Football goalkeepers arguably have one of the most important roles on the pitch and can go down as the hero or the villain in one moment.
The role of a goalkeeper has evolved over time, and now, being a world-class shot-stopper isn’t enough. Having a ‘keeper with ability on the ball is just as crucial for the top sides, which starts with their No. 1.
There have been some great ‘keepers throughout history, with Man City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma regarded as the current best in the world.
Here is a look at 20 of the greatest goalkeepers in footballing history, factoring in their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting team and personal accolades.
Rank
Name
Country
1
Lev Yashin
Soviet Union
2
Gianluigi Buffon
Italy
3
Manuel Neuer
Germany
4
Iker Casillas
Spain
5
Peter Schmeichel
Denmark
6
Oliver Kahn
Germany
7
Gordon Banks
England
8
Petr Cech
Czech Republic
9
Edwin van der Sar
Netherlands
10
Dino Zoff
Italy
11
Sepp Maier
West Germany
12
Pat Jennings
Northern Ireland
13
Peter Shilton
England
14
Frantisek Planicka
Czechoslovakia
15
Andoni Zubizarreta
Spain
16
Dida
Brazil
17
Alisson Becker
Brazil
18
Amadeo Carrizo
Argentina
19
David Seaman
England
20
Thibaut Courtois
Belgium
20 Thibaut Courtois
If club trophies are what you’re after when looking for a goalkeeper, then Thibaut Courtois’s cabinet is full from his time in Spain and England.
A regular for Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Real Madrid since 2011, Courtois, who stands at 6ft 7, also has more than 100 caps for Belgium.
He has multiple Champions League, La Liga and Premier League crowns to his name and has been a dependable shot-stopper on the biggest stage.
19 David Seaman
Known best for his time as Arsenal’s number one, David Seaman made over 500 appearances for the Gunners and was hailed by Arsene Wenger during his time at Highbury.
Also England’s first choice for 11 years, Seaman was a consistent performer and made some world-class saves. He will be remembered for his iconic FA Cup save against Sheffield United and, unfortunately, being lobbed by Ronaldinho at the 2002 World Cup.
18 Amadeo Carrizo
One of the first goalkeepers to make the decision to wear gloves was Argentine legend Amadeo Carrizo, who played until the age of 44.
A River Plate icon was one of the first shot-stoppers to venture out of the area and play as a sweeper keeper, something which would catch on in time. Carrizo was recognised a year after his death in 2021 by being named in IFFHS Argentina All Times Dream Team.
17 Alisson Becker
One of the best modern day goalkeepers in recent times has been Alisson Becker, who helped transform Liverpool back into Premier League and Champions League winners.
The second most expensive ‘keeper of all time at £67m, Alisson has proven to be worth every penny for the Reds, with his commanding presence and incredible shot-saving ability seeing him become a regular for Brazil.
16 Dida
Arguably the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper, Dida was a star in an iconic AC Milan team in the 2000s and won 93 caps for his country.
Named FIFPro Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005 and IFFHS Best Brazilian Goalkeeper of the 21st Century, Dida won two Champions League titles.
15 Andoni Zubizarreta
Before Iker Casillas became Spain’s most recognised goalkeeper, they had Andoni Zubizarreta, who played more than 1,000 games during his career.
A club career with Athletic Club, Barcelona and Valencia, Zubizarreta won back-to-back La Liga titles with Athletic Club in the 1980s and four in a row in the 1990s with Barcelona, starring in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’.
14 Frantisek Planicka
One of the first ‘keepers who made themselves a superstar was Frantisek Planicka, who captained Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in 1934 and 1938, making the final in the former.
Interestingly, Planicka never picked up a card in his career and was a vital member for club and country, winning eight titles with Slavia Prague.
13 Peter Shilton
Making his debut just before England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Peter Shilton remains England’s most capped player of all time with 125 appearances for the Three Lions.
In his prime, Shilton was one of the best, and his 31-year career, starred in Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest side that won back-to-back European Cups.
Diego Maradona scored the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against Shilton, and the goalkeeper was named in the World XI on six separate occasions.
12 Pat Jennings
Loved by supporters of both Tottenham and Arsenal, Pat Jennings spent there majority of his club career in north London while also enjoying a 22-year international stint with Northern Ireland.
Winning the FA Cup with Spurs and the Gunners, Jennings made more than 1,000 top level appearances and was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or on three occasions across 13 years.
11 Sepp Maier
The early 1970s was dominated by Bayern Munich and West Germany, with Sepp Maier the top goalkeeper during that era.
Maier, named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions, helped Bayern to three straight European Cups between 1974 and 1976 while also winning Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.
Top reflexes and quick for a ‘keeper, Maier had a crazy personality alongside his ability over an 18-year career.