Soccer Players With The Number 1 (The Best Keepers!)

The number 1 shirt represents the soccer goalie. Since these guys are the last line of defense, wearing the #1 jersey is a huge responsibility. The best goalkeepers in soccer history have worn the number 1, immortalizing themselves with their shot-stopping feats and trophy-laden careers.

From Lev Yashin’s 1950s and 60s domination to Gianluigi Buffon’s longevity, football luminaries have worn the number 1 shirt. This article will discuss the best goalkeepers to wear the number 1 jersey. We’ll hear about their rise to the top, their tremendous accomplishments, and why they’re considered the best soccer players at their position. We take a look at:

• Brief history
• Career progression
• Records and awards

As we dig deeper into the stories of these goalkeepers, you will appreciate more and more the contributions of these players to soccer.

The Best Soccer Players To Wear Number 1 In Soccer

The number one position in soccer is goalkeeper, and there is no difference here with this list. We look at the best keepers ever to wear the number 1 jersey, what they have achieved, and some highlights of their games. Although some of the GKs are from a few years ago, their heroic acrobatics have put them in the history books.

Lev Yashin

Lev Ivanovich Yashin was born on the 22nd day of October 1929. He was a professional soccer player in the Soviet Union and wore the number one shirt. He is thought to be the most outstanding and legendary goalkeeper in the history of soccer.

Stats:

• Date of birth: October 22, 1929
• Nationality: Russian
• Teams played for:
  1. Krasny Oktyabr (Tushino, Moscow) Youth Club (1945)
  2. FK Dinamo Moscow
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  1. FIFA World Cup: 1 (1960)
  2. Soviet Top League: 5 (1954, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1963)
  3. Soviet Cup: 3 (1957, 1959, 1966)
  4. European Championship: Runner-up (1964)
• Other significant achievements:
  1. Named the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS)
  2. Inducted into the FIFA World Cup Dream Team
  3. Winner of the Ballon d’Or in 1963

His positioning, size, fearlessness, athleticism, and acrobatic skills distinguished him in the sporting arena. He was known as the “black spider” since he was clad entirely in black. He became quite well-known as a result of his fashion sense.

Lev Yashin rose to prominence as a goalie who revolutionized the position by exerting his dominance on the whole defense. In contrast to other goalkeepers who just remained on the goal and waited for activity in their area, he would run out and intercept crosses, yell commands to defenders, and sprint out to meet onrushing attackers.

From 1958 through 1970, he played in four World Cups. He spared his squad the agony of having to take over 150 penalty kicks. This is more than any other professional soccer goalie. In addition, throughout his stellar career, he managed a total of 270 clean sheets. In 1994, he was selected for the FIFA Dream Team, the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team, and the World Team of the 20th Century.

Yashin has the distinction of being the only goalie to win the Ballon d’Or, which he won in 1963. He was chosen to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team later that year. He was also named the finest goalkeeper of the twentieth century by the IFFHS.

Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon is an Italian professional football goalkeeper who currently plays for Parma Calcio. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, having appeared in over 1000 professional matches throughout a 25-year career. From 2001 until 2021, Buffon spent the most of his career at Juventus, where he won 10 Serie A titles and three Serie B titles.

Stats:

• Name: Gianluigi Buffon
• Date of Birth: January 28, 1978
• Nationality: Italian
• Teams Played For:
  1. Parma (1995-2001)
  2. Juventus (2001-2018, 2019-2021)
  3. Paris Saint-Germain (2018-2019)
  4. Parma (2021-2023)
  5. Italy National Team (1997-2018)
• Positions Played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies Won:
  1. Serie A (10 times) – 2001-02, 2002-03, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2019-20
  2. Coppa Italia (5 times) – 1998-99, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2014-15, 2015-16
  3. Supercoppa Italiana (7 times) – 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020
  4. UEFA Cup (1 time) – 1998-99
  5. UEFA Intertoto Cup (1 time) – 1999
  6. Ligue 1 (1 time) – 2018-19
• Other Significant Achievements:
  1. FIFA World Cup winner with Italy in 2006
  2. UEFA European Championship runner-up with Italy in 2012
  3. UEFA Champions League runner-up with Juventus in 2002-03, 2014-15, 2016-17
  4. FIFA World Player of the Year – Runner-up: 2006
  5. IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (5 times) – 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2017
  6. UEFA Club Football Awards – Best Goalkeeper: 2003, 2017
  7. FIFPro World XI (3 times) – 2006, 2007, 2017
  8. UEFA Team of the Year (3 times) – 2003, 2004, 2006
  9. FIFA FIFPro World11 (5 times) – 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2018
  10. UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012
  11. Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year (12 times) – 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  12. Italian Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2019

He also led Italy to World Cup triumph in 2006. Buffon has made 657 Serie A appearances and has garnered numerous individual awards, including the Golden Foot Award. Even in his late 40s, Buffon continues to play admirably as Parma’s main goalkeeper in Serie B.

Buffon is known for his shot-stopping ability, calmness, and endurance. He combines quick reactions with strong positioning and leadership between the posts. Buffon is also notable for his longevity, having played professionally until his mid-40s. Throughout his illustrious career, Buffon has established himself as a legend at both the club and international levels for Juventus and Italy.

He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, owing to his extraordinary skills, longevity, and huge prize collection at both the club and international levels, with over 1000 matches.

Dino Zoff

Dino Zoff is a former professional soccer player from Italy who wore the number one jersey as a goalkeeper. He was born on February 28, 1942. To date, he is the first Italian to win both World Cups and European Championships in a single campaign.

Stats:

• Date of birth: February 28, 1942
• Nationality: Italian
• Teams played for: Udinese Calcio, Mantova, Napoli, and and Juventus
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  • Serie A: 6 times (4 with Juventus, 2 with Napoli)
  • Coppa Italia: 2 times (with Juventus)
  • UEFA Cup: 1 time (with Juventus)
  • European Championship: 1 time (with Italy in 1968)
  • FIFA World Cup: 1 time (with Italy in 1982)
• Other significant achievements:
  • Most-capped Italian player with 112 appearances
  • The oldest player to win the FIFA World Cup at the age of 40
  • Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2014

Juve won six Serie A championships, two Coppa Italia trophies, and the UEFA Cup during his time at the club. He also reached two European finals in the 1972-73 and 1982-83 seasons and finished second in the 1973 Intercontinental Cup final.

By the International Football Hall of Fame (IFFHS), he was voted the third-best goalkeeper of the 20th century.With 112 appearances between 1972 and 1974, he holds the record for the most time spent on the field without conceding a goal in an international tournament. In addition, he is the sixth-most-capped player for Italy’s national team.

Without a doubt, Dino Zoff has left a mark on the game of soccer, and many aspire to be like him. After retiring as a soccer player, he pursued a managerial career and coached the Italian team, which got to Euro 2000 final but lost to France. 

Afterward, he published his Italian autography in September 2014 titled Dura solo un attimo, la Gloria (Glory only lasts a moment).

Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas is a former professional football goalkeeper from Spain. He spent the majority of his career with Real Madrid, where he captained both the club and the Spain national team to a number of trophies. Casillas, regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, made over 700 matches for Real Madrid, helping the club win five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

Stats:

• Full Name: Iker Casillas Fernández
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1981
• Nationality: Spanish
• Teams Played for:
  • Real Madrid (1999-2015)
  • FC Porto (2015-2020)
• Positions Played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies Won:
• With Real Madrid:
  • La Liga: 5 times (2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12)
  • Copa del Rey: 2 times (2010–11, 2013–14)
  • Supercopa de España: 4 times (2001, 2003, 2008, 2012)
  • UEFA Champions League: 3 times (1999–2000, 2001–02, 2013–14)
  • UEFA Super Cup: 2 times (2002, 2014)
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 2 times (2014, 2018)
• With FC Porto:
  • Primeira Liga: 1 time (2017–18)
  • Taça de Portugal: 1 time (2019–20)
  • Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2 times (2018, 2020)
• Other Significant Achievements:
  • UEFA European Championship: 2 times with Spain (2008, 2012)
  • FIFA World Cup: 1 time with Spain (2010)
  • UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2 times (2007–08, 2013–14)
  • IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper: 5 times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
  • UEFA Best Goalkeeper: 5 times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
  • FIFPro World XI: 5 times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
  • FIFA FIFPro World XI: 5 times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
  • UEFA Team of the Year: 6 times (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)

He also had a role in Spain winning one World Cup and two European Championships. Casillas joined FC Porto in Portugal in 2015, where he added another league title to his trophy cabinet before retiring in 2020.

Casillas was known for his shot-blocking skills, quick reflexes, and calm under pressure. He exuded confidence, which aided in the organization of his defenses and the management of his penalty area. Casillas also distinguished himself as a modern goalkeeper capable of playing with his feet and initiating assaults from the back.

Casillas established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history during his career, which spanned Real Madrid, Porto, and the Spanish national team. In acknowledgment of his exceptional abilities, he received numerous individual distinctions, including five times being named to the UEFA Team of the Year.

Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks is a popular name among soccer enthusiasts. He was born on 30 December 1937 but sadly died at the age of 81 years. He, unfortunately, succumbed to cancer. He was regarded as one of the best soccer players of his time. He pulled some of the greatest saves against Pele in the 1970 World Cup group match against Brazil.

Stats:

• Date of birth: December 30, 1937
• Nationality: English
• Teams played for:
  • Chesterfield (1953-1959)
  • Leicester City (1959-1967)
  • Stoke City (1967-1973)
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  • FIFA World Cup (1966) – won once
  • League Cup (1972) – won once
• Other significant achievements:
  • Named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year (1966, 1971, 1973)
  • Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame (2002)
  • Named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players (2004)

He was also the most-capped goalkeeper between 1966 and 1985. Additionally, he broke the record for not conceding for England, which stood at 378 minutes. However, he left the record at 723 minutes, which remained until 2021.

Gordon Banks was the most-capped Englishman at Stoke City FC since 1966. He made 679 appearances during a 20-year-old professional career and won 73 caps for the England national team.

Though he had a remarkable career, he faced some challenges, such as breaking his nose at Craven Cottage, getting into an accident that left one of his eyes damaged, and breaking his wrists while driving to a friend’s place. The accident made him miss nine games. However, this did not change the fact that he was a World Cup winner and one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

He was named NASL Goalkeeper of the Year in 1977 FWA Soccer Player of the Year in 1972. He was also FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions. In addition, he was named the second-best goalkeeper of the 20th century after Lev Yashin. He left the game of soccer in 1980 after a short management stint at Telford United.

Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is a German professional soccer player who captains the Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich, and the German national team. He is an all-around player who rocks the number one jersey. He is among the greatest soccer players in the history of sports.

Stats:

• Date of Birth: March 27, 1986
• Nationality: German
• Teams Played for:
  1. FC Schalke 04 (Youth: 1991-2005)
  2. Bayern Munich (Senior: 2011-present)
• Positions Played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies Won:
  1. Bundesliga (German League): 10 times (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
  2. DFB-Pokal (German Cup): 7 times (2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
  3. DFL-Supercup (German Super Cup): 9 times (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
  4. UEFA Champions League: 2 times (2012-13, 2019-20)
  5. FIFA Club World Cup: 2 times (2013, 2020)
  6. UEFA Super Cup: 2 times (2013, 2020)
  7. FIFA World Cup: 1 time (2014)
  8. FIFA Confederations Cup: 1 time (2017)
• Other Significant Achievements:
  1. FIFA World Cup Golden Glove: 2014
  2. UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 4 times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2020)
  3. IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper: 4 times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2020)
  4. UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2 times (2012-13, 2019-20)
  5. FIFA FIFPro World XI: 5 times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021)
  6. FIFA FIFPro World XI Goalkeeper: 5 times (2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021)

He is known as a sweeper goalkeeper for his speed when rushing off his line and going outside the box, anticipating his opponents. He was named Goalkeeper of the Decade by the IFFHS. In 2014, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or. However, he was awarded the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year five times and the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper the same number of times.

Neuer started his career with wins at Schalke 04, where he won the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Ligapokal. Later in 2011, he moved to Bayern Munich and kept winning. At Bayern, he has won 26 trophies, including nine Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League, which were both parts of a treble.

In 2010, Neuer was selected to the German national team and represented the country in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the following tournament, FIFA World Cup 2014, Neuer led his team to a win while also winning the Golden Glove as the best goalkeeper.

Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel is a retired Danish professional football goalkeeper who played for Manchester United and the Denmark national team. Because of his shot-stopping skills and control of the penalty area, he is considered one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

Stats:

• Date of birth: November 18, 1963
• Nationality: Danish
• Teams played for:
  1. Hvidovre IF (Youth Club)
  2. Gladsaxe-Hero BK (Youth Club)
  3. Hvidovre IF (1980-1981)
  4. Brøndby IF (1981-1991)
  5. Manchester United (1991-1999)
  6. Sporting CP (1999-2001)
  7. Aston Villa (2001-2002)
  8. Manchester City (2002-2003)
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  1. UEFA European Championship (1992) with Denmark
  2. UEFA Champions League (1999) with Manchester United
  3. Premier League (1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1998-1999) with Manchester United
  4. FA Cup (1993-1994, 1995-1996, 1998-1999) with Manchester United
  5. Football League Cup (1991-1992) with Manchester United
  6. FA Charity Shield (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997) with Manchester United
  7. Danish Superliga (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990) with Brøndby IF
  8. Danish Cup (1989-1990) with Brøndby IF
  9. Portuguese Cup (2000-2001) with Sporting CP
• Other significant achievements:
  1. Danish Footballer of the Year (1990, 1993, 1999)
  2. PFA Players’ Player of the Year (1996-1997)
  3. IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (1992, 1993, 1997)
  4. FIFA 100 (2004)
  5. Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame (2003)
  6. UEFA Euro 1996 Team of the Tournament
  7. UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament (reserve goalkeeper)

Schmeichel was an integral part of Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999, helping the club capture five Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League. He also played for Denmark in Euro ’92 and ’96, as well as the World Cup in 1998. Schmeichel later played for Sporting CP, Aston Villa, and Manchester City before retiring in 2003.

Schmeichel was known for his commanding stature, bravery, and quick reflexes. He expertly controlled his box and had an intimidating presence that unsettled opposing strikers. Schmeichel was also notable for his leadership abilities and defense organization.

Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Premier League history, he redefined the role and pioneered several current goalkeeping tactics. Schmeichel has been chosen to the Premier League Team of the Century and the FIFA World Cup Dream Team, firmly establishing him as one of the all-time great goalkeepers.

Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn is a former professional football goalkeeper from Germany. He played for Bayern Munich for the most of his career, where he won eight Bundesliga titles and was voted Germany’s Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Kahn also guided Germany to the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final, which they lost to Brazil.

Stats:

• Date of birth: June 15, 1969
• Nationality: German
• Teams played for:
  • Karlsruher SC (1987-1994)
  • Bayern Munich (1994-2008)
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  • Bundesliga: 8 times (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008)
  • DFB-Pokal: 6 times (1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008)
  • UEFA Champions League: 1 time (2001)
  • Intercontinental Cup: 1 time (2001)
  • UEFA Cup: 1 time (1996)
  • UEFA Super Cup: 1 time (2001)
  • DFB-Ligapokal: 6 times (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2007)
  • FIFA World Cup: Runner-up (2002), Third place (2006)
  • UEFA European Championship: Runner-up (2008)
• Other significant achievements:
  • FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper: 2002, 2006
  • UEFA European Championship Best Goalkeeper: 2008
  • UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2001
  • FIFA World Player of the Year: 2002 (second place)
  • IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
  • German Footballer of the Year: 2000, 2001, 2002
  • UEFA Team of the Year: 2001, 2002, 2003
  • Bayern Munich All-time XI
  • Bayern Munich Hall of Fame

Based on his outstanding efforts, he was crowned the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper. Kahn was known for his rigorous work ethic and philosophy, and he was instrumental in changing the job of the goalie. He was a key figure at Bayern Munich before retiring in 2008, having made over 600 appearances for the club.

Due to his shot-stopping skills, authoritative presence in the penalty area, and leadership characteristics, Kahn was regarded one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. He excelled at defense organization and terrified opposing attackers with his aggressive style of play.

By being more proactive going off his line and initiating plays from the back with his distribution talents, Kahn transformed the goalkeeping position. He earned numerous individual accolades over his nearly two-decade professional career in Germany, and he helped establish Bayern Munich as the dominant club in Germany.

David de Gea

David de Gea is a professional Spanish soccer player who played as a goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Spanish national team. He was born on November 7, 1990. He grew up in nearby Illescas, where he began his playing career with Atletico Madrid.

Stats:

• Date of birth: November 7, 1990
• Nationality: Spanish
• Teams played for:
  1. Atlético Madrid (2003-2008, Youth)
  2. Atlético Madrid (2008-2011)
  3. Manchester United (2011-2023)
• Positions played: Goalkeeper
• Trophies won:
  1. Premier League (2012-13)
  2. FA Cup (2015-16)
  3. League Cup (2016-17, 2019-20)
  4. UEFA Europa League (2016-17)
  5. UEFA Super Cup (2017)
• Other significant achievements:
  1. PFA Team of the Year (2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18)
  2. Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18)
  3. FIFPro World XI nominee (2015, 2016, 2018)
  4. UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season (2015-16, 2016-17)
  5. IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2017)
  6. Premier League Golden Glove (2017-18)
  7. UEFA Europa League Goalkeeper of the Season (2017)
  8. UEFA Europa League Final Man of the Match (2017)
  9. FIFPro World XI 4th team (2018)
  10. UEFA Nations League winner (2019)

At the age of 18, he made his first senior debut after becoming the first-choice goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid. He saw them emerge victorious in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup in 2010. His fantastic performances made Manchester United notice him, and he was signed by the club in June 2011.

Since he joined Manchester United, he has made over 400 appearances and won a Premier League title, the FA Cup, a League Cup, three Community Shields, and the UEFA Europa League.

Between 2013 and 2016, he was elected as United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, making him the first player to bag the award three consecutively. He was also included in the PFA Team of the Year for four years and was named in the FIFA FIFPro World 11.

Many of soccer’s finest goalkeepers have worn the number 1 shirt. From Lev Yashin to Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Oliver Kahn, and Peter Schmeichel have also become legends wearing number 1. Their shot-stopping skills, trophy-laden careers, and dominance in goal for club and country have made them the best goalkeepers of all time.

These goalkeeping greats redefined what it takes to excel in this specialized position and withstand the pressure and responsibility of the number 1 jersey. Their individual and team honors demonstrate their iconic status as number 1 players.

Joel Powel

Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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