Fellow football fanatics! Today, we’re going to take a journey through the exciting world of goalkeeping. Have you ever wondered who the best goalkeepers in the history of this beautiful game are?
In the world of football, goalkeepers are often the unsung heroes. They stand as the last line of defense, the custodians of the goal. Over the years, there have been legendary goalkeepers who have left an indelible mark on the game. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, each with their unique story and accomplishments.
The Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History
Before we kick off this exciting journey, let’s take a look at best saves in football history
Despite, some of these goalkeepers that made those saves are not included in our list, but they still remains among the greatest goalkeepers in football history
10. Bert Trautmann (GER): Overcoming Adversity
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Bert Trautmann’s story is one of resilience and acceptance. During the Second World War, he served in the German army, a fact that led to taunts from the terraces when he began playing in England after the war. However, it didn’t take long for his incredible performances to win over fans, particularly at Manchester City, where he became a legend.
In 1956, Trautmann’s acceptance reached its peak when he was named the FWA Footballer of the Year. What’s even more remarkable is that he played the final 15 minutes of the FA Cup with a broken neck, making crucial saves. His story is a testament to the power of determination and skill.
9. Pat Jennings (NIR): A Keeper Loved by All
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Pat Jennings is a name that resonates with both Arsenal and Tottenham fans. He had a career that spanned 22 years and over 1,000 top-level games, a rare feat for any player, let alone a goalkeeper. Notably, he is Northern Ireland’s highest-capped player with 119 appearances.
Jennings’ trophy cabinet includes two FA Cup wins, two League Cup wins, and a UEFA Cup triumph in 1972. He was not just respected; he was celebrated. In 1973, he was named the FWA Footballer of the Year, and in 1976, he earned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year title. His impact on the game is immeasurable.
8. Gianluigi Buffon (ITA): The Epitome of Loyalty
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Gianluigi Buffon’s loyalty is a rare find in modern football. After impressing at Parma, he moved to Juventus, and even when the club was demoted to Serie B, he stayed with them. His loyalty was rewarded with numerous titles, including the UEFA Cup, the Italian Cup, and multiple Serie A championships.
But Buffon’s greatest accomplishments are on the international stage. With 90 caps, he is a World Cup winner. Individually, he has been named Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year seven times and the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper four times, more than any other goalkeeper. His career is a testament to unwavering dedication and skill.
7. Peter Shilton (ENG): A Career of Endurance
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Peter Shilton’s career is characterized by its astonishing longevity. He played an incredible 1,005 league games and 1,237 games overall, setting records that may never be broken. Shilton’s journey began with a bold move, threatening to leave Leicester if he didn’t get game time, which ultimately forced the club to agree.
His career includes a remarkable 125 caps for the England national team, a record that speaks of his consistent excellence. Shilton’s club achievements are equally impressive, with a League title, a League Cup, and two European Cups. In 1978, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
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6. Oliver Kahn (GER): A Trophy Magnet
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Oliver Kahn’s name is synonymous with success. Wherever he went, trophies followed. At Bayern Munich, he won eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, six League Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a Champions League. His winning streak didn’t stop at the club level; he was part of the team that won Euro ’96.
Individually, Kahn has been named German Footballer of the Year twice, IFFHS Best Goalkeeper three times, and Best Bundesliga Goalkeeper seven times, a testament to his incredible skills and consistency. His impact on the game is undeniable.
5. Dino Zoff (ITA): Ageless Excellence
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Dino Zoff’s legacy is marked by his remarkable feat of winning the World Cup at the age of 40. He was not just a leader but also a record-breaker. He once went 1,142 minutes without conceding in international tournaments, a record that still stands today.
His 112 Italy caps include the success in the European Championships of 1968 and the 1982 World Cup. At the club level, he secured six Serie A titles, two Italian Cups, and one UEFA Cup. Zoff was named the third greatest goalkeeper of the 20th century in a poll by IFFHS and the best Italian player of the last 50 years in 2003.
4. Sepp Maier (GER): The Consistent Guardian
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Sepp Maier is one of the most decorated players of his era, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer. He was a key member of a golden age for both Germany and Bayern Munich. His club achievements include four Bundesliga titles, four German Cups, a Cup Winners’ Cup, and three consecutive European Cups.
On the international stage, he played an important role in Germany’s success, with 95 caps, a European Championships winners medal in 1972, and a World Cup winners medal in 1974. Maier’s consistency is evident in his extraordinary record of playing 422 matches in a row from 1966 to 1977, a remarkable 11 years without missing a game.
3. Gordon Banks (ENG): The Save of the Century
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Gordon Banks will forever be remembered for his incredible save against Pele in the 1970 World Cup, a moment that defined his career. While he may not have an extensive list of trophies, his quality as a goalkeeper was unparalleled during his time.
Banks holds the unique distinction of being the only English goalkeeper to ever win a World Cup. Tragically, his career was cut short when he lost sight in his right eye following a car crash. Despite the adversity, he played 73 times for his country and was named the second best ‘keeper of the 20th century in the IFFHS poll.
2. Peter Schmeichel (DEN): A Giant in the Goal
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Peter Schmeichel’s imposing figure between the sticks was a key reason for Manchester United’s dominance throughout the 90s. His journey to stardom began at Brondby, where he helped them secure four league titles and a Danish Cup.
He gained international acclaim during the European Championships of 1992, where his performances helped Denmark win the tournament against all odds. At Manchester United, Schmeichel won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup, and a Champions League title. Individually, he was twice named the World’s Best Goalkeeper by IFFHS.
1. Lev Yashin (USSR): The Black Spider
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Lev Yashin, famously known as the “Black Spider,” was a goalkeeper with unparalleled reflexes and jaw-dropping athleticism. He spent his entire career with Dynamo Moscow and earned 74 caps for the USSR.
Yashin’s legacy is built on his incredible achievements, including saving over 150 penalties and keeping nearly 500 clean sheets in his 812 career games. He was part of the European Championships winning team of 1960, and four years later, he helped USSR win Olympic gold. Yashin’s impact extended beyond the goal; he remains the only goalkeeper to be named the European Footballer of the Year, an award he received in 1963.
In 2000, he was named as the greatest goalkeeper of the 20th century in a poll conducted by IFFHS. I’m going one better, and naming him the greatest goalkeeper of all time.
Conclusion
these legendary goalkeepers have left an everlasting mark on the beautiful game. From Bert Trautmann’s resilience to Pat Jennings’ universal respect, from Gianluigi Buffon’s loyalty to Peter Shilton’s endurance, and from Oliver Kahn’s trophy magnetism to Lev Yashin’s unmatched reflexes, each of them has a story worth celebrating.
These goalkeepers didn’t just save goals; they saved the spirit of the game. Their dedication, passion, and remarkable skills continue to inspire football fans around the world. They are more than just players on the pitch.
So, the next time you watch a thrilling match and witness a great save, remember the greatest Goalkeepers who paved the way. The world of football owes a debt of gratitude to these incredible goalkeepers, and their legacy will live on for generations to come.
FAQs
Who is the best goalkeeper in the world history?
The Italian sensation, Gianluigi Buffon, not only stands tall as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time but also holds a remarkable record. He’s been in the top three an astonishing fourteen times, a feat shared only with the likes of Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas.
What truly sets Buffon apart is his remarkable collection of achievements. He’s claimed the coveted number one spot on the podium five times, a record he shares with the esteemed Iker Casillas and Manuel Neuer. If that’s not impressive enough, he’s been the runner-up six times, another record, and landed in the third spot three times.
Buffon’s consistency and excellence are unparalleled, making him a true legend in the world of football.
What is the best save in football history?
Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper who is forever etched in history for what is often regarded as the greatest save of all time. The stage was set at the 1970 World Cup, against Brazil where England, the defending champions, faced off against Brazil, the hosts, in what would become one of the all-time great matches in the annals of football.
Which goalkeeper has won the Ballon d Or?
Lev Yashin, a true one-of-a-kind goalkeeper, achieved something that sets him apart from all others – he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1963. That’s right, he is the only goalkeeper to have ever claimed this remarkable honor.