The most famous goalkeeper saves in the history of football

Goalkeepers run an average of up to 5 kilometers per match. On top of that, they have to save quite a few sharp shots. Which goalkeepers have the most of them to their name? Whose goalkeeping saves have made their mark in football history? And what role do gloves play in all of this? Let's take a moment to remember the most famous goalkeeper saves together.

The history of goalkeeper saves

The history of goalkeepers dates back to the beginnings of football, all the way to the 19th century. Back then, their role on the field wasn't as exceptional as it is today. Players who played for their team had no protective gear and often wore similar jerseys as the others. They began to specialize only in the 20th century, when basic goalkeeping techniques (correct positioning, catching and deflecting the ball) were developing, and at the same time, the first protective gear and goalkeeper gloves.

The first goalkeeper to make a significant mark in football history was William McCrum, a goalkeeper for Milford FC (and co-owner of a linen factory, in case you were wondering). He “invented” penalties in 1890. He was frustrated by the harsh tackles on attackers in promising goal-scoring opportunities, and to prevent this, he proposed the introduction of penalty kicks into the rules as a member of the Irish Football Association.

In the 60s and 70s, goalkeepers began to develop the technique of rushing out. Close-range shots were dealt with by the Black Spider Lev Yashin. Goalkeepers also began to train more on their physical condition, quick reflexes, communication with the defense, and the ability to read opponents' shots.

Currently, goalkeepers are a key part of the team's tactical plan. Not only do they defend their goal, but they also help build the attack by accurately distributing the ball and participating in combined plays.

Let's not forget the Czech entry into the history of football goalkeepers

He played 1235 matches with an average of 0.86 goals per match and felt at home on the grass of the sewn ones. The top league Sparta rejected him due to his short stature, but Slavia did not. He transferred to them from SK Bubeneč for an incredible 800 CZK. Do you already know who we're talking about? Of course, it's the legendary goalkeeper František Plánička. The football knight, holder of the dr. Václav Jíra Award and the J. plaque. Maddena "in memoriam", to which UNESCO even awarded an honorary fair play diploma. And for us, he is probably the only goalkeeper to whom we will forgive even the remark: "How could the ball slip through his fingers when he has gloves?" He didn't exactly love them, but maybe if he had tried our custom football gloves, he would speak differently.

Sometimes there are more shots on goal than at other times. For example, the Namibian Cup in 2005 experienced an almost endless penalty shootout after a draw. After a total of 48 shots on goal, the winning team could celebrate with a final score of 17:16.

TOP 5 best goalkeeper saves of all time

Today we know how significant the influence of goalkeepers can be on a team's result. Some goalkeeper saves are so legendary that even people who are not into football know them. Famous goalkeepers like Lev Yashin, Gordon Banks, Dino Zoff, Oliver Kahn, or Iker Casillas are known for several remarkable moments on the football field. These and other goalkeepers have shown that they can be the heroes of the team and change the course of the match. Let's take a moment to remember the 5 most famous goalkeeper saves in football history together.

1. Gordon Banks, when he saved the legendary Pelé

The 1970 World Cup was groundbreaking in several ways. For the first time in history, viewers enjoyed a color broadcast, and the playing ball was shaped like a truncated icosahedron. But for us, the key moment is Gordon Banks' save against Pelé's shot. In an incredible style, he saved his attack, so his save was later labeled as one of the best in football history. It is still often featured in goalkeeper highlight reels.

2. Oliver Kahn, who excelled despite Brazil's ultimate triumph

German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was nearly unbeatable throughout the 2002 World Cup. They declared him the best goalkeeper of the 17th World Cup. However, he ultimately faced his fate when he collided with the tournament's top scorer in the final. Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima certainly did not hold back on him. Even though Kahn brilliantly saved many dangerous shots, two still found their way into his net.

3. Jerzy Dudek and his dance moves in Istanbul

In 2005, during the Champions League match between Liverpool and AC Milan, Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was an indispensable player. In extra time, he caught several tough shots, and his biggest moment came in the penalty shootout when he mimicked the save style of his Liverpool predecessor Bruce Grobbelaar from 1984. With his unusual movements, he saved two penalties right away.

4. René Higuita with his stunning scorpion kick

Of course, this unconventional save definitely deserves a spot in our TOP 5. The Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita amazed the world in 1995 during a friendly match between Colombia and England. At Wembley Stadium, he deflected a shot from English midfielder Jamie Redknapp in a style reminiscent of a scorpion's attack. He later admitted that he wouldn't have attempted the innovative trick if an offside hadn't been called, yet his fabulous move remains one of the best goalkeeper saves in football history.

5. Tom King scoring from across the field

To wrap up our list, we can't miss out on this rarity. In 2021, goalkeeper Tom King became a record holder in football history. During a fourth-tier English league match between Newport County and Cheltenham Town, he took a goal kick from his own penalty area. He kicked it with such force that the ball bounced, surpassed the bewildered opposing goalkeeper, and found its way into the net. King truly lived up to his name – he scored from a distance of 96 meters.

Goalkeepers can sometimes bring real drama to the game. Tom King could tell a story.

When were the most saves made in a single match?

Finding a specific match in which a goalkeeper made the most saves in football history is quite challenging. Historical records of matches do not always contain detailed statistics on goalkeeper saves. The rules of football and the standards for recording statistics have also changed over time.

However, an example of a goalkeeper who faced a lot of shots is Paddy Kenny from Sheffield United, who stood out in the English Premier League in 2006. In a match against Arsenal, he made several outstanding saves, helping his team to a 1-0 victory. This match is often cited as an example of an impressive performance where the goalkeeper had to face a large number of shots.

Spanish goalkeeper Francisco Paco Liaño could also tell a story about being busy, as he made 19 saves in a match in 1994. And it wasn't against just any opponent. His team Racing de Santander was competing against Barcelona at the time. His incredible performance helped them crush Barca 5-0.

A large number of saves was also recorded by Tomasz Kuszczak after a match in 2013. The Polish goalkeeper made an impressive 17 saves in a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland for the 2014 tournament. His team managed to hold a 1-1 draw and earned an important point in the qualification.

It's also worth mentioning David De Gea, who made a brilliant 14 saves in a Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal in 2017. In the end, it resulted in a 3-3 draw.

What do Buffon and Zoff have in common? They are among the goalkeepers with the most saves.

If you wanted to compile statistics on goalkeepers with the most saves in football history, you would probably find it quite challenging. There is no universal global ranking that you could follow. However, there are definitely goalkeepers with impressive careers full of remarkable saves. Who, for example, is among the top with the most saves?

1. Peter Shilton – Yes, he's the goalkeeper who conceded the "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup. Otherwise, Peter Shilton holds the record for the most matches played for England with 125 appearances. He played for 11 clubs, appeared in 1,390 matches, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
2. Gianluigi Buffon – This Italian goalkeeper and 2006 World Cup champion is also famous for his precise saves. He accumulated thousands of saves at both club and international levels. While playing for Juventus, he won 10 league titles, 5 Italian Cups, and 6 Super Cups.
3. Iker Casillas – "Saint Iker" was a key player not only in the Spanish national team at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups but also at the 2008 European Championship. For his agility and ability to make crucial saves, he was among the best goalkeepers in the world. Before officially retiring from his football career, he played over 160 matches for the Spanish national team.
4. Dino Zoff[/nt] – This Italian icon rightly ranks among the best goalkeepers in football history. Dino Zoff excelled on the field, even though he was long past 20. Not even 30. He was exactly 40 years and 133 days old when he lifted the trophy for the world champions.

The best goalkeeper gloves for the best saves

The technological development of goalkeeper gloves has significantly influenced the saves made by football goalkeepers. Large white pom-poms have been replaced by top-quality gloves made from the most modern materials with improved ergonomics. Current models provide excellent protection, grip well in both dry and wet conditions, and effectively absorb impacts. Thanks to this, goalkeepers have even better control over the ball.

If you're considering buying your own pair, we’d be happy to advise you on how to choose goalkeeper gloves. And you don’t have to be Bart Simpson or Iker Casillas for us to make you a special four-finger glove. We regularly create custom pairs for league players and enthusiasts from local leagues. You can have your own custom gloves, perhaps with your team’s logo, at home in just two weeks.