Goalkeepers are the last line of defence and often the unsung heroes of football. Over the decades some shot stoppers have risen above the rest to leave a permanent mark on the sport. In this article we count down the ten best goalkeepers of all time and explain what made each one special.
Lev Yashin USSR 1950s and 1960s
Lev Yashin is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper ever. He spent his entire club career at Dynamo Moscow and won the Ballon d Or in 1963. Yashin was famous for his acrobatic saves commanding presence and ability to organise his defence.
He kept more than 270 clean sheets in the Soviet top tier and his performance at the 1960 European Championship helped the USSR to victory. Yashin’s pioneering style set the standard for modern goalkeeping and his influence remains strong.
Gordon Banks England 1960s and 1970s
Gordon Banks was England’s number one during their 1966 World Cup victory. Known for his reflexes and positional sense he made over 700 club appearances. His save against Pele in the 1970 World Cup is often called the save of the century.
Banks helped Stoke City win the League Cup in 1972 and earned more than 70 England caps. His calm authority and superb shot stopping inspired a generation of English goalkeepers.
Dino Zoff Italy 1960s to 1980s
Dino Zoff remains the oldest player to win the World Cup, lifting the trophy in 1982 at age 40. He captained Italy and was renowned for his consistency leadership and mental strength. Zoff won multiple Serie A titles with Juventus.
Zoff’s longevity and reliability at the highest level defined his career. He kept more than 330 clean sheets in Italian football and set an appearance record for the national team that stood for decades.
Sepp Maier West Germany 1960s and 1970s
Sepp Maier was the backbone of Bayern Munich and West Germany during a period of great success. He won three European Cups with Bayern and the 1974 World Cup with West Germany. Maier was nicknamed the Katze von Anzing for his cat like reflexes.
His durability was unmatched, playing more than 700 club matches. Maier’s charisma and shot stopping ability made him one of the most popular figures in football history.
Peter Schmeichel Denmark 1990s
Peter Schmeichel was key to Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s. He won five Premier League titles three FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League treble. Schmeichel was known for his imposing frame incredible reflexes and command of the penalty area.
He earned more than 120 caps for Denmark and helped them win Euro 1992. Schmeichel’s aggressive style and match winning saves influenced a new generation of keepers.
Gianluigi Buffon Italy 1990s to 2010s
Gianluigi Buffon is one of the most decorated goalkeepers ever. He won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and multiple Serie A titles with Juventus. Buffon combined physical presence with outstanding shot stopping and leadership.
He made over 650 appearances in Italy’s top flight and became the first goalkeeper to win theIFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper award five times. Buffon’s consistency over more than two decades set a benchmark for professionals.
Oliver Kahn Germany 1990s to 2000s
Oliver Kahn led Bayern Munich and Germany with ferocious intensity. He won eight Bundesliga titles six DFB Pokals and the 2001 Champions League. Kahn earned the nickname der Titan for his commanding presence.
He was named Best Goalkeeper at three major tournaments and won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2002 World Cup. Kahn’s passion and determination made him a model for mental toughness in football.
Iker Casillas Spain 2000s to 2010s
Iker Casillas became Real Madrid’s youngest ever first team goalkeeper and went on to win five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues. He captained Spain to wins at Euro 2008 World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. Casillas was known for his lightning reflexes and ability to make crucial saves.
He earned more than 160 caps for Spain, a national record. Casillas’s calm presence and knack for big moment performances cemented his status as one of the all time greats.
Edwin van der Sar Netherlands 1990s to 2010s
Edwin van der Sar enjoyed success with Ajax Juventus and Manchester United. He won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and the Premier League and Champions League double with Manchester United in 2008. Van der Sar was famed for his composure and ability with the ball at his feet.
He set a Premier League record for consecutive clean sheets and made over 130 appearances for the Netherlands. Van der Sar’s professionalism and distribution skills influenced the modern sweeper keeper role.
Manuel Neuer Germany 2010s to Present
Manuel Neuer revolutionised the goalkeeper position with his sweeper keeper style. He won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and multiple Bundesliga and Champions League titles with Bayern Munich. Neuer is known for his speed off the line and precise distribution.
He has redefined the expectations of modern goalkeepers by acting almost as an extra defender. Neuer’s blend of shot stopping and playmaking continues to inspire coaches and players worldwide.