Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time List

In the realm of football, the goalkeeper stands as a last line of defence safeguarding the sanctity of the goalpost. The top 10 greatest goalkeepers of all time have etched their names in the annals of sporting history, showcasing exceptional skill, unwavering athleticism, and inspiring leadership qualities. Their ability to make breathtaking saves, thwarting even the most formidable strikers, has not only kept their teams in contention but has also ignited the passion of fans worldwide.

Let us embark on a journey to explore the remarkable careers of these legendary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. This the continuation of the series where we try to show our tribute by ranking these legends with many factors in mind, such as stats, achievements, impact on the game etc. You can read our previous article on top 10 best midfielders of football.

From the acrobatic brilliance of Lev Yashin to the commanding presence of Gianluigi Buffon, these goalkeepers have redefined the position, elevating it to an art form. They have not only mastered the art of shot-stopping, but they have also revolutionized the role, becoming active participants in organizing their defenses and initiating attacks with pinpoint distribution. Their influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring generations of aspiring goalkeepers and fans worldwide.

Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time

Join us as we delve into the captivating stories of these ten greatest goalkeepers, unraveling their unique talents, their pivotal contributions to their teams’ success, and the enduring legacy they have left on the sport. Prepare to be amazed by their exceptional athleticism, their unwavering dedication, and their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

1. Lev Yashin (Soviet Union)

Lev Yashin was a pioneer in the goalkeeper position, revolutionizing the role with his acrobatic saves, agility, and command of his area. His exceptional skills earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 1963, the only goalkeeper to ever receive this honor. Yashin’s contributions extended beyond individual accolades, leading the Soviet Union to the European Championship title in 1960 and playing a pivotal role in their Olympic gold medal victory in 1956. The reason he is at the top of the list of “top 10 greatest goalkeepers of all time” is he was the one who invented the way of modern goalkeeping which is still followed today.

Achievements of Lev Yashin:

• The one and only goalkeeper to ever win till this day, The Ballon d’Or (1963)
• Gold medal at the 1956 Olympic Games
• European Championship winner (1960)
• 5 Soviet Top League titles (1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1963)
• Soviet Cup winner (1953)
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup runner-up (1965–66)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper of the 20th Century
• FIFA 100
• UEFA Team of the Century
• Soviet Football Federation Player of the Year (1956, 1957, 1959, 1960)
• Soviet Football Federation Goalkeeper of the Year (1957, 1959, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968)
• Lenin Prize (1967)
• Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1957)

Clubs

• Dynamo Moscow (1950–1970)

Stats

• 80 caps for the Soviet Union
• 326 appearances for Dynamo Moscow
• Over 150 penalty kicks saved

2. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

Gianluigi Buffon epitomizes greatness in goalkeeping, setting the benchmark for excellence with his remarkable longevity, consistency, and ability to perform at the highest level for over two decades. His exceptional skills have led him to an impressive collection of trophies, including 10 Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League with Juventus. Buffon’s crowning achievement came in 2006 when he captained Italy to World Cup glory.

Achievements of Gianluigi Buffon:

• 10 Serie A titles (1999-2000, 2001-2003, 2012-2018, 2019-2020)
• UEFA Champions League winner (2006)
• FIFA World Cup winner (2006)
• UEFA Cup winner (1999)
• Coppa Italia winner (6 times)
• Supercoppa Italiana winner (7 times)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2006, 2017)
• ESM Team of the Year (2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2015-16)
• 12 Times Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year (A record)
• UEFA Club Football Award – Best Goalkeeper (2016, 2017)
• The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper (2017)

Clubs

• Parma (1995–2001)
• Juventus (2001–2018)
• Paris Saint-Germain (2018–2019)
• Juventus (2019–2021)
• Parma (2021–2023)

Stats

• 176 caps for Italy
• 754 club appearances

3. Dino Zoff (Italy)

Dino Zoff’s calm demeanor, excellent positioning, and leadership qualities made him a cornerstone of Italy’s success. His contributions were instrumental in Italy’s World Cup triumph in 1970 and their European Cup victories with Juventus. Zoff’s influence on the game transcended his playing career, inspiring a generation of goalkeepers with his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill. These facts easily earns him the 3rd place in our Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time list.

Achievements of Dino Zoff

• FIFA World Cup winner (1970)
• UEFA European Championship winner (1968)
• 6 Serie A titles (1962–63, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1974–75)
• 2 Coppa Italia winners (1968–69, 1972–73)
• UEFA Cup winner (1976–77)
• UEFA Team of the Year (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973)
• World Soccer World Player of the Year (1970)
• IFFHS European Goalkeeper of the Year (1968)
• ESM Team of the Year (1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72)
• Italian Footballer of the Year (1973)
• Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year (a record 6 times)

Clubs

• Udinese (1961–1963)
• Mantova (1963–1967)
• Napoli (1967–1972)
• Juventus (1972–1983)

Stats

• 112 caps for Italy
• 642 club appearances

4. Gordon Banks (England)

Gordon Banks is an icon of English football, renowned for his remarkable reflexes, agility, and ability to make the most difficult saves. His most iconic moment came in the 1970 World Cup when he produced an incredible save against Pelé, widely regarded as the greatest save in football history. Banks’ impact was evident in England’s World Cup victory in 1966, along with his numerous domestic trophies.

Achievements of Gordon Banks

• FIFA World Cup winner (1966)
• 8 Football League First Division titles (1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1962–63, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66, 1971–72)
• 6 FA Cups (1960–61, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73)
• 3 FA Community Shields (1964, 1965, 1972)
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1966)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (1966)
• Ballon d’Or runner-up (1963, 1966)
• FWA Footballer of the Year (1972)

Clubs:

• Chesterfield (1958-1959)
• Leicester City (1959-1967)
• Stoke City (1967-1973)
• Cleveland Stokers (loan) (1967)
• Hellenic (loan) (1971)
• Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1977-1978)
• St Patrick’s Athletic (loan) (1977)

Stats:

• 73 caps for England
• 558 club appearances

5. Peter Schmeichel (Denmark)

Peter Schmeichel our 5th place holder in Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time list; was a charismatic and commanding figure between the posts, a key element in Denmark’s fairytale run to European Championship glory in 1992. His imposing presence, excellent shot-stopping ability, and leadership qualities made him a formidable opponent. Schmeichel’s club career was equally impressive, winning five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.

Achievements of Peter Schmeichel

• UEFA European Championship winner (1992)
• 5 Premier League titles (1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 2001–02)
• 3 FA Cups (1993–94, 1998–99, 1999–2000)
• UEFA Champions League winner (1999)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (1992, 1993)
• UEFA Club Football Award – Best Goalkeeper (1998)
• Premier League Player of the Season (1995–96)
• UEFA Team of the Year (1997, 1998, 1999)
• ESM Team of the Year (1995–96, 1997–98)
• Premier League Golden Glove (1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99)
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998)
• Denmark national football team – Most capped player (1987–2001)

Clubs

• Gladsaxe-Hero (1981–1984)
• Hvidovre (1984–1987)
• Brøndby IF (1987–1991)
• Manchester United (1991–1999)
• Sporting CP (1999–2001)
• Aston Villa (2001–2002)
• Manchester City (2002–2003)

Stats

• 129 caps for Denmark
• 648 club appearances

6. Oliver Kahn (Germany)

Oliver Kahn was a dominant force in goal, known for his fiery temperament, intimidating presence, and ability to make crucial saves in big matches. His athleticism, reflexes, and leadership were instrumental in Bayern Munich’s success, securing eight Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League. Kahn’s international achievements include a FIFA World Cup runner-up medal in 2002 and a UEFA European Championship runner-up medal in 2008.

Achievements of Oliver Kahn

• FIFA World Cup runner-up (2002)
• UEFA European Championship runner-up (2008)
• 8 Bundesliga titles (1994–95, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2005–06, 2007–08)
• 6 DFB-Pokal titles (1997–98, 1999–2000, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08)
• UEFA Champions League winner (2000–01)
• UEFA Cup winner (1995–96)
• UEFA Super Cup winner (2001)
• FIFA Club World Cup runner-up (2001)
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2002)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2000, 2002)
• UEFA Club Football Award – Best Goalkeeper (2000–01)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2000, 2001, 2002)
• ESM Team of the Year (1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02)
• Bundesliga Goalkeeper of the Year (a record 4 times)
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season (1994–95, 1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2005–06)
• Footballer of the Year (Germany) (2000, 2002)

Clubs

• Karlsruher SC (1987–1994)
• Bayern Munich (1994–2008)

Stats

• 128 appearances for Karlsruher SC
• 429 appearances for Bayern Munich
• 86 caps for Germany

7. Iker Casillas (Spain)

Iker Casillas is the most decorated goalkeeper in history, having amassed a remarkable collection of trophies throughout his illustrious career. His contributions were pivotal in Real Madrid’s dominance, winning five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles. Casillas’ leadership extended to the national team, captaining Spain to World Cup victory in 2010 and back-to-back European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012. Which makes him 7th legend in our Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time list.

Achievements of Iker Casillas

• FIFA World Cup winner (2010)
• UEFA European Championship winner (2008, 2012)
• 5 La Liga titles (2003–04, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2016–17)
• 3 UEFA Champions League titles (2001–02, 2013–14, 2015–16)
• 2 Copa del Rey titles (2009–10, 2013–14)
• 2 FIFA Club World Cup titles (2002, 2014)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
• ESM Team of the Year (2008–09, 2009–10)
• La Liga Zamora Trophy (2007–08)
• UEFA Club Football Award – Best Goalkeeper (2015–16)
• Yashin Award (2010)
• FIFA World Cup Golden Glove (2010)
• UEFA European Championship Golden Glove (2012)

Clubs

• Real Madrid (1997–2015)
• FC Porto (2015–2018)

Stats

• 510 appearances for Real Madrid
• 116 appearances for FC Porto
• 167 caps for Spain

8. Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer redefined the goalkeeper position with his innovative sweeper-keeper style, revolutionizing the way goalkeepers participate in the game. His exceptional ball-playing ability, combined with his athleticism and shot-stopping skills, have made him a crucial asset for both club and country. Neuer has led Bayern Munich to numerous trophies, including nine Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles. Internationally, he captained Germany to World Cup victory in 2014.

Achievements of Manuel Neuer

• FIFA World Cup winner (2014)
• UEFA European Championship runner-up (2016)
• UEFA Champions League winner (2013, 2020)
• 2 UEFA Super Cup winner (2013, 2020)
• 2 FIFA Club World Cup winner (2013, 2020)
• 10 Bundesliga titles (2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2022–23)
• 6 DFB-Pokal titles (2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21)
• 6 DFL-Supercup titles (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)
• FIFA FIFPro World11 (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
• IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2014, 2015, 2016)
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year (2014, 2020)
• The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper (2020)
• European Golden Shoe (2020)
• DFB-Pokal Final Man of the Match (2017–18)
• UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match (2019–20)

Clubs

• Schalke 04 (2006–2011)
• FC Bayern Munich (2011–present)

Stats

• 156 appearances for Schalke 04
• 326* appearances for FC Bayern Munich
• 117* caps for Germany

9. Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands)

Edwin van der Sar was a model of consistency and dependability throughout his career, earning the nickname “The Flying Dutchman” for his acrobatic saves. His exceptional reflexes, agility, and leadership qualities made him a formidable opponent. Van der Sar’s club career was highly decorated, winning four Premier League titles with Manchester United and the UEFA Champions League with Ajax.

Achievements of Edwin van der Sar

• UEFA Champions League winner (1995, 2008, 2009)
• UEFA Cup winner (1992)
• Intercontinental Cup winner (1995)
• UEFA Super Cup winner (1999)
• 4 Premier League titles (1993–94, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09)
• 5 Eredivisie titles (1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1997–98, 1998–99)
• 3 FA Cups (1993–94, 2006–07, 2008–09)
• 3 FA Community Shields (1993, 2007, 2008)
• 2 KNVB Cups (1993, 1998)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2009)
• UEFA Club Football Award – Best Goalkeeper (2009)
• PFA Team of the Year (2008–09)
• Premier League Golden Glove (2008–09)
• Football League First Division Golden Glove (1993–94)
• Eredivisie Golden Boot (1996–97)

Clubs

• Ajax (1990–1999)
• Juventus (1999–2001)
• Fulham (2001–2005)
• Manchester United (2005–2011)
• VV Noordwijk (2016)

Stats

• 226 appearances for Ajax
• 66 appearances for Juventus
• 127 appearances for Fulham
• 186 appearances for Manchester United
• Single appearance for VV Noordwijk
• 130 caps for Netherlands

10. Sepp Maier (Germany)

Sepp Maier was a pillar of stability and consistency for Germany, earning the nickname “Der Lange” (The Tall One) due to his imposing stature. Also the 10th legend in our Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time list. His agility, reflexes, and ability to organize his defense were instrumental in Germany’s European Championship victory in 1972 and their World Cup triumph in 1974. Maier’s club career was equally impressive, winning four Bundesliga titles and four DFB-Pokal titles with Bayern Munich.

Achievements of Sepp Maier

• FIFA World Cup winner (1974)
• UEFA European Championship winner (1972)
• 4 Bundesliga titles (1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74)
• 4 DFB-Pokal titles (1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71)
• UEFA European Cup winner (1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76)
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winner (1966–67)
• Intercontinental Cup winner (1976)
• 3x European Champion Clubs’ Cup winner.
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 1974–75.
• Footballer of the Year (Germany): 1975, 1977, 1978.
• FIFA 100.
• Germany’s goalkeeper of the Century.
• Member of Germany’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Clubs

• Bayern Munich (1962–1979)

Stats

• 536 appearances for Bayern Munich
• 95 caps for West Germany

Conclusion – Top 10 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time

As we conclude our exploration of the top 10 greatest goalkeepers of all time list, we are left with a profound appreciation for their remarkable contributions to the beautiful game. These legendary individuals have demonstrated that the goalkeeper position is more than just a defensive role; it is an art form, a blend of athleticism, skill, and unwavering determination. And Sports Culture only has admiration for these GOATs under the net.

These goalkeepers have inspired generations of aspiring players, showcasing the power of dedication, perseverance, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Their influence extends beyond the pitch, captivating fans worldwide with their breathtaking saves and unwavering leadership on the field.

The legacy of these top 10 greatest goalkeepers of all time will continue to resonate for generations to come, serving as a testament to the power of human potential and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity, with unwavering determination and unwavering passion, we can achieve greatness.

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Sources – Wikipedia, FIFA, UEFA.