Best Goalkeepers of All Time: A Definitive Ranking (2024 Update)

In the world of football, the goalkeeper stands as the ultimate guardian of the net, a paragon of skill, agility, and nerve.

This article embarks on a journey to unveil the elite cadre of shot-stoppers who have etched their names in the annals of football history. From breathtaking saves to match-winning performances, these goalkeepers have redefined the art of protecting the goalposts.

Join us as we pay homage to the unparalleled talents and remarkable careers of the 10 best goalkeepers to ever grace the beautiful game.

SEE ALSO: Ranking the 10 Best Football Players of All Time

10. Peter Shilton

Peter Shilton stands out as a remarkable goalkeeper in terms of longevity. Over a span of more than three decades, he showcased his skills and proved himself as one of the best in the game. Even at the age of 40, he was England's first-choice goalkeeper during the Italia '90 World Cup.

While he may be remembered for his bitterness towards Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal, it is important to recognize Shilton's exceptional abilities. He was a formidable shot-stopper, serving as the last line of defense for Nottingham Forest when they secured consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980.

Throughout the 1980s, Shilton maintained his position at the top of his profession. It was only in 1997, a remarkable 31 years after his debut for Leicester City, that he finally decided to retire from his incredible career.

9. Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar, standing at 6'5''/1.97m, was a pioneer among goalkeepers known for their exceptional ball skills. Manuel Neuer later revealed that he drew inspiration from the Dutchman's bold style of distributing the ball.

Van der Sar played a key role in Ajax's Champions League victory in 1995. Despite a less successful stint at Juventus, he revived his career at Fulham before joining Manchester United. His standout performance in the 2008 Champions League final, where he saved Anelka's penalty in the shootout, earned him the player of the match award.

In 2011, Van der Sar made history by becoming the oldest player to win the Premier League at the age of 40.

8. Iker Casillas

Renowned for his exceptional reflexes, Iker Casillas, a prodigious talent often compared to a cat by Manuel Almunia, made his breakthrough into the starting lineup of Real Madrid at a mere 18 years old. Remarkably, he was only 19 when he played a pivotal role in securing Los Blancos' victory in the 2000 Champions League final.

Over the course of more than a decade, Casillas established himself as a regular presence for both his club and his country, eventually assuming the captaincy of the greatest international team in the history of the sport. This remarkable achievement led to him being honored with the IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award for an unprecedented five consecutive years, from 2008 to 2012.

Under Casillas' leadership, La Roja triumphed in two European Championships and one World Cup. When he departed Madrid for Porto in 2015, he had already added two more Champions League titles to his illustrious collection, solidifying his status as one of the most exceptional goalkeepers the game has ever witnessed.

In reference to his esteemed rival, Gianluigi Buffon succinctly stated, "Honestly, I don't need many words to express how exceptional he is; the evidence of his greatness is plain for all to see."

7. Peter Schemeichel

Peter Schmeichel, a goalkeeper with extraordinary size, strength, and agility, posed a formidable challenge for attackers who struggled to surpass the towering Dane and his signature 'star jumps'. His remarkable skills served as an inspiration for aspiring goalkeepers, including Casillas who regards Schmeichel as his role model.

In addition to his shot-stopping abilities, the Manchester United legend was renowned for his precise and lengthy throws, which he utilized to launch devastating counter-attacks. Schmeichel's organizational skills were also noteworthy, as he never hesitated to communicate with his defenders and ensure they were in the correct positions.

Despite differing opinions about him, with Roy Keane considering his former United teammate a "poser", Schmeichel undeniably possessed a winning mentality. Throughout his tenure at Old Trafford, he secured an impressive 15 trophies. However, his most remarkable achievement was leading Denmark to a stunning victory in the 1992 European Championship held in Sweden, which left the footballing world in awe.

6. Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks, the man credited with perhaps the most iconic save in the history of football, possessed an extraordinary level of agility and athleticism as a goalkeeper.

This was most notably demonstrated during a legendary match between England and Brazil in Mexico in 1970, when Banks not only managed to prevent a downward header from Pele, which seemed destined for the back of the net, but also managed to tip it over the crossbar.

Even Pele himself, who had already begun celebrating, later confessed, "I couldn't believe what I had witnessed."

Banks's exceptional skills were recognized by FIFA, as he was named the goalkeeper of the year for six consecutive years, from 1966 to 1971. Unfortunately, his illustrious career was tragically cut short due to the loss of vision in his right eye following a car accident.

5. Sepp Maier

During the most triumphant periods in the histories of Bayern Munich and West Germany, Sepp Maier held the indisputable position of No.1 goalkeeper. He played a pivotal role in securing victory for his country by clinching the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. Additionally, Maier contributed to the success of his club side by securing three consecutive European Cups between 1974 and 1976.

However, Maier's impact extended beyond his exceptional achievements on the field. He possessed a captivating personality that endeared him to his teammates. Known for his unwavering passion and a delightful sense of humor, Maier was both respected and adored by those who played alongside him.

4. Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer, although not the originator of the 'sweeper-keeper' role, is undeniably its most accomplished practitioner. Through his remarkable performances for Bayern Munich and Germany, Neuer revolutionized the perception of a shot-stopper by assuming the responsibilities of an additional defender and a crucial playmaker from the back.

In the past, goalkeepers were often overlooked when it came to individual recognition. However, Neuer's exceptional abilities earned him widespread acclaim and served as an inspiration for a new generation of goalkeepers. This was evident when he secured a remarkable third place in the 2014 Ballon d'Or voting, following his triumphant World Cup campaign in Brazil.

3. Dino Zoff

Dino Zoff, the oldest man to ever win the World Cup, showcased his professionalism and exceptional positioning when he led Italy to victory in the 1982 tournament in Spain. This remarkable achievement was the pinnacle of his illustrious career, which also included lifting the European Championship on home soil in 1968 and securing six Serie A titles with Juventus.

Despite his quiet and unassuming nature, Zoff was a remarkable leader who set an example for others. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and composure under pressure, he was highly regarded for his sportsmanship.

Former Italy coach Enzo Bearzot described Zoff as a level-headed goalkeeper who remained calm even in the most challenging and thrilling moments. Zoff's modesty and respect for his opponents were evident as he always held back, earning him the admiration and respect of all.

2. Lev Yashin

Lev Yashin, the sole goalkeeper to have ever clinched the Ballon d'Or, was a true trailblazer in his position. During an era when goalkeepers were anticipated to stay put on their line, the Russian standout was celebrated for his audacity in charging out of his goal to intercept crosses and shut down advancing forwards.

Yashin, who was honored as the goalkeeper of the 20th century by the IFFHS, was adored for his flair, captivating audiences with his remarkable, acrobatic saves, along with his iconic all-black attire. This, combined with the optical illusion of possessing extra limbs, led to his moniker 'The Black Spider'.

A pioneer in terms of punching the ball away and executing short throw-outs, Yashin set the benchmark against which all other goalkeepers were measured. It is only fitting that, since 1994, the 'Lev Yashin Award' is bestowed upon the best goalkeeper at each World Cup.

"Everything he did was of the highest caliber. He set the standard for goalkeeping for the next 10 to 15 years. Despite already performing at the highest level, I used to take notes from his game," Banks later confessed.

1. Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon's career is marked by an unparalleled level of excellence, from his remarkable Serie A debut against AC Milan as a young player to his instrumental role in Juventus' historic eight consecutive scudetti. His sustained brilliance on the field is so remarkable that even his great rival Casillas admitted that finding any weaknesses in his game is impossible.

Buffon's contributions extend beyond his club success. He is revered as a national icon for his crucial role in Italy's 2006 World Cup victory, where he was only beaten by an own goal and a penalty. Additionally, his loyalty to Juventus during their relegation to Serie B in the same year, and his return to Parma for the final two years of his illustrious career, solidify his legendary status.

While the Champions League title eluded him, it does not diminish Buffon's stature in the game. He exits the sport as one of the rare figures universally adored in football.

conclusion

In conclusion, the goalkeeping position has witnessed extraordinary talents throughout history. From Lev Yashin's revolutionary style to Gianluigi Buffon's longevity, these goalkeepers have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Their exceptional skill, dedication, and ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments have solidified their places among the best of all time. As we celebrate their contributions, it's evident that their impact transcends statistics; they've become legends whose legacies inspire future generations of goalkeepers.

Whether it's Gordon Banks' iconic save or Dino Zoff's World Cup triumphs, each goalkeeper on this list has rightfully earned their place in footballing history.