In football, the goalkeeper is tasked with arguably the most important role in the team. Without an agile, assured and dynamic keeper standing behind the line of the goal, sides will lose far more matches than they win or even draw.
All of the greatest teams in history share the commonality of having an outstanding goalkeeper who produced incredible saves and helped provide a winning edge. While there have been numerous outstanding keepers in the history of football, an elite set of glovemen stand above the rest as legends of the game.
Here are 5 of the best goalkeepers of all time:
Oliver Kahn
Professional career: 1987-2008
With Germany having produced so many world-class goalkeepers, it is a testament to Oliver Kahn’s status and skill that he is widely regarded as one of Germany's greatest-ever goalkeepers. Kahn’s stature in football is apparent in his storied career, which includes eight Bundesliga titles with his club Bayern Munich, six German Cups, and the UEFA Champions League title in 2001. Kahn has been duly recognised for his glovework, winning the Golden Ball award at the 2002 World Cup after being named the tournament's best player, even though Germany lost to Ronaldo's Brazil in the final.
Iker Casillas
Professional career: 1999-2020
Iker Casillas has one of the most celebrated careers of any goalkeeper, with his teams having enjoyed a level of dominance during his playing career. His club achievements included 3 Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles during his 725 appearances for Real Madrid. However, his legendary status was really cemented in his international career, and he was central to Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012, when they won 2 European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Casilla’s career ended in 2020 after after suffering a heart attack; thankfully, he made a full recovery.
Manuel Neuer
Professional career: 2005-present
Much like Casillas, Germany’s Manuel Neuer has cemented his status as one of the most impressive goalkeepers in the modern era. Arguably, Neur has redefined a goalkeeper’s role, playing as a “sweeper keeper” by intercepting through balls and clearing opposition passes, acting as an additional outfield player and defender. His record speaks for itself, with no other goalkeeper in the history of Germany’s top flight having kept more clean sheets than Neuer. His highly successful career includes winning the World Cup in 2014 and winning the Champions League in 2013 and 2020 with his club Bayern Munich.
Gianluigi Buffon
Professional career: 1995-2023
Despite never winning the Champions League, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon is still considered one of the greatest of all time, having won 10 Serie A titles and six Italian Cups during his career with Juventus and Parma. Buffon had an extremely long career of 28 years, having debuted in 195 and retired in 2023. He played a key role in Italy's 2006 World Cup triumph, cementing his status as one of the best goalkeepers of all time.
Lev Yashin
Professional career: 1950-1970
Lev Yashin is considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football, indicated by being the first and only goalkeeper to win football’s top prize, the Ballon d'Or. Renowned for his positioning, imposing presence in goal, athleticism and acrobatic reflex saves. ”, Yashin revolutionised goalkeeping by imposing his authority on the entire defence. At a time when goalkeepers spent the 90 minutes standing in the goal waiting to be called into action, he shouted orders at defenders, came off his line to intercept crosses and ran out to meet onrushing attackers. Known as “The Black Spider. Yashin truly dominated the net over 358 appearances for Dynamo Moscow and 74 for the Soviet Union.
Display your winning ability and bet on football matches at www.gbets.co.za! We have great odds and multiple bets available on a range of matches from around the world.