Despite being an integral part of any football team, goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes of the game. They play in a position that is often overshadowed by the more glamorous spots on the field, but their role is no less important. In fact, it could be argued that the goalkeeper is the most important player on the team.
Let us take a look at some of the most legendary goalkeepers in the history of football. These incredible shot-stoppers have left a mark on the sport with their exceptional skills and unforgettable achievements.
15 Best Soccer Shot-stoppers of All Time
1. Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas, a legendary Spanish goalkeeper, won numerous trophies during his 16-year senior career with Real Madrid, including the Champions League, European Championship, and World Cup. He played 725 times for Los Blancos before moving to FC Porto in 2015. Casillas was also Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper during their most successful period between 2008 and 2012 when La Roja won two European Championships and the World Cup.
Achievements:
- La Liga x5
- Supercopa de España x4
- Copa del Rey x2
- UEFA Champions League x3
- UEFA Super Cup x2
- Intercontinental Cup x1
- FIFA Club World Cup x1
2. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon is considered one of the greatest Italian goalkeepers of all time. He played 178 times for Italy and won the World Cup in 2006. He holds the record for the most Italy caps and has made around 350 clean sheets in first-level club games.
Achievements
- European Under-21 Champion x1
- Coppa Italia x5
- Serie A x10
- Ligue 1 x 1
- Italian Footballer of the Year (x1)
- Italienischer Zweitligameister x1
- UEFA Cup x1
- Italian Super Cup x7
- French Super Cup x1
- FIFA Club World Cup x1
3. Petr Cech
Petr Cech, one of the greatest goalkeepers of the Premier League era, won four league titles with Chelsea, along with the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. He spent four years with Arsenal and then retired to play ice hockey. His top five saves with Chelsea have been ranked as outstanding.
Achievements
- European Under-21 Champion x1
- Czech Footballer of the Year (x7)
- English League Cup x3
- FA Cup x5
- English Premier League x4
- Europa Cup x1
- UEFA Champions League x1
- English Super Cup x6
Read Also: 15 Chelsea’s Best Players Of All Time
4. Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar was an exceptional goalkeeper who played for Manchester United, winning four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He also played for Ajax, Juventus, and Fulham, and some of his saves from his early Ajax days are incredible to watch.
Achievements
- Eredivisie x4
- Dutch League Cup x3
- Dutch Super Cup x3
- English League Cup x2
- English Premier League x4
- English Super Cup x4
- Intercontinental Cup x1
- UEFA Champions League x1
- UEFA Cup x1
- UEFA Super Cup x1
- FIFA Club World Cup x1
5. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin is considered the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He played for Dynamo Moscow throughout his career and was known for his performances at the international level with the Soviet Union. Yashin stopped around 150 penalty kicks and kept an incredible 270 clean sheets in approximately 420 career games played. He is the only goalkeeper to win a Ballon d’Or.
Achievements:
- Soviet Cup x3
- Soviet Champion x5
- European Champion x1
- Olympic Gold Medalist x1
- Ballon d’Or x1
6. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer is a highly talented goalkeeper known for his unorthodox but effective playing style. He has had a great deal of success with both Bayern Munich and the German national team, earning a reputation as one of the best and most decorated goalkeepers in the world. In fact, many consider him to have been the best German footballer during the first half of the 2010s.
One of the things that makes Neuer so unique is his willingness to venture far off his line, essentially playing a “sweeper-keeper” role. This style of play requires a great deal of bravery and confidence, which are traits that Neuer possesses in abundance.
Achievements:
- German Under-19 Cup x1
- European Under-21 Champion x1
- DFB-Pokal x6
- Bundesliga x9
- UEFA Champions League x2
- UEFA Super Cup x2
- German Super Cup x5
- FIFA Club World Cup x1
7. Oliver Kahn
Oliver Kahn is a legendary German goalkeeper who played for Bayern Munich for 14 years and won several titles, including eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokal titles, and the UEFA Champions League. He was also a key player for the German national team, helping them reach the final of the 2002 World Cup. Kahn is known for his impressive reflexes and leadership skills.
Achievements:
- DFB-Pokal x6
- Bundesliga x8
- UEFA Cup x1
- UEFA Champions League x1
- Intercontinental Cup x1
8. Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel is a legendary goalkeeper, known for his reflexes and five league titles with Manchester United. His son, Kasper Schmeichel, is also an outstanding goalkeeper who won the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester City as their captain.
Achievements:
- English League Cup x1
- FA Cup x3
- English Premier League x3
- UEFA Champions League x1
9. Dino Zoff
Dino Zoff is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He played for Napoli and Juventus and won the World Cup in 1982. He holds the record for the longest time without conceding a goal (1,142 minutes). He kept 360 clean sheets in 720 first-level club games.
Achievements:
- Coppa Italia x2
- Serie A x6
- UEFA Cup x1
10. Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is a world-renowned goalkeeper who has won numerous trophies with Real Madrid. He helped the club win the Champions League in 2022 and was named ‘Player of the Match’ after making several crucial saves. He has also won the La Liga title twice with the club, and one Spanish Cup. Additionally, he has been a standout goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid and Premier League champion Chelsea.
Achievements:
- UEFA Champions League x1
- FIFA Club World Cup x1
- Europa League x1
- Spanish La Liga x3
- English Premier League x2
- English FA Cup x1
- UEFA Supercup x2
- Spanish Super Cup x3
11. Dida
Dida, the Brazilian goalkeeper, is widely acclaimed as the greatest in his country’s history. He was the first goalkeeper from Brazil to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Dida played for AC Milan during the mid-2000s and was one of the best players in his position. With over 300 appearances for AC Milan, he is a true legend.
Achievements:
- World Cup x1
- Copa America x 1
- Champions League x2
- Serie A x1
12. David Seaman
- English Premier League x3
- English FA Cup x4
- English Super Cup x3
- English League Cup (Carabao) x1
David Seaman is considered one of England’s greatest-ever goalkeepers. He played for 24 years, made some mistakes, but was incredibly consistent. With his iconic ponytail and mustache, he played over 500 matches for Arsenal, winning three league titles, four FA Cups, and one League Cup.
13. Peter Shilton
Peter Shilton is widely regarded as one of the greatest English goalkeepers in the history of football. Born on September 18, 1949, in Leicester, England, Shilton began his career at Leicester City in 1966 and went on to establish himself as one of the most reliable and consistent goalkeepers in English football. He spent an impressive 30 years in professional football, making over 1,000 league appearances in his career.
Shilton’s career highlight was leading England to the quarterfinals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He played in four World Cup tournaments, in 1982, 1986, 1990, and 1990.
Achievements:
- European Champions Clubs’ Cup x2
- English Premier League x1
- UEFA Supercup x2
- English League Cup x1
- English Super Cup x3
14. Édouard Osoque Mendy
Achievements:
- African Cup of Nations x1
- UEFA Champions League x1
- FIFA World Club Cup x1
- UEFA Supercup x1
Édouard Osoque Mendy is a talented goalkeeper who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and represents his country, Senegal, in international matches. He has received widespread recognition for his exceptional skills on the field and was named the best goalkeeper in the world during the 2021 FIFA Best Awards, which is a testament to his outstanding abilities.
In addition, Mendy has also established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the English Premier League (EPL), making a name for himself through his impressive performances while playing for Chelsea FC. His agility, reflexes, and composure under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
15. Neville Southall
Achievements:
- Europapokal der Pokalsieger Sieger x1
- English Premier League x2
- English FA Cup x2
- English Super Cup x3
Neville Southall is a retired Welsh professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of all time. He enjoyed a successful career that spanned over two decades. Southall played for various clubs during his career, including Everton, where he spent 17 years and won several titles.
He also represented the Welsh national team, earning 92 caps and playing in international tournaments. After retiring from professional football in 2002, he focused on coaching and punditry.
Discussion about this post