Best Goalkeepers in the World all Time

The Best Goalkeepers in the World of All Time are a unique breed of athletes, possessing a distinct combination of physical and mental skills that set them apart from their peers. In the world of football, there exist individuals who possess a unique set of skills that set them apart from the rest.

Throughout the history of football, a select few have elevated the art of goalkeeping to unprecedented heights, earning recognition as the greatest of all time. Their impressive skills, unwavering focus, and unrelenting dedication have inspired generations of players and fans alike. Many of these iconic goalkeepers have played for the best football teams in history contributing to their clubs’ legacy with their remarkable performances.

Let’s take a look at the exceptional goalkeepers who have redefined the position and inspired generations of players and fans alike.

10. Gordon Banks

The iconic commentary, “Oh, what a save!” still echoes in the annals of sports history, forever etched in the memories of football fans worldwide. It was Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper, who made the impossible seem possible in 1970, denying the legendary Pele with a save that defied human reflexes. This extraordinary feat remains one of the most breathtaking moments in football history, a testament to Banks’ unparalleled skill and agility.

Gordon Banks’ playing career spanned over two decades, with notable stints at Leicester City and Stoke City, where he won a League Cup with each team. However, his true legacy lies in his contributions to the England national team. As a vital member of the Three Lions, Banks played a pivotal role in their triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign, earning 73 caps over the years, including that unforgettable match against Brazil in 1970.

Banks’ incredible save from Pele’s header was more than just a remarkable moment; it symbolized his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport. His leadership, shot-stopping ability, and distribution set a new standard for goalkeepers, inspiring generations to come. The image of Banks’ acrobatic save, with his body stretched to the limit, continues to inspire awe, a reminder of the incredible talent that graced the football pitch.

Throughout his career, Banks remained humble and dedicated, earning the respect of his peers, opponents, and fans alike. His legacy extends beyond the football pitch, as an icon and a role model, inspiring countless young goalkeepers to strive for greatness. Gordon Banks’ impact on the beautiful game is immeasurable, forever etched in the annals of football history as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

9. Alisson Becker

Liverpool’s signing of Alisson in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the club’s history, as the Brazilian goalkeeper brought a new level of composure and excellence to the team. Following the disappointment of the 2018 Champions League final, Alisson’s arrival injected fresh life into the squad, and his impact was immediate.

With his exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication, Alisson has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, playing a key role in their Champions League triumph in 2019, Premier League title win in 2020, and numerous domestic cup victories. His importance to the team cannot be overstated, and he is undoubtedly one of the most crucial players in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

His impressive skills, athleticism, and mental toughness have made him nearly unbeatable between the sticks.

As Alisson continues to excel at Liverpool, his legacy grows, and he is destined to be remembered as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His impact on the team and the sport as a whole is immeasurable, and he remains an integral part of Liverpool’s quest for continued success.

Some of Alisson’s notable achievements include:

Winning the Champions League Golden Glove in 2019
Being named the Premier League Golden Glove winner in 2020
Holding the record for most clean sheets in a single Premier League season
Being named to the PFA Team of the Year multiple times
Winning numerous domestic cups, including the FA Cup and League Cup

Alisson’s dedication, passion, and exceptional skill have cemented his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.

8. Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar’s illustrious career was marked by an astonishing 26 major trophies, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication as a goalkeeper. One of his most notable achievements was becoming the oldest player to win the Premier League, a feat he accomplished during his successful tenure with Manchester United.

Van der Sar’s remarkable longevity and skill were exemplified by his record-breaking 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal in the 2008/09 Premier League season, a world record that still stands today. As a trusted and integral member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United squad, he made an impressive 266 appearances for the Red Devils, building on his previous success with Ajax and Fulham.

In addition to his club achievements, Van der Sar earned 130 caps for the Netherlands, solidifying his position as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His impressive career statistics and numerous accolades make a strong case for his inclusion among the all-time greats.

Some of Van der Sar’s notable achievements include:

Winning four Premier League titles with Manchester United
Claiming two FA Cups and two League Cups with Manchester United
Winning the Champions League with Ajax in 1995
Earning 130 caps for the Netherlands
Holding the world record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in the Premier League

Van der Sar’s outstanding career serves as a testament to his exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication, cementing his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

7. Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel, a legendary figure in Manchester United’s history, is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, boasting an illustrious 22-year playing career. His impressive resume includes a stunning Euro 1992 triumph with Denmark, where he played a crucial role in their unexpected victory.

Schmeichel’s subsequent eight-year tenure at Manchester United cemented his status as the world’s premier goalkeeper, as he consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication. His numerous accolades with the Red Devils include a historic treble in 1999, which marked the pinnacle of his successful spell at the club.

In addition to his club achievements, Schmeichel earned 121 caps for Denmark, solidifying his position as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

Some of Schmeichel’s notable achievements include:

Winning the European Championship with Denmark in 1992
Claiming five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League with Manchester United
Earning 121 caps for Denmark
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993
Being inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003

Schmeichel’s outstanding career serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and leadership, ensuring his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

6. Petr Cech

Petr Cech’s illustrious career as a goalkeeper in the Premier League has left an indelible mark on the sport. A devastating head injury in 2006 could have spelled the end of his career, but Cech’s resilience and determination allowed him to continue playing with the aid of a protective helmet.

Despite this setback, Cech consistently produced world-class performances, leading Chelsea to unparalleled success during his 11-year tenure. His impressive record includes 494 appearances, 18 major trophies, and four Premier League titles. Cech’s remarkable ability to shut out opponents earned him the record for most clean sheets in Premier League history (202), a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication.

While his four-year spell at Arsenal may not have been as illustrious, Cech’s status as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation remains unwavering. His numerous accolades and records cement his position among the all-time greats.

Some of Cech’s notable achievements include:

Holding the record for most clean sheets in Premier League history (202)
Winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League with Chelsea
Earning 124 caps for the Czech Republic
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper in 2004, 2005, and 2006
Being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022

Cech’s remarkable career serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and resilience, ensuring his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

5. Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn is widely regarded as one of Germany’s greatest goalkeepers, with an impressive 86 appearances for the national team. His commanding presence and leadership were hallmarks of his career, as he marshaled the defense with authority and precision.

Kahn’s achievements with Bayern Munich are a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. He won an astonishing eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2001, cementing his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in European football history.

One of the most notable moments of Kahn’s career came in the 2002 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player, despite Germany’s loss to Brazil in the final. This recognition was a testament to his outstanding performances throughout the tournament.

Kahn’s career was marked by his intense rivalry with Manchester United, particularly in the 1999 Champions League final, where Bayern Munich suffered a dramatic defeat. However, Kahn’s resilience and determination only strengthened his resolve, driving him to achieve even greater success.

Some of Kahn’s notable achievements include:

Winning the Golden Ball award at the 2002 World Cup
Claiming eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, and the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich
Earning 86 caps for Germany
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper four times
Being inducted into the German Football Hall of Fame in 2020

Kahn’s legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history remains unwavering, inspiring future generations with his exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication.

4. Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, with a storied career that spanned over 16 years at Real Madrid. During his tenure, he made an astonishing 725 appearances, leading the team to numerous triumphs, including three Champions League titles and five La Liga championships.

However, Casillas’ most impressive achievements came while representing Spain, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s unprecedented dominance from 2008 to 2012. He was the cornerstone of Spain’s success, winning the European Championship, World Cup, and another European Championship in a remarkable two-year cycle.

Casillas’ exceptional leadership, composure, and shot-stopping ability earned him the trust and admiration of his coaches and teammates. He was the epitome of a world-class goalkeeper, consistently delivering under pressure and inspiring his team to victory.

Tragically, Casillas’ career was cut short after suffering a heart attack while playing for Porto, but thankfully, he made a full recovery. Despite his untimely retirement, Casillas’ legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history remains unwavering.

Some of Casillas’ notable achievements include:

Winning three Champions League titles and five La Liga championships with Real Madrid
Claiming two European Championships and one World Cup with Spain
Earning 167 caps for Spain, a national record
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper five times
Being inducted into the Spanish Football Hall of Fame in 2020

Casillas’ impact on the sport extends beyond his impressive trophy haul and accolades. He inspired a generation of goalkeepers with his exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.

3. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional goalkeepers of the modern era, renowned for his revolutionary “sweeper keeper” style. By venturing out of his penalty area, Neuer has redefined the traditional role of a goalkeeper, enabling his team to control the tempo of matches and dictate the flow of play.

With over 500 appearances for Bayern Munich and 100 caps for Germany, Neuer’s consistency and excellence have been unwavering. His impressive record in Germany’s top flight is unparalleled, with no goalkeeper having kept more clean sheets than him.

Neuer’s crowning achievement came in 2014 when he played a pivotal role in Germany’s World Cup triumph. Additionally, he has won the Champions League twice, in 2013 and 2020, solidifying his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

Some of Neuer’s notable achievements include:

Winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014
Claiming two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich in 2013 and 2020
Earning over 100 caps for Germany
Making over 500 appearances for Bayern Munich
Holding the record for most clean sheets in Germany’s top flight
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper four times

Neuer’s impact on the sport extends beyond his impressive trophy haul and accolades. He has inspired a new generation of goalkeepers with his innovative style, exceptional leadership, and dedication, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.

2. Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, had a storied career spanning 28 years, from his debut in 1995 to his retirement in 2023. Despite never winning the Champions League, a feat that eluded him throughout his illustrious career, Buffon’s numerous accolades and records solidify his position among the all-time greats.

With 10 Serie A titles and six Italian Cups won during his tenure with Juventus and Parma, Buffon’s longevity and consistency are a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. His impressive career was further highlighted by his pivotal role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph, where he played a crucial part in the team’s success.

Buffon’s remarkable career is a testament to his perseverance and resilience, as he continued to perform at the highest level well into his 40s. His numerous records and accolades, including being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper five times, cement his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

Some of Buffon’s notable achievements include:

Winning 10 Serie A titles and six Italian Cups with Juventus and Parma
Claiming the 2006 World Cup with Italy
Earning 176 caps for Italy, a national record
Being named the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper five times
Holding the record for most clean sheets in Serie A history
Being inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2020

Buffon’s legacy extends beyond his impressive trophy haul and accolades. He inspired a generation of goalkeepers with his exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication, ensuring his status as one of the all-time greats.

1. Lev Yashin

Lev Yashin, affectionately known as “The Black Spider,” is widely regarded as the most iconic figure in the history of goalkeeping. His legendary status is underscored by the prestigious Yashin Trophy, established in 2019 by France Football to honor the best goalkeeper of the year. This accolade serves as a testament to Yashin’s unparalleled excellence between the posts.

Yashin’s remarkable career was marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the only goalkeeper to win the coveted Ballon d’Or in 1963. His impressive résumé includes 358 appearances for Dynamo Moscow and 74 caps for the Soviet Union, with the crowning glory being the 1960 European Championship title.

Yashin’s impact on the sport extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He revolutionized the art of goalkeeping with his innovative style, shot-stopping ability, and leadership, inspiring generations of goalkeepers to follow in his footsteps.

Some of Yashin’s notable achievements include:

Winning the Ballon d’Or in 1963
Claiming the 1960 European Championship with the Soviet Union
Making 358 appearances for Dynamo Moscow and 74 for the Soviet Union
Being named the Soviet Footballer of the Year four times
Being inducted into the Russian Football Hall of Fame in 2003

Yashin’s legacy continues to be celebrated, with his name becoming synonymous with goalkeeping excellence. The Yashin Trophy serves as a reminder of his unparalleled contributions to the sport, ensuring his status as one of the all-time greats.

In conclusion, these iconic goalkeepers have redefined the art of goalkeeping with their exceptional skill and leadership. Their individual brilliance has often been the backbone of the Top 10 best football teams of all time ranked, creating a lasting legacy in football history.

Now it’s your turn! Who do you think is the greatest goalkeeper of all time? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!