Los 10 best goalkeepers in World Cup history

Last update 10 October, 2024 by Alberto Llopis

Talk about the best goalkeepers in the history of the World Cups and make a list, It is a somewhat complicated task.

The goalkeepers, often the unsung heroes of football, They are the great forgotten of this sport. Your job is thankless: a spectacular stop is barely remembered, but a mistake, instead, can score a career. However, in the history of the World Cups, There have been goalkeepers who have emerged as fundamental figures, true walls that have helped their teams dream of glory.

From the agility of Yashin to the modernity of Neuer, passing through the heroic deeds of Kahn and Casillas, each one has left a mark in a World Cup. This is a tribute to those who have elevated the figure of the goalkeeper to a higher level in the history of the World Cups..

For this reason, here we introduce you to the 10 best goalkeepers who have left their mark on the World Cup, from the first tournament in 1930 to Qatar 2022.

Los 10 best goalkeepers in the history of the soccer World Cups

1. Lev Yashin (Soviet Union)

Considered by many to be the best goalkeeper of all time., Lev Yashin, known as “The Black Spider”, revolutionized the position. He was the first and only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or in 1963, which reflects his impact both inside and outside the World Cups.

Participated in four editions (1958, 1962, 1966 y 1970), being key to taking the Soviet Union to fourth place in 1966. With his impossible reflexes and leadership under the sticks, Yashin established himself as a legend that marked an era.

2. Dino Zoff (Italia)

Dino Zoff It is a symbol of consistency and longevity. The Italian goalkeeper played in three World Cups (1974, 1978 y 1982), crowned champion in the last, when I already had 40 years. Zoff kept a clean sheet in the final of 1982 against West Germany, being a fundamental pillar for Italy to lift its third World Cup. His sobriety and serenity under pressure made him one of the great icons of football.

3. Gordon Banks (England)

Gordon Banks will always be remembered for two things: having been the goalkeeper who led England to win their only World Cup in 1966, and for his historic stop to Pelé in the tournament 1970, considered the best in the history of football. Banks participated in two World Cups (1966 y 1970), standing out for his ability to make impossible saves and his extraordinary ability to read the game.

4. Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer has redefined the role of the modern goalkeeper, not only as a goalkeeper, but also as a “libero” further. Participated in four world championships (2010, 2014, 2018 y 2022), and it was in 2014 where he achieved glory, helping Germany win its fourth World Cup.

Neuer not only stood out for his stops, but for his ability to leave the area, intercept balls and participate in the game. He was named the best goalkeeper of that tournament, and his style of play has influenced a whole new generation of goalkeepers. one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the World Cups.

5. Iker Casillas (Spain)

Iker Casillas He is a legend of Spanish football, and his performance in the World Cup 2010 It was crucial for Spain to achieve its first world title. Throughout his career, played in four editions (2002, 2006, 2010 y 2014), but his consecration came in South Africa 2010, where he is remembered for his crucial save on Arjen Robben in the final against the Netherlands. Nicknamed “Saint Iker”, He was a leader both on and off the field., and his influence on that world title is undeniable. It is without a doubt the best goalkeeper in the history of Spain.

6. Oliver Kahn (Germany)

Oliver Kahn He was the soul of the German team in the World Cup 2002. Despite losing the final against Brazil, Kahn was chosen the best player of the tournament, an honor that few goalkeepers have achieved. He played three world cups (1998, 2002 y 2006), and although his international career ended without lifting the Cup, his performance in 2002, where he kept Germany in the tournament almost alone, It is a testament to his greatness.. Between the best goalkeepers in the history of the World Cups on their own merits.

7. Thomas N'Kono (Cameroon)

Thomas N'Kono He is remembered for having led Cameroon to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. 1990, an unprecedented feat for an African team at the time. He played three World (1982, 1990 y 1994) and his acrobatic and agile style influenced an entire generation of goalkeepers, including Gianluigi Buffon, who considers him his idol. N'Kono is a legend in Africa and in the history of the World Cups.

8. Sepp Maier (West Germany)

Sepp Maier was a pillar in West Germany during the decades of 1960 y 1970. He played in four World Cups (1966, 1970, 1974 y 1978), winning the Cup in 1974. Maier stood out for his reflexes and his ability to make key saves in critical moments. His consistency between the sticks was essential for Germany to become a world power.

9. Fabien Barthez (France)

Fabien Barthez He was France's starting goalkeeper in two World Cup finals, winning the tournament at home in 1998 and reaching the final in 2006. Barthez, with his charisma and confidence, It was key for France to win its first world title, and is remembered for his security and coolness in moments of maximum pressure.

10. Gianluigi Buffon (Italia)

If we have to talk about the best goalkeepers in the history of the World Cups, we have to talk about him. Gianluigi Buffon He is another goalkeeper who has left an indelible mark on the history of football..

He played in five World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 y 2014), being the protagonist of the Italian title in 2006. Buffon was decisive in the penalty shootout against France in that year's final, and his consistency over the years has made him a living football legend.