Football: Ranking the best goalkeepers of all-time
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world with a loyal fan base. The sport of football is often called 'The Beautiful Game', as we witness amazing skills by the players. And one player who is usually the difference between a good team and a great one is the goalkeeper. In the same light, we rank the greatest goalkeepers of all-time.
Peter Schmeichel: The Great Dane
Peter Schmeichel joined Manchester United in 1991, where he rose to prominence under Sir Alex Ferguson. After being brought in for just £505,000, he helped United to dominate the world. He also played a crucial role in helping Denmark win the 1992 UEFA Euro, and saving Marco van Basten's penalty in the semis was one of the highlights. He also has 11 career goals.
Gianluigi Buffon: The Superman
Gianluigi Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper of his generation. The nickname Superman is well-deserved, given his one-handed save in 2002-03 UEFA Champions League final, and a blinder in 2006 FIFA World Cup final. His title-winning World Cup performance helped him finish second in the 2006 Ballon d'Or. Interestingly, his transfer of €52 million from Parma to Juventus in 2001 was a record back then.
Gordon Banks: The Guardian of England
Gordon Banks is undoubtedly the greatest English goalkeeper of all-time. He is most famous for his role in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, where he conceded just three goals in the tournament, as England won their maiden and only title. One of his notable moments came against Brazil in 1970 World Cup, where he denied a goal to Pele with an almost impossible save.
Oliver Kahn: The Titan
Oliver Kahn is someone who inspired a whole generation of goalkeepers with his skills. His acrobatic goalkeeping earned Kahn fame during the 2002 World Cup, where he single-handedly carried Germany to the final, only to lose to Brazil. He also played a crucial role during the 2000-01 UEFA Champions League final, where he saved three penalties to help Bayern Munich win.
Lev Yashin: The Black Spider
Without a doubt, Lev Yashin has to be the number one on the list. Reason? He saved around 150 penalties, as per FIFA. Also, he has kept over 270 clean sheets. Moreover, he is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or, in 1963. Interestingly, the best World Cup goalkeeper used to be given the Lev Yashin Award. Need we say more?
