The goalkeeper is often the unsung hero of a soccer team, but some goalkeepers have transcended their role to become legends of the sport. In this post, we’ll count down the top 10 best goalkeepers ever, from the 1960s to the present day.
1. Gordon Banks
Gordon Banks is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He won the Golden Ball at the 1966 World Cup and played for England for over a decade. Banks’ incredible reflexes and ability to read the game made him a nightmare for opponents.
2. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin, also known as the ‘Black Cat,’ was a Soviet goalkeeper who played for Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 1963. Yashin’s incredible speed and agility made him a dominant force in goal.
3. René Higuita
René Higuita was a Colombian goalkeeper who played for Atlético Madrid and the Colombian national team. He was known for his incredible reflexes and ability to play the ball out from the back. Higuita’s career was marked by controversy, but he remains a beloved figure in the soccer world.
4. Oliver Kahn
Oliver Kahn was a German goalkeeper who played for Bayern Munich and the German national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Ball at the 2002 World Cup. Kahn’s incredible leadership and ability to make crucial saves made him a key player for his teams.
5. Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon was an Italian goalkeeper who played for Juventus and the Italian national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2006 World Cup. Buffon’s incredible speed and agility made him a dominant force in goal.
6. Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas was a Spanish goalkeeper who played for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2010 World Cup. Casillas’ incredible leadership and ability to make crucial saves made him a key player for his teams.
7. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer was a German goalkeeper who played for Bayern Munich and the German national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2014 World Cup. Neuer’s incredible speed and agility made him a dominant force in goal.
8. Pepe Reina
Pepe Reina was a Spanish goalkeeper who played for Liverpool and the Spanish national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2004 European Championship. Reina’s incredible leadership and ability to make crucial saves made him a key player for his teams.
9. David de Gea
David de Gea was a Spanish goalkeeper who played for Manchester United and the Spanish national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2016 European Championship. De Gea’s incredible speed and agility made him a dominant force in goal.
10. Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker was a Brazilian goalkeeper who played for Liverpool and the Brazilian national team. He won numerous awards and accolades, including the Golden Glove at the 2019 Copa America. Alisson’s incredible leadership and ability to make crucial saves made him a key player for his teams.
The top 10 best goalkeepers ever are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication required to succeed in the sport. From the 1960s to the present day, these goalkeepers have left an indelible mark on the world of soccer.