The Greatest Goalkeepers of All-Time

Dearman · Dec 1, 2009

Due to the fact that some keeping skills and factors of football has been developing until nowadays such as

1. Sweeper-Keeping style of play was just available in 50’s originated by Amadeo Carrizo and Gyula Grosics
2. Weight of ball in current decade is a lot lower than ball of the past
3. In middle of 90’s, The new rule specified prohibiting goalkeeper to use their hand with back passing

Overall factors to be considered for ranking is consist of

Criteria cover these items ;

1. Level of Abilities
2. Consistency, Longevity
3. The Greatness, Awards
4. Standard Competition In Each Era

These are main sources about all-time goalkeeper ranking

1. IFFHS’s World Best Goalkeeper
2. UEFA club goalkeeper of the year
3. Best Ranking of Goalkeeper in Ballon d’Or ( European Goalkeeper of The Year)
4. Yashin Awards ( The Best Goalkeeper Of FIFA World Cup Tournament )
5. The Best Goalkeeper in European Championship Tournament

50. Walter Zeman

Skills : Position B, Reflex A-, Reading B, Jumping B, Handling B+, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B-, National Team C+
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

Walter Zeman is one of legendary Austrian goalkeepers. He reached the prime in the first half 1950s, won Austria player of the years awards three times in row and was selected by FIFA as the greatest goalkeeper in the World in 1953. Regrettably, he confronted unavoidable injury and missed all games in the 1954 FIFA World Cup that Austria success finishing third place. Zeman debuted his career at his only 15 years old with FC Wienna during the war-time before won first caps at his 19 years old. His strengths were outstanding reactivity, catch security, high jumping, leading of organizing and position play. He played under Austrian shirt for almost 10 years. However, he made only 7 clean sheets in international career.

49. Emerson Leao

Skills : Position B, Reflex A-, Reading B, Jumping B-, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club C+, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

Emerson Leao is one of the most underrated goalkeepers ever. He was famous for his superb reflexes save. His talent was performed since early career when he was selected as a reserved goalkeeper in the 1970 World Cup. Afterwards, he was almost one of the most world cup tournaments to play with five but he didn’t have a good relationship with Tele Santana by the time world cup 1982 was going to compete. But still, His great performance in world cup 1974 and 1978 was good enough for a documentary video produced by FIFA “FIFA Fever” rated him as the third-most impressive defensive player of all-time. Leao kept 8 clean sheets from 14 games in 2 World Cup final tournaments.

48. Yevhen Rudakov

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping C+, Handling B+, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club C+, National Team B+
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

Yevhen Rudakov is the greatest goalkeeper of in history of Ukrainian football. He spent almost the whole career with Dinamo Kiev and is the main pillar of the club to dominate the Soviet Championship, won 6 trophies during ten seasons netween 1966 - 1975. Rudakov won his first caps in the middle career at his 26 years old but remians not a starter in the 1968 European Championship. Then, Rudakov was at his prime in the early 1970s. Unfortunately, he got injury and was not included in the 1970 FIFA World Cup squad. He return to perform World-Class in 1971 and 1972which he finished second place in Soviet footballer of the year. He kept 22 clean sheets with Soviet national team.

47. Luis Arconada

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping B, Handling B+, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club C+, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

"The Octopus" Luis Arconada is one of the top goalkeepers in the World during the early 1980s. Unfortunately, he is remembered for a spectacular error in the final of the Euro 84 against France that led Spain finally lost. He had captained the national side on many occasions. Arconada was seriously injured in the league's opener, which caused him to miss the remainder of the campaign and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. He still returned strong for three more seasons, helping Real Sociedad to two consecutive Copa Del Rey finals before retiring at 35, with a total of 551 appearances for the club ; after that, he remained apart from the football world. He won 23 clean Sheets for Spain national team. He was rated as Don Balon Spanish La Liga Goalkeeper of the season for three times.

46. Hans Van Breukelen

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping B-, Handling B+, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club B-, National Team B-
Total Skill: 88, Total Performance : 85.4

Hans Van Breukelen is the prominent Dutch goalkeeper, making his debut in 1980. Two years later, he was bought by English team Nottingham Forest as a replacement for Peter Shilton. Keeping a clean sheet in his debut, things went well for Van Breukelen, until he sustained an injury which sidelined him for almost four months. Having recovered from the injury towards the end of March 1983, he once again played regularly and helped Forest to an unbeaten spell of nine league matches, securing a place in the UEFA cup.1984. In his prime, Van Breukelen is one of the best keepers of Europe in the late 1980s. Nonetheless, His consistency was still a problem through his career. He won 35 clean sheets for Holland national team.

45. Jan Tomaszewski

Skills : Position B, Reflex A-, Reading B, Jumping C, Handling B, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club C+, National Team B
Total Skill: B Total Performance : B-

“Tomek” Jan Tomaszewski is the legendary goalkeeper of Poland national team, is best remembered for his performance in world cup 1974 qualifying match Poland against England. He finally ended up with man of the match and helping Poland qualified for world cup and led his country win to qualify. Moreover, He saved two penalties in world cup 1974 and made five clean sheets from 11 matches in two World Cup finals. Tomaszewski was known for his fantastic save especially important matches. In contrary, his club career was not extraordinary performed and some Polish old-timers didn't rate him as the best keeper ever in Poland. He won 21 clean sheets in international competition.

44. Andoni Zubizarreta

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B, Reading B+, Jumping C+, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club B-, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

“Zubi” Andoni Zubizarreta was an important goalkeeper of Spain national team for more than a decade. He was not superb wonderful saver but very consistency in his high level of reading the game ability for the long period time through his career. Zubizarreta played around 800 matches during his professional career for 17 seasons. In league competition, He conceded goal in average one goal a game. He was signed to play for Valencia in his late career. Aside from World Cup, He played in Euro 88 and 96 but Spain was disappointed in every big tournament he played. He totally kept 53 clean sheets for his international appearances. Zubi is rated as Don Balon Spanish La Liga Goalkeeper of season just twice times.

43. Samuel Hardy

Skills : N/A, Performance: Domestic Club B, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

Samuel Hardy is one of the top legendary goalkeepers in history of British football. He is the first world-class goalkeeper ever, is the greatest goalkeeper in the World during the second half 1900s and the first half 1910s. He started professional career with Chesterfield and the twice remarkable seasons bring him to sign for Liverpool. He played there for seven seasons and moved to settle down with Aston Villa for nine seasons and has been regarded as the club greatest goalkeeper of all-time even the time has passed for the Century. Hardy won England first caps in his 23 years old. By the end of his international days Sam had played for an incredible 14 years as England's premier goalkeeper but was interrupted by the World War I in the second half 1910s.

42. Thomas Ravelli

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B, Reading B+, Jumping C+, Handling A-, Agility C-
Performance: Domestic Club B-, International Club B-, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B-

Thomas Ravelli has done his worldwide reputation in the World Cup 1994. He is especially well known for saving two goals during the penalty shootout that ended the quarterfinal match between Sweden and Romania in the 1994 World Cup and is debatably deserved to win Yashin Award. He is the all-time appearance leader for the Swedish national team. Ravelli was also very successful with IFK Gothenburg club, won 6 league titles within seven years and reached European Cup quarter-final twice times. He was regarded as the third best goalkeeper in history of Scandinavian football. Revelli won 54 clean sheets for Sweden.

41. Frank Swift

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading B+, Jumping B, Handling A-, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B

"Frying Pan Hands" Frank Swift is the greatest Goalkeeper in the world during the late 1940s in the beginning of post-war era. Manchester City fan still remember about their great goalkeeper who is one of the best legends of the club. Swift looked so big in goal that as a forward it often seemed that trying to score against him was like trying to put the ball into a matchbox. Swift's hands, which had a finger span of 29.8 cm, were sufficiently large for him to easily pick up the ball with one hand. Swift kicked with his left foot as the result of an injury to his right foot sustained during his youth. However, where possible he preferred throwing the ball to the wing over kicking it downfield. When asked for advice to give to young goalkeepers, Swift replied that he drew diagrams of each goal scored against him to see if he was at fault.

40. Peter Cech

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping C, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B-, International Club A-, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Peter Cech is an active goalkeeper who is the best GK in the world in the middle of the 2000s. He currently holds one record: a Czech professional league record of not conceding a goal in 855 competitive minutes. He also has a club record at his former team Sparta Praha, having gone 928 minutes unbeaten in all competitions in 2001–2002. During the 2004–05 season of premier league, Čech held the record for the most clean sheets accomplished in a season with 25 matches and he went 1,025 minutes without conceding a goal - a former Premier League record until Edwin Van Der Sar broke later. His great performance partly helped Chelsea reached semi-final in UEFA Champion League 3 Times. He was selected in PFA team of the year only once time in the 2004 - 2005 season.

39. Gianluca Pagliuca

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading B+, Jumping C+, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B, National Team B-
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Gianluca Pagluica was the most outstanding goalkeeper of Italy during the Mid 90’s. He was starter in two world cup 1994 and 1998. Especially, He returned to have impressive performance after showing mistakes in world cup 1994 first round in Match against Ireland and also being sent-off in match against Norway, finally helped Italy reaching final round. However, His appearances for Italy were not consistency due to the very high competitive between the world-class Italian goalkeepers during his era. He holds the record 2nd all-time most appearances in Italian Series A with 592 only to Paolo Maldini. Additionally, Pagluica was voted 4th all-time greatest goalkeeper in Italian Series A even above the great goalkeeper like Walter Zenga. Pagliuca made 16 clean sheets for Italy national team.

38. Ray Clemence

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B, Reading B+, Jumping C, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B+, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Ray Clemence is Liverpool's legendary goalkeeper who is one of the most decorative goalkeepers in history of English football. He still held in very high regard by the Anfield faithful and was voted in at No.11 on the Official Liverpool Football Club web site He was also chosen as goalkeeper in the BBC's Merseyside team of the 20th century. Unfortunately for Clemence the presence of another great goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Accordingly, He only played in two big international tournaments were EURO 1980 and World Cup 1982 and was selected in PFA team of the year only 1976 - 1977 season. Clemence totally played 995 games during his professional career in club level.

37. Antonio Ramallets

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping B+, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Antonio Ramallets is a famous legendary goalkeeper of Barcelona and Spain national team during the 1950s. He was an important player to lead Spain won fourth place in World Cup 1950. During the tournament, He earned the nickname “The Cat of Maracana”. He played along with players like Suarez, Czibor and Kocsis. That team is regarded as one of the best Barcelona teams in their history. During his playing career with the club he made 538 appearances, including 288 in La Liga. He also played 7 games for Catalan XI. Ramallets holds the all-time record most winners in Zamora Trophies with 5. He kept 10 Clean Sheets in international career.

36. Hans Tilkowski

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B, Reading B+, Jumping C+, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance: Domestic Club B, International Club B-, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Hans Tilkowski, One of the best goalkeepers in the world during the middle of1960s, is reputably known for his conceding winning goal to England in world cup final round 1966 which the ball was still not across line of goal. Tilkowski started his career with VfL Husen 19 and SuS Kaiserau. Borussia Dortmund is the most important club of his career. Tilkowski is the fourth best goalkeeper in history of German league since 1955 according to Kicker ranking which put him in 3.5 world-class seasons and 7.5 seasons of international-class. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he was the best German goalkeeper of the year for four times. He kept only 13 clean sheets for West Germany national team.

35. Andreas Kopke

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B+, Jumping B, Handling B-, Agility C+
Performance: Domestic Club B ,International Club B-, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Andreas Kopke is the greatest goalkeeper in the World in 1996 which he won almost every big individual awards from his superlative performance in EURO 96. Kopke mostly stayed for Nuremberg during his career although he should play for the bigger club. He was rated by kicker magazine in 3 world-class seasons and 8 International-class seasons which is the fifth best rating for goalkeeper since 1955 to present. He was one of goalkeepers more like to box the ball than keep it to assure it would not be spilled to give opportunity to opponents. Kopke kept 28 clean sheets for Germany national team. He was overshadowed by Bodo Illgner in world cup 1990 -1994 despite he was rated as the better keeper in Bundesliga game. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he was the best German goalkeeper of the year for seven times.

34. Nevile Southall

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B+, Jumping C+, Handling B, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B

Nevile Southall is described as one of the best goalkeepers in the World during the second half 1980s, regarded as the greatest goalkeeper Wales has ever produced. Southall joined Everton in 1981 and went on to make a club record 578 appearances in the Football League and 750 in all competitions, was an indispensable player for Everton in their golden era. The Times media ranked him as the third greatest player ever of Everton. In international level, He was very closed to qualify the first time in history of World Cup with Wales but Wales finally regrettable disqualify. Southall was selected in PFA team of the year for four times. He totally kept 32 clean sheets for Wales national team.

33. Roque Maspoli

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B-, Jumping B-, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Roque Maspoli is known as the greatest Latin American goalkeeper between the late 40s and early 50s, is one of the most decorative goalkeepers in South American football history. Maspoli was essentially a shot stopper - brave, flexible and immensely agile, with superb anticipation. Like so many continental and south American keepers, he was less effective at dealing with high centres from the wings. He did his outstanding performance in World Cup 1950 which Uruguay won the champion. He participated in twice South American Championship and twice World Cup tournaments, kept 5 clean sheets in total 19 games. Roque Maspoli was voted 6th south America’s best goalkeeper of the century by IFFHS poll.

32. Ivo Viktor

Skill s: Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading B-, Jumping B-, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B, National Team B+
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Ivo Viktor is the great Czechoslovakian goalkeeper who was the brightest star to lead team surprisingly won Germany in European championship final round. Especially, His only saving from Uli Hoeness’s shooting in penalty shootout led team to win that victory match. During his career, He start playing in Brno for two seasons before settle down with Dukla Prague where was the first-rate team in his country at that time for 13 seasons. Because of his outstanding performance, He won many player of the year in the league although he was a goalkeeper. He kept 28 clean sheets for his nation. Regardless of Lev Yashin, Viktor is the only goalkeeper from Eastern Europe could be voted in top three European footballer of the year.

31. Ronnie Hellstrom

Skills : Position A-, Reflex B, Reading A-, Jumping C+, Handling B+, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B

Ronnie Hellstorm is considered as the greatest Swedish goalkeeper of all-time. He is one of the most underrated keepers in the World because of playing for Hammarby and Kaiserslautern which incredibly didn’t win any trophy. His best club achievement was a two times DFB-Pokal runner-up only. Nevertheless, He was rated in world-class a half of season and 6.5 seasons of international-class from total 10 seasons played in the Bundesliga game. His style of play was not exciting but full of effectiveness and reliability. 1978 was his best year, was voted 6th in Ballon d’Or. All in all, He is rated as one of the best goalkeepers of the world during the 1970s.

30. Franjo Glaser

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading B, Jumping B+, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B

'Iron Fist' Franjo Glaser is the greatest goalkeepers in the world during the war-time in the 1940s. He is only Yugoslavian footballer who won Yugoslavian championship before and after the wold war II. Renowned for wearing a cap and not wearing gloves, Glaser was never substituted and saved 73 out of 94 penalties. In addition when he took a penalty, he never missed. Franjo Glaser was strong, elastic, with excellent reflexes and brave interventionsdefended. He is the indefensible, in a style which never earlier anywhere in the world was unchallenged. Franjo is remembered as a very decent athlete for a wide range of defense, with excellent reflexes and a unique, elegant but intrepid way of defending.

29. Jose Angel Iribar

Skills : Position B+, Reflex B+, Reading A-, Jumping B, Handling A-, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B

Jose Angel Iribar is regarded as one of the finest Spanish goalkeepers of all-time. He still has the record for keeping a clean sheet at ten successive home games, or 1,018 minutes, during the 1970-71 season. He never won La Liga trophy with his club but the closest was the runner-up in the 1969 -1970 season, was also in team reached the UEFA Cup final in 1977. He made a record 466 appearances in La Liga. He was an outstanding keeper to help Spain won EURO 64. He made 17 clean sheets for Spain national team. Iribar never won any league trophy due to domination of Real Madrid but he was a very consistency and longevity goalkeeper, sustain high level of performance until his late career.

28. Jose Luis Chilavert

Skills : Position B, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping B-, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B+, National Team B+
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B

Jose Luis Chilavert is well-known as the best goalkeeper-scorer in history of the game because of his free-kick specialist and often took penalties and this became his pioneer. He totally scored 62 goals in his club professional career and 8 goals for Paraguay national team. Not only excellent as scorer, But also brilliant in keeping skills. He made his important role for Paraguay especially helping them qualified to second round of both 1998 and 2002 world cup. Chilavert is the only goalkeeper to win South American footballer of the year awards. All in all, He was rated by many sources among the best GK ever just because of his goal-scorer but he could be appeared in just top 30 in this all-time ranking which consider only his keeping skills. Chilavert kept 30 clean sheets in international appearances.

27. Gyula Grosics

Skills : Position B-, Reflex B+, Reading B, Jumping B, Handling B, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B, Total Performance : B, Greatness Bonus

“The Black Panther” Gyula Grosics is very credited with developing sweeper-keeper style of play but this is a reason cause him to be one of the most overrated goalkeepers of all-time. He was an overshadowed player but being the unmistakable last line of defense of famous legendary “Mighty Magyars” Hungarian Golden Team. He helps Hungary had gone almost four years and played 33 games without tasting defeat. An Athletic, Imposing figure, Grosics made very important role as the last sweeper to clear the ball several times from opponent’s counter-attack game which is effect from the extremely attacking game. He is rated as the best goalkeeper in history of Hungarian football. Grosics totally made 26 clean sheets for Hungary national team.

26. Rudolph Hiden

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading B+, Jumping B, Handling B+, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B, National Team B
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B+

Rudolph Hiden is an Austrian–French football goalkeeper and one of the great goalkeeper of the world during 30s. He is also known as the greatest goalkeeper in history of Austrian football. Born in Austria and nicknamed Rudi, he was a successful Austrian international and in 1930 Herbert Chapman's Arsenal tried to sign him, but the Players Union and the Football League in England prevented him from doing so. Hiden kept 6 clean sheets for Austria. Then, He moved to France in 1933 to play for RC Paris alongside Auguste Jordan and later gained French nationality and also also capped once for France in 1940. This result made him to mainly play for Austria just for three years.

25. Jurgen Croy

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A-, Reading A-, Jumping B-, Handling A-, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B+,National Team B+
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : B+

Jurgen Croy is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in history of the game, Croy was an outstanding shot-stopper capable of amazing reflexes on his line. Combined with an excellent command of his penalty area, first-rate ball-handling skills, and above-average consistency, this quality made Croy one of the best goalkeepers of his time and arguably one of the best ever. East and West German media alike often placed him on an equal footing with his contemporaries Sepp Maier and Dino Zoff, two of the game's all-time legends. Croy is generally regarded as the greatest footballer ever to play for East Germany. He won 36 clean sheets for East Germany national team.

24. Edwin Van Der Sar

Skills : Position A, Reflex B+, Read A-, Jumping C+, Handling A-, Agility C-
Performance: Domestic Club B, International Club A-, National Team B+
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B+

Edwin Van Der Sar is widely regarded by many as the greatest Dutch goalkeeper ever. He started well-known when he showed high performance helping Ajax Amsterdam won UEFA Champion League. On the other hand, His career began tending down after he was transferred from Juventus to Fulham where he stayed for 4 years. He could return his great with Manchester United. Aside from reaching 2 UEFA Champion League Final, He set a new club and Premier League record for 11 games and 1,032 minutes consecutive clean sheets. Van Der Sar is also an all-time Holland’s most capped player with 1930 and kept very impressive 71 clean sheets and concede only 89 goals. He holds the record with other five players most EURO tournaments play with 4. He is also one of the greatest-oldest goalkeepers of all-time. He was selected in PFA team of the year for three times.

23. Walter Zenga

Skills : Position A-, Reflex B+, Reading A-, Jumping B-, Handling A-, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B+, National Team B+
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B+

“The Spider Man” Walter Zenga was a formerly famous italian keeper, set a record without conceding a goal in consecutive 5 games and 518 minutes but most credit was attributed to world-class defender. As well as his clean sheets with 38 for Italy, possesses the best ratio clean sheet in history of modern era football with 0.65 and concede only 24 goals. However, he could not reach the best goalkeeper of tournament both EURO 88 and World Cup 1990. He was rated by Guerin around 6.5 points for 7 seasons, was capped for Italy just 7 years. He was a great goalkeeper for his agility and keeping skills and certainly one of the best goalkeepers in the world between 1989 -1991. He was rated by many journalists as the best goalkeeper ever to play for Inter Milan and the fifth best goalkeeper of all-time for Italian series A.

22. Gianpiero Combi

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading B+, Jump A-, Handling A, Agility B
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B+, National Team B+
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : B+

Gianpiero Combi is regarded as one of the best goalkeeper in the world during 1930s. Combi is one of the mail pillar of the great Juventus team which is known as “The Golden Quinquennium”. He kept a clean sheet for 934 consecutive minutes in 1925-1926 season which is the best record in Italian series A beat Sebastino Rossi from AC Milan just 5 minutes. This record is more credited than any record in recent decade because it is supposed that there are a lot higher ratio goal per game in the 30’s. Combi is rated from many journalists in www.channel4.com as the third best goalkeeper ever to play for Italian series A. He made only 12 clean sheets for Italy national team.

21. Jean-Marie Pfaff

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading B, Jumping B, Handling A-, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B+, National Team A-
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : B+

Marie-Pfaff was among the best goalkeepers in the World during the 80’s and one of the best Belgium footballers of all-time. Kicker Magazine ranked him in world-class 1.5 seasons and 4.5 seasons of International-class from total 7 years in Bundesliga. His impressive performance very partly led Belgium to the most successful in their history both European championship and FIFA World Cup, was voted 4th place best player of the 1986 FIFA World Cup tournament. He was noted for his undeniable talent, outlandish behavior and extravagant keeping style. He also finished second place in the 1977 Belgian Golden Shoe. Marie Pfaff made 19 clean sheets for Belgium national team. Marie Pfaff was voted by IFFHS’s poll 16th World’s best goalkeeper of the century.

20. Michel Preud’Homme

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A+, Reading A-, Jumping B, Handling A-, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club B+, International Club B+, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-

Preud’Homme is the successor of Jean-Marie Pfaff in Belgium national team. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world in the late 80's and became the best in 1994. He was very reliable and toughness goalkeeper. He retired as a player in 1999, aged 40. Despite Belgium was eliminated just second round in world cup 1994, He still won the Lev Yashin award beat high performance keeper like Thomas Ravelli. He almost kept every clean sheet in world cup 1994 first round but he reputably conceded one of the best goals in world cup history from Saeed Owairan. He was the first winner of the Yashin Awards in that tournament. He kept 26 clean sheets in international competitions.

19. Toni Harald Schumacher

Skills : Position A, Reflex A-, Reading A-, Jumping B-, Handling B+, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club A-, International Club A-, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-

Schumaccher is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the World during the mid-80s. Kicker magazine rate him in 4.5 world-class seasons plus 4.5 seasons of international-class. However, His violent behavior with Patick Battiston in World Cup 1982 took him not as popular as he should have been. He was the very influence player helping Germany reach two World Cup final matches. On the field, Schumacher was an effective goalkeeper, and was one of the first keepers to master a one-armed throw that could propel the ball well into the opponents' half. He was noted for his excellent positioning, reading games and pressured opponents. Schumaccher holds the record of the most appearances for FC Koln. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he was the best German goalkeeper of the year for seven times. He won 24 clean sheets for West Germany national team.

18. Gilmar Dos Santos Neves

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A, Reading B+, Jumping B+, Handling B+, Agility B+
Performance: Domestic Club A-, International Club A-, National Team A-
Total Skill: B+, Total Performance : A-

Gilmar is widely considered as the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper of all-time and is one of the most decorative goalkeepers of all-time, is the only goalkeeper in history to win world cup twice times in the starting position. Gilmar always showed many impressive saves to help Brazil survive for conceding goals due to their non-condensation in defensive system. He made seven clean sheets from fourteen games in world cup three tournaments. Incredibly, He has never been selected in the World Cup All-Star team in any tournament. Gilmar is remembered for his sober style and peaceful personality. He was selected as the first choice goalkeeper in Corinthians’ team of century. He totally made 35 clean sheets for his overall international matches. Gilmar was voted by IFFHS’s poll 11th World’s greatest goalkeeper of the century.

17. Vladimir Beara

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A, Reading B+, Jumping A-, Handling A-, Agility B+
Performance: Domestic Club A-, International Club A-, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-

“Big Vlad” Vladimir Beara is the best Yugoslavian goalkeeper ever who never win any big honour in international level. The only reason he is considered in top 20 goalkeeper of all-time is his real abilities and consistency. Beara is known as the greatest goalkeeper of Europe during early 1950s. In 1953, He was selected as starter in FIFA all-star XI. Some experts believe Beara was close to compare with Lev Yashin. Immediately after being selected to play for the Yugoslav national team he became famous mostly due to his fabulous defenses in the match against England at the Highbury Arsenal Stadium. He was voted in 12th all-time greatest goalkeeper in the Europe by IFFHS. Additionally, He is rated as one of the greatest Croatian footballers of all-time.

16. Pat Jennings

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A, Reading B+, Jumping A, Handling A-, Agility B
Performance: Domestic Club A-, International Club A-, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-

Pat Jennings is the most underrated goalkeeper ever to play the game because playing for Northern Ireland which has never success in any trophy. But still, His performance was very influenced to lead team qualify for world cup final and reaching second round in world cup 1982. He is also one of the most consistency and longevity keeper of all-time with over 1,000 career top level games played for 2 decades in both club and national level. Jennings had amazing handling ability and his high jumping helping him to reach saving high-corner ball. He is considered as one of the British’s best goalkeepers ever since 70s to present. Jennings totally kept 43 clean sheets in national level. He is rated as the greatest Goalkeeper in history of Arsenal and Tottenham Hot Spurs club. Jennings was voted 13th World’s best goalkeeper of the century by IFFHS’s poll.

15. Iker Casillas

Skills : Position B+, Reflex A-, Reading A-, Jumping B-, Handling A-, Agility B
Performance : Domestic Club A-, International Club A-, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-

'The Saint" Iker Casillas is the greatest goalkeeper in the World during the second half 2000s, his best year is 2008. Casillas is one of the most decorated goalkeepers of all-time. He holds the record most winners in IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper with four, was awarded in row between 2008 -2011. Casillas is famous for his reliability to read the game. He debut for Spain national team at 19 years old and having become a regular starter since the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Casillas has already kept 67 clean sheets for Spain and this is the best record for his nation. Casillas holds the record the most caps for Spain national team. He was voted as fourth place in European footballer of the year in 2008 and regarded as Real Madrid’s greatest goalkeeper of all-time.

14. Frantisek Planicka

Skills : Position B, Reflex A, Reading A-, Jumping A, Handling B+, Agility B+
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A-, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance: A-

“The Cat of Praque” Planicka is one of the most honoured players in history of Czechoslovakian football. His characteristic was sportsmanship as he never once being cautioned or sent off in his career. In 1985, UNESCO gave him the international fair play award. Although he was of much below-average height for a goalkeeper, he was an effective shot stopper, and his acrobatic style was well-known. Planicka unbelievably appeared in 969 matches for his club although there are no many games in that era like nowadays. In 1999, the IFFHS elected him the best Czech goalkeeper – and ninth best overall – of the twentieth century. In 2003, he was catalogued as the greatest goalkeeper of his era. Planicka kept only 11 clean sheets for Czechoslovakia.

13. Ladislao Mazurkiewicz

Skills : Position A, Reflex A, Reading A, Jumping B+, Handling B+, Agility B
Performance: Domestic Club A-, International Club A, National Team A-
Total Skill: A, Total Performance : A-

Ladislao Mazukiewicz is one of the best goalkeepers ever to come from the Americas. He was gotten a compliment by Lev Yashin that he was his successor. He helped the Uruguay national team to qualify to the semifinals of the 1970 World Cup, where the charrúas were stopped by the eventual champions, Brazil and finally won fourth place. He has also played for the Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro. Mazurkiewicz is perhaps most famous for being the goalkeeper that fell for Pelé's sensational trick at the 1970 World Cup Finals when he let the ball run one way past Mazurkiewicz and he ran the other, before almost scoring with a shot while he was turning back towards the goal. Mazurkiewicz was voted by IFFHS’s poll 5th South American’s greatest goalkeeper of all-time and 12th World’s greatest goalkeeper of the century.

12. Amadeo Carrizo

Skills : Position B, Reflex A, Reading A-, Jumping A-, Handling A-, Agility B+
Performance : Domestic Club A, National Team A-
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A-, Greatness Bonus

“The Tarzan” Amadeo Carrizo is the greatest South American goalkeeper of all-time according to the majority of football historians, was pioneer helping to innovate techniques and strategies for goalkeepers. He was the first goalkeeper to wear gloves, the first one to leave the penalty area to defend his goal and the first one to use goal kicks as a strategy to start counter attacks. He played for “La Maquina” which was one of the best south American ‘s club team of all-time. His way of playing has been imitated by many famous South American keepers, most notably Hugo Gatti, René Higuita, and José Luis Chilavert. He established the best record consecutive matches without conceding any goal with 8. His prime was showed during the second half 1950s and his longevity of career reached more than two decade and retired at his 42 years old. Unfortunately, he won a few caps due to confliction to coach. Carrizo was voted as 10th All-Time best goalkeeper in the World from IFFHS Poll.

11. Rinat Dasaev

Skills : Position A, Reflex A-, Reading A, Jumping B+, Handling A-, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A-, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A

“The Iron Curtain Of The Soviet Union” Rinat Dasaev is considered by many as the greatest goalkeeper of the world during the 1980s despite there are so many world-class goalkeepers in that era. He was the main pillar of Soviet Union team through a decade. Dasaev was known for his coolness under pressure and fantastic reaction saves. He has a knack of always being in the right place at the right time and being one of the most consistency Goalkeepers in the world. In exception of winning 1982 Soviet Union footballer of the year, He also won second place two times in spite of being keeper. In the Euro 88 , the Soviet Union lost the final and Dasayev was powerless to stop Marco van Basten's legendary volley. All in all, He is supposed to be the best goalkeeper ever to come from Eastern Europe after Lev Yashin’s era. He totally made 44 clean sheets for Soviet Union.

10. Ubaldo Fillol

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading B+, Jumping A-, Handling B+, Agility B
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A-, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A

“The Duck” Ubaldo Fillol is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to come from the Americas continent. He was totally voted in top five South American footballer of the year for 8 times. His best highlight is the performance in world cup 1978 which he made many brilliant saves especially final match until Argentina won their victory first world cup. Fillol was a keeper with some of the fastest reflexes to ever play the game plplus his excellent shot-blocking and positional ay. His world-class performance era was during lately 70’s to early 80’s. In 1972, He made the best record most penalties shot saves in a season of Argentinean league with six. El Grafico and El Pais rate Fillol in six times world-class seasons and eight times best goalkeeper of season in Argentina. He also won argentinian league player of the year by El Grafico in 1975 sports jouanlist associaton in 1977 He also finished 4th South American footballer of the year twice times and 5th once time.

9. Peter Shilton

Skills : Position A, Reflex B+, Reading A, Jumping B-, Handling A, Agility C
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A

Peter Shilton is one of the most consistency goalkeepers of all-time. His name appeared in PFA team of the year with 10, Shilton played totally 1362 official matches and holds all-time record for most competitive appearances in world football and being the most caps player for England national team. He has the rare distinction of having played over 100 league games for 5 different clubs. Shilton did not make his World Cup finals debut until the age of 32 and also holds the record for most clean sheets in world cup tournament with 10. He was known for his bossing defense and his reliability. Nonetheless, His career was played in second division for full 4 seasons. He made 66 clean sheets and conceded only 83 goals in his international appearance. IFFHS’s poll shows his 8th rank of the greatest goalkeeper of the century.

8. Oliver Kahn

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A-, Reading A-, Jumping B+, Handling A-, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A, National Team A
Total Skill: A- , Total Performance : A

“King Kahn” or “The Titan” is his nickname due to his formidable presence and influence. He is the only goalkeeper in history of World Cup to win golden ball award. Kicker magazine ranked him in 4 world-class seasons and 11 seasons of international-class. This led him to be the greatest goalkeeper in history of Bundesliga game. To support this point, He is an all-time clean sheet leader in history of the Bundesliga with 197 from overall 557 matches or 35 percent. However, He was the starter of Germany in only world cup in 2002 because there are many Germany’s great keepers in his era such as Andreas Kopke, Bodo Illgner or Jens Lehmann. Kahn is also known for his aggressive style and his Leadership characteristic. He was the best goalkeeper of the world during lately 90’s to early 00’s. He totally played 781 career matches. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he tied with Sepp Maier to hold the record as the most German goalkeeper of the year with nine. Kahn kept 29 clean sheets in international appearances.

7. Sepp Maier

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading A-, Jumping B, Handling A, Agility B
Performance : Domestic Club A, International Club A+, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A

“The Cat from Anzing” is his nickname due to incredible reflexes. Maier is the most achievement goalkeeper as he won every major trophies both club and national level and this greatness is the most important factor pushing him very high place in all-time legendary goalkeeper despite his ability might not be among the best ever. Kicker magazine ranked Maier in 3 seasons of world-class and 11 seasons of international-class for his performance in Bundesliga and major national tournament. As well as his goalkeeping exploits, Maier was famous for his overlong shorts and outsize gloves, and, despite his undoubted talent, was seen in some circles as somewhat of a clown Maier is chosen starting first 11 in Bayern Munich’s team of century and considered by many as the greatest German goalkeeper of all-time. According to German Footballer of the year voting, he holds the record as the most German goalkeeper of the year with nine. Maier made 38 clean sheets for West Germany national team. He was voted 4th World’s best goalkeeper of the century by IFFHS’spoll.

6. Ricardo Zamora

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading A-, Jumping A-, Handling B+, Agility B+
Performance : Domestic Club A, National Team A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : A, Greatness Bonus

“El Divino” Ricardo Zamora is an all-time greatest goalkeeper before World War II era, was happened and being among the best footballer ever of his country, becoming the most iconic player of Spain in his era. Zamora, was noted for wearing a cloth cap and a white polo-neck jumper on the field, a look later copied by several of his contemporaries. He claimed it was to protect him from both the sun and his opponents. He was also noted for his bravery. Zamora was also the subject of controversy throughout his career. He allegedly enjoyed drinking Cognac and smoking up to three packs of cigarettes a day, was arrested for his violent behavior in Olympic Game 1926. The award for goalkeeper who have gotten the fewest conceding goal in La Liga, The Ricardo Zamora trophy, is named in his honour. Additionally, He played for Catalan XI and helped them winning the Copa Princep De Asturies 3 times. Zamora won 20 clean sheets for his nation. IFFHS’s poll result shows him as World’s fifth greatest goalkeeper of the century.

5. Peter Schmeichel

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading A-, Jumping A-, Handling A-, Agility C+
Performance : Domestic Club A+, International Club A, National Team A+
Total Skill: A, Total Performance : A+

“The Great Dens” is among the all-time greatest footballers in history of Scandinavian football. He is known for his trademark shouts at defense to command them. Schmeichel was first rate shot-stopper, Large but agile and quick on his line becoming one of the best reflex savers the world has ever produced. He was just a famous world-class goalkeeper in his 29 year olds of age from his performance in EURO 92, was one of the most influenced players for both Denmark and Manchester United and helping them to surprisingly win that top European trophies. In 2001, Reuter’s poll indicates that he was chosen as the best keeper ever of the world. He holds the record for the best clean sheet-to-games ratio in the premier league with 42 percent of all matches played. Schemeichel kept 56 clean sheets for Denmark national team. He holds the record with other five players most EURO tournaments play with four. He was voted in top five FIFA World Player of the Year twice times, was voted 7th World’s best goalkeeper of the century by IFFHS’s poll.

4. Gordon Banks

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A+, Reading A, Jumping A-, Handling A, Agility A-
Performance : Domestic Club A+, International Club A-, National Team AA
Total Skill: A, Total Performance : A+

Banks is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in British football history. His consistent performances in goal led to the re-wording of a common English idiom used in everyday speech to "Safe as the Banks of England. His best performance for memories of football fan around the world was happened in world cup 1970 which he did the incredibly wonderful reflex save against the powerful and directly heading of Pele. That save is known as “The save of the century”. Banks is average-sized but quick and agile and his strongest asset is his football knowledge and positional play. An unshakable to build a team around, He was instrumental in helping England win their only world cup. He totally kept 35 clean sheets and conceded only 57 goals in 73 international matches of play. Banks won 35 clean sheets for England national team. IFFHS’s poll showed him as the second best goalkeeper ever behind only Lev Yashin.

3. Dino Zoff

Skills : Position A, Reflex A-, Reading A+, Jumping B+, Handling A+, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club A+, International Club A+, National Team A+
Total Skill: A, Total Performance : A+, Greatness Bonus

Dino Zoff is one of the best goalkeepers the world has ever seen. He has set lots of records in Italian and world football. For instance he is the oldest player to win the World Cup. In 1982 at the age of 40 he could collect the trophy as captain of Italy's team. And he is also the goalkeeper to have kept a clean sheet the longest time, from September 1972 to June 1974 (consecutive 1142 minutes or 12 Matches) was unbeaten. According to being main pillar of Italy national team over decade, He became the most iconic player of his nation. Zoff was medium in stature but quick on his feet and excellent positioning and shot-stopping skills. He was a level-headed goalkeeper, capable of staying calm during the toughest and the most exhilarating moments. He always held back both out of modesty and respect for his opponents. In 1973, He was chosen the second best as European footballer of the year. Zoff kept 55 clean sheets from 112 games for Italy. Zoff was finished 5th in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in the last 50 years. Also, IFFHS’s poll result shows him as the third greatest goalkeeper in the world of the century.

2. Gianluigi Buffon

Skills : Position A+, Reflex A-, Reading A+, Jumping B-, Handling A, Agility B+
Performance : Domestic Club A+, International Club A+, National Team A+
Total Skill: A, Total Performance : A+

Gigi Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper of the World in the 2000s and is considered by many journalists in www.channel4.com as the greatest goalkeeper ever in history of Italian series A even above the great legend like Dino Zoff. He is also the only goalkeeper to win UEFA club footballer of the Year. Buffon have gotten very good shape for being goalkeeper, very agile, perfectly reading the game and becoming one of the most consistency keepers ever. He unbelievably became the long-period first choice GK of Parma since 1995 which he was just 17 year olds. He still holds the most expensive goalkeeper record for moving to Juventus. He had to play in Italian Series B for A season because of punishment to Juventus for match fix scandal. In world cup 2006, He kept consecutive five matches clean sheets in addition to 453 minute scoreless. He has already won 50 clean sheets for Italy national team. All in all, He has already been regarded among the best goalkeeper of all-time.

1. Lev Yashin

Individual Achievement

1963 European Footballer Of The Year
2000 FIFA World Goalkeeper Of Century
IFFHS World’s Goalkeeper of Century
UEFA Jubilee Award (Golden Player Of Russia)
1967 Order Of Lenin
1956 Olympic Gold Medal Football
8 Times European Goalkeeper Of The Year
2 Times European Championship Best Goalkeeper (1960, 1964)
1994 FIFA World Cup All-Time Team
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century
1999 IFFHS Soviet Union Goalkeeper of The Century
2002 FIFA Dream Team
Soviet Top League Greatest Player Ever

Skills : Position A+, Reflex A+, Reading A, Jumping A, Handling A, Agility B+
Performance : Domestic Club AA, National Team A+
Total Skill: A+, Total Performance: AA, Greatness Bonus

“Black Octopus” Lev Yashin is the greatest goalkeeper ever in history of the game and regarded as Soviet Union‘s greatest footballer ever. He is the only goalkeeper to win European footballer of the year award. Yashin is known for his superior athleticism, imposing stature, routine amazing reflex saves and inventing the idea of goalkeeper sweeping. During his career, He had stopped around 150 penalty kick which is the best record of all-time. Moreover, Yashin won 270 clean sheets from approximately 420 career games played or almost 65 percent. He was also voted as 5th in Ballon d’Or in 1956 and 1960. In 1994, FIFA established the Lev Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper in world cup final tournament. Yashin was finished 8th in UEFA Jubilee Poll as the best European footballer in the last 50 years. For his outstanding service to the people and to his country, Yashin was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1967, the highest award of the USSR. After retiring from playing Yashin spent almost 20 years in various administrative positions at Dynamo Moscow. A Bronze statue of Lev Yashin was erected at the Dynamo Stadium in Moscow.

___________________________________________________________

Honourable Mention

Bert Trautmann

Skills : Position A-, Reflex A, Reading A-, Jumping B, Handling B+, Agility B-
Performance : Domestic Club A
Total Skill: A-, Total Performance : N/A

Trautmann is a hidden legendary goalkeeper in football history. He was arrested as prisoner in world war II from British. This is an origin of everything for his greatness. He started his football career in amateur but his outstanding keeping led him to be a professional player. Although he was discredited because of being former German soldier, He eventually proved himself as the best goalkeeper in Great Britain or even one of the best goalkeeper in the world according to Yashin ‘s mention that Truatmann was the only world-class keeper in that era after him. He was a specialist as penalty stopper, Saving 60 % of those he faced over in his career. He was also known for his excellent anticipation. However, It is regrettable that he had never called to play for his nation because playing outside country.

___________________________________________________________

Statistics For Top 50

By Nations

Germany : 7
Spain : 7
Italy : 5
England : 5
Czechoslovakia : 3
Soviet Union : 3
Belgium : 2
Holland : 2
Argentina : 2
Uruguay : 2
Brazil : 2
Yugoslavia : 2
Sweden : 2
Austria : 2
Denmark : 1
Paraguay : 1
Poland : 1
Hungary : 1
Northern Ireland : 1
Wales : 1

By Decade

1910s : 1
1920s : 1
1930s : 3
1940s : 3
1950s : 5
1960s : 7
1970s : 9
1980s : 11
1990s : 7
2000s : 4

__________________________________________________________

CLASSIFICATION

Class : Crown

None

Class : King Gold

Lev Yashin

Class : King Silver

Dino Zoff, Gianluigi Buffon

Class : King Bronze

Gordon Banks, Peter Schmeichel

Class : Queen Gold

Ricardo Zamora, Sepp Maier, Oliver Kahn, Amadao Carrizo, Rinat Dasaev, Peter Shilton, Pat Jennings, Ubaldo Fillol, Toni Schumaccher, Frantisek Planicka, Gilmar, Ladislao Mazurkiewicz, Vladimir Beara, Iker Casillas

Class : Queen Silver

Jean Marie Pfaff, Michael Preud'homme, Jurgen Croy, Gyula Grosics, Giampiero Combi, Edwin Van Der Sar, Walter Zenga, Rudolph Hiden, Jose Luis Chilavert, Jose Angel Iribar, Franjo Glaser, Ronnie Hellstrom, Ivo Viktor, Bert Trautmann (Honourable Mention)

Class : Queen Bronze

Roque Maspoli, Nevile Southall, Roque Maspoli, Andreas Kopke, Gianluca Pagliuca, Ray Clemence, Andoni Zubizarreta, Thomas Ravelli, Frank Swift, Antonio Ramallets, Samuel Hardy, Hans Tilkowski, Peter Cech, Hans Van Breukelen, Jan Tomaszewski

Class : Prince Gold

Emerson Leao, Luis Arconada, Walter Zeman, Evhen Rudakov

Substitution Group : Supreme-Class

Enrico Albertosi : Italy/ Late 60s to Early 70s
Antonio Carbajal : Mexico/ 50's
Angelo Peruzzi : Italy/ 90's
Lorenzo Buffon : Italy/ 50's
Jan Van Beveren : Holland/ 70’s
Villiam Schrojf : Czechoslovakia/ 50's to Early 60's
Fabien Barthez : France/ Late 90s to Early 2000s
Karoly Zsak : Hungary/ 20's
Giuliano Sarti : Italy/ Late 50’s to 60s

Substitution Group : Ordinary-Class

Milutin Soskic : Yugoslavia/ 60's
Francesco Toldo : Italy/ Late 90’s to Early 2000s
Jozsef Mylnalcyk : Poland/ 80's
Claudio Taffarel : Brazil/ 90's
Sergio Livingstone : Chile/ 40's
Andres Mazali : Uruguay/ 20's
Harry Gregg : Northern Ireland/ 50's
Jack Kelsey : Wales/ 50's
Americo Tesoriere : Argentina/ 20's

____________________________________________________________

Eras Ranking

___________________________________________________________

The Greatest Prime's Goalkeepers Of All-Time

1. Lev Yashin
2. Gordon Banks
3. Peter Schmeichel
4. Dino Zoff
5. Gianluigi Buffon
6. Ricardo Zamora
7. Sepp Maier
8. Ladislao Mazurkiewicz
9. Vladimir Beara
10. Oliver Kahn

Kajoo · Dec 1, 2009

great thread !

Dagoods · Dec 1, 2009

No Victor Valdes

?!

Great thread mate!

Ryfa · Dec 1, 2009

I don't see Bruce Grobbelaar anywhere

Won 7 league titles with Liverpool, 1 European Cup and 3 FA Cups, 3 League cups.

A horrible miss, on an otherwise excellent list.

Dagoods · Dec 1, 2009

Joël Bats, now that's a name for you! I'm surprised he didn't make the list!!!

Bier · Dec 1, 2009

Great thread! :thumbsup:

Albeit for me Ricardo Zamora ranks above them all! :star:
There's a certain mythical aura still accompanying his name which I don't experience as the same at any other goalkeeper in history (Yashin comes close, in fairness)!

Dagoods · Dec 1, 2009

Yeah I know what you mean! I believe the term I'm looking for is: CREEPINESS

Seems like a real no nonsense, heart on his sleeve type of guy.

Bier · Dec 1, 2009

I have found the appropriate terms for what I meant, thank you.

But a certain 'creepiness' was indeed a significant part of his game, I read in a biography of his that he was iconising his appearance in order to frighten opposing strikers.
BTW: How dare you, editing my post (most surely violating not a single rule of XT) by the way? Misusing your power so early?

Dagoods · Dec 1, 2009

Bier said:
I have found the appropriate terms for what I meant, thank you.
BTW: How dare you, editing my post (most surely violating not a single rule of XT) by the way? Misusing your power so early?

SOrry mate, just clicked on the wrong button

DAMN where's that DELETE button :happy::happy::happy:

Dearman · Dec 1, 2009

Joel Bats was first named in classification list.

Thanks for mention about Grobbelaar. I'd include him in Prince Bronze

Ryfa · Dec 1, 2009

Dearman said:
Joel Bats was first named in classification list.

Thanks for mention about Grobbelaar. I'd include him in Prince Bronze

Think he should be at least Queen Silver.

But it's your thread, your word's the law

Dearman · Dec 1, 2009

Incredible to put Grobelaar in Queen Silver. He was a great goalkeeper for sure but this ranking was included all factors as far as GK should have gotten. Grobbelaar at least never prove himself enough in international level. If consider only ability, Barthez would be disappeared and Uli Stein was a lot better than him but the greatness is one of the most important factor to rank players as well. Anyway, Do you think Grobelaar would be better than N'Kono or not ? An answer would indicate who is deserved to be the best African GK of all-time. Anyway, IFFHS show Anotoine Bell and N'Kono were the best.

Ryfa · Dec 1, 2009

Is it Grobelaar's fault he played for a country where football wasn't it's best sport or was filled with talentless players? international football shouldn't be such a huge factor when deciding a players ability imo.

But fair enough. Not the Queen Silver. But Grobelaar should at least be a Queen Bronze or Prince Gold. Not Prince Bronze! That's just insulting a goalkeeper that played during a period where his team ruled home and abroad.

Dearman · Dec 1, 2009

Please wait until I would already kept more information about him and discussing with my old timer. If I found that he is deserved to be ranked higher, I would not hesitae to do that. Anyway, Thanks for recommendation.

Ryfa · Dec 1, 2009

OK

He was prosecuted for match fixing if it helps :lala:

Los Che Forever · Dec 1, 2009

LOL, Barthez is 4th in the early 2000s list. No way, he was good but no way top 5 for that criteria.

peterman · Dec 1, 2009

Maybe I would have included a Canizares that was at great form in the early 2000s. Also, he reached 2 CL finals and won 2 leagues with Valencia which is a stunning achievement for a club like this.

Los Che Forever · Dec 1, 2009

Of course Canizares was better than Barthez in early 2000s, i'd also have Toldo higher too. He was immense during the early 2000s.

Kajoo · Dec 1, 2009

Whoever told N´Kono, it was good call.
Best African keeper ever definitely deserves a recognition.

Grobelaar, how could I forget ? If he weren´t playing for Zimbabwe but some bigger country he would be definitely in top30.

Kajoo · Dec 1, 2009

I remember late career of legendary Dino Zoff he was great positionally, superb reflexes, very safe on high balls.

If I remember well Zoff had some problems with short-sightedness and was prone to concede cheap goals from distant shots (Euro ´84 qualification vs Romania and Czechoslovakia to be precise).

Overall great career though.

Dearman · Dec 2, 2009

I would tell the truth I never fond of Barthez's abilities as well.

and I don't think he would be better than Canizares in skills.

But the important point is Barthez won Yashin Awards in World Cup 1998 and IFFHS World Best Goalkeeper in 2000s. That led me have to include him in top 50 and 5th of the lately 1990s. However, You guys are true he should be not included in early 2000s. So, I've named him off and picking Rustu Recber instead.

Los Che Forever · Dec 2, 2009

That's ridiculous, Canizares was a significantly better 'keeper than Rustu in the early 2000s.

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

Anton Turek
* 18.01.1919 - † 11.05.1984

He started his career at Duisburger Sportverein, but he soon switched to TuS Duisburg 48/99. In 1950 he switched to Fortuna Düsseldorf. Between 1950 and 1954 he played 20 games for the German national team. He played in "The Miracle of Bern" 1954 FIFA World Cup final against Hungary and won the Championship.

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

Fritz Herkenrath
Friedrich "Fritz" Herkenrath (born September 9, 1928 in Cologne) is a former football goalkeeper for Germany at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. He earned 21 caps between 1954 and 1958.[1]

He took his club team Rot-Weiss Essen to the peak of its history and won a national championship in 1955. The following season, Rot-Weiss Essen became the first German side to qualify for the European Cup.

Wally · Dec 2, 2009

Kajoo said:

@ the woolly hat and gloves

peterman · Dec 2, 2009

About Canizares,

He was in phenomenal form for Valencia in the early 2000s. Won 2 leagues, 2 Supercups, 1 UEFA Cup and reached 2 CL finals. Played instead the fantastic Palop who was a key player for Sevilla in the second part of the 2000s, and in a 2004 Euros analysis before the competition Schmeichel remarked him as the best goalkeeper out of all the ones participating. He didn't play that tournament due to injury.

Rustu joined Barcelona in 2003 and failed to impress. He only played 3 games.

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

Imrich Stacho
(4 November 1931 in Trnava – 10 January 2006) was a Slovak football goalkeeper. He played for Czechoslovakia national team in 23 matches and scored one goal from a penalty in a match against Ireland.

He was a participant at the 1954 FIFA World Cup and 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Stacho played mostly for Spartak Trnava. During his military service in Prague, he played for ATK Praha.

Stacho´s was known for his economic style with great positional play and reading the game, superb reflexes, he was extraordinary on goal line. Also magnificient foot used to set up play (very modern element in 1950s), penalty and free kicks executor.

If there would be no obligatory military service in the cold war era, he would end up as a one club player.

With Theodor Reimann formed first goalkeeping duo that broke up hegemony of great czech goalkeepers in Czechoslovak national team.

Wally · Dec 2, 2009

Eduard "Ed" Franciscus de Goeij

usually referred to as Ed de Goey in the English media (born 20 December 1966) is a Dutch former football goalkeeper. He was most recently a coach at Queens Park Rangers. In a 20-year career, he played for Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord, Chelsea and Stoke City.

Club career

He signed for Feyenoord in 1990 and stayed there for seven years. During his time in Rotterdam, De Goey missed a total of just eight games and won one Eredivisie title (in 1993) and four KNVB Cups in 1991, 1992, 1994 and 1995. He was awarded the Dutch Golden Shoe in 1994.

De Goey joined Chelsea in June 1997 from Feyenoord for £2,250,000, which at the time made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the Premier League. He was first choice goalkeeper for most of his time in West London, and was a member of the sides that won the League Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup (both in 1998) and the FA Cup in 2000. In 1999-00 he set club records for most appearances (59) and clean sheets (27) during a season, both since surpassed by Frank Lampard and Petr Čech respectively. De Goey later lost his place in the side to Italian Carlo Cudicini and made just 25 appearances in his final three seasons. He joined Stoke City on a free transfer in 2003 having played in 179 games for Chelsea and kept 71 clean sheets.

He stayed with Stoke until May 2006, making 56 appearances in total.

He was a Dutch international and won 31 caps. De Goey played in every game for his country at USA '94 as the Netherlands reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual winners Brazil.

On 6 July 2007, De Goey joined Queens Park Rangers as a first team coach, but chairman Gianni Paladini terminated his contract on 6 December 2007.
Honours
Club playing honours

Feyenoord Rotterdam

* Eredivisie: 1992-93
* KNVB Cup: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995
* Johan Cruijff-schaal: 1991

Chelsea

* FA Cup: 2000
* FA Community Shield: 2000, runner-up 1997
* League Cup: 1998
* UEFA Cup Winner's Cup: 1998
* UEFA Super Cup: 1998

International playing honours

Netherlands National Football Team

* World Cup: 4th Place 1998

Individual playing honours

* Dutch Footballer of the Year: 1993
* Golden Shoe: 1994

:stuckup:

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

Planicka, Hiden Zamora - they all wore it.

Goalkeeper´s oldschool classics :thumbsup:

Love the hat btw, have alone 2 pcs. I know I´m helplessly outdated but can´t resist, love them.

Bier · Dec 2, 2009

Wear them hats as well usually. They're becoming more and more fashionable again these days. Far classier than a clumsy basecap. I felt the urgency to wear it given I am a goalkeeper myself and a great admirer of Zamora and the likes. Don't wear them in goal, though, should probably do so the other day to frighten the opposition.

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

I am former goalkeeper too. I´m also fan of 1930ies/1950ies goalkeepers like Plánička, Kaliba, Zamora, Hiden, Combi, Grosics, Herkenrath, Stacho, Schojf, Yashin.

Bier · Dec 2, 2009

Should've guessed so when I read in the other thread that you're familiar with Castka. :thumbsup:
These guys you mention were pioneers who defined the game in game of a goalkeeper for many generations to come. Football owes a lot to them legends. :star:

Kajoo · Dec 2, 2009

Btw is Kurt Castka still living ?

Bier · Dec 2, 2009

As far as I know he is. He is supposed to live in Vienna. But there are no biographical facts to be found about him unfortunately, though he has been quite an influential journalist.

Kajoo · Dec 3, 2009

http://www.stadtbranchenbuch.at/wien/392775.html

Kurt Castka
Geiselbergstr. 27 -31/8
1110 Wien

Tel: +43-(0)1-7428783

who calls him first ?

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