Goalkeepers are the most patient players on the field, waiting for the perfect opportunity to make their moves. Just like gamblers while online gambling for real money, they have to be very strategic, always thinking several steps ahead in order to stay one step ahead of their opponents. The top ten goalkeepers in the history of football are a matter of great debate.
Many fans have their own personal favorites, and there is no definitive answer. However, there are a few players who stand out above the rest, and who are widely considered to be the best ever. Just as with the best midfielders of all time, we’ve tried to list the best goalkeepers. In no particular order:
1. Lev Yashin
Lev Yashin is a Soviet legend and is widely considered to be the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He was known for his acrobatic saves and his ability to keep a cool head under pressure. Yashin played his entire career for Dynamo Moscow and won the Soviet Championship ten times. He also won the European Cup twice and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1963.
2. Dino Zoff
Dino Zoff is an Italian legend and is the oldest-ever winner of the World Cup. He played his entire career for Juventus and won six Serie A titles. Zoff also captained the Italian national team to victory at the 1982 World Cup and was named World Cup Player of the Tournament. He was named European Footballer of the Year in 1983 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
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3. Gordon Banks
Gordon Banks is a World Cup winner with England and is best known for his “save of the century” against Pele in 1970. He played his club football for Leicester City and Stoke City and won the League Cup with both teams. Banks was named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
4. Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel is a Danish legend and is best known for his time at Manchester United. He won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League with United. Schmeichel was named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
5. Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar is a Dutch legend and is best known for his time at Ajax and Manchester United. He won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the Champions League with United. Van der Sar was named UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year on three occasions and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
6. Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas is a Spanish legend and is the most decorated goalkeeper of all time. He played his club football for Real Madrid and Porto and won 25 major trophies. Casillas was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2010 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.
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7. Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer is a German legend and is widely considered to be the best goalkeeper in the world. He plays his club football for Bayern Munich and has won 21 major trophies. Neuer has been named FIFA World Player of the Year, UEFA Player of the Year, and World Soccer Player of the Year. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
8. Oliver Kahn
Oliver Kahn is a German legend and is best known for his time at Bayern Munich. He won eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, and the Champions League with Bayern. Kahn was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2002 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
9. Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian legend and is the most-capped goalkeeper of all time. He plays his club football for Juventus and has won 10 Serie A titles. Buffon has also won the World Cup and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2006. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
10. David de Gea
David de Gea is a Spanish legend and is best known for his time at Manchester United. He has won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup with United. De Gea has also been named FIFA World Player of the Year and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
Kenneth is a an avid soccer follower, fan and writer. He is a consistent follower of the sport and is a fan of Chelsea FC.