of All Time
15. Sepp Maier
Known as “The Cat from Anzing,” Maier was Bayern Munich and Germany’s undisputed No.1 throughout the 1970s. He played a vital role in West Germany’s World Cup triumph in 1974.
14. David Seaman
An Arsenal hero, Seaman stood out for his calm presence and incredible reflex saves. His performances for England in major tournaments also solidified his reputation as one of the best.
13. Dida
The Brazilian goalkeeper was a key figure for AC Milan during their golden era in the 2000s. Known for his penalty-saving ability, he helped Milan win the Champions League twice.
12. Pat Jennings
Jennings’ career longevity was astonishing, representing Northern Ireland and excelling for Tottenham and Arsenal. Famous for his enormous hands and incredible saves, he earned over 1,000 professional appearances.
Read also: The 10 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World (2025)
11. Thibaut Courtois
Standing at nearly two meters tall, Courtois combines reach with agility. His performances for Belgium and Real Madrid, including a man-of-the-match display in the 2022 Champions League final, have confirmed his status as one of the best.
10. Gordon Banks
England’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper in 1966, Banks is remembered for his legendary save against Pelé in 1970. He set the gold standard for English goalkeeping.
9. Alisson Becker
Liverpool’s Brazilian No.1 transformed the club’s fortunes when he arrived in 2018. A complete goalkeeper with world-class distribution and reflexes, he has been vital in their Champions League and Premier League successes.
8. Edwin van der Sar
A goalkeeper who spanned multiple generations, Van der Sar won major trophies with Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. His composure and shot-stopping ability made him one of the most dependable keepers in history.
7. Peter Schmeichel
The Great Dane was a cornerstone of Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s. His commanding presence and trademark star-jump saves made him nearly unbeatable on his day.
6. Petr Čech
Čech’s record in the Premier League speaks for itself, with the most clean sheets in history. His consistency and bravery defined Chelsea’s rise to the top of European football.
5. Oliver Kahn
Nicknamed “The Titan,” Kahn was the embodiment of determination and leadership. He carried Germany to the 2002 World Cup final almost single-handedly and dominated for Bayern Munich.
4. Iker Casillas
Casillas was Real Madrid’s “San Iker,” pulling off impossible saves for over a decade. As captain, he also led Spain to back-to-back Euros and a World Cup, securing his legacy.
3. Manuel Neuer
The revolutionary sweeper-keeper changed the role forever with his proactive style. Neuer was crucial in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win and Bayern Munich’s many triumphs.
2. Gianluigi Buffon
A symbol of longevity and excellence, Buffon played into his mid-40s at the highest level. His reflexes, leadership, and professionalism made him a generational icon of Italian football.
1. Lev Yashin
The only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, Yashin is the benchmark for greatness. Known as the “Black Spider,” he redefined goalkeeping with his athleticism and consistency, inspiring generations.
