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The Greatest Goalkeepers in Football History

Can you imagine football games without goalkeepers? If you can, you know how boring and lifeless this sport could get without the men in the gloves. Apart from agility, anticipation, and concentration, goalkeepers also need bravery to make an impact. Their split-second decisions can change the course of an entire game, making them one of the most important members on a football field. Want to know about the greatest goalkeepers of all time? Continue reading.

1. Gianluigi Buffon

    
Gianluigi Buffon
Birthday: 28 January 1978
Born In: Carrara, Italy
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Age: 46

Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Gianluigi Buffon is the fourth-most capped footballer of all time. In 2004, football legend Pelé included him in his 'FIFA 100' list. He was named 'IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper' on five occasions. IFFHS also named him the best goalkeeper of the 21st century.

2. Lev Yashin

    
Lev Yashin
Also Known As: Lev Ivanovich Yashin, Black Spider, Black Panther
Birthday: 22 October 1929
Born In: Moscow, Russia
Sun Sign: Libra
Died On: 20 March 1990
Lev Yashin is credited for having revolutionized the way goalkeeping was done. According to FIFA, Yashin saved more than 150 penalty kicks and attained over 270 clean sheets. In 1963, he became the only goalkeeper to be conferred with the 'Ballon d'Or.' IFFHS voted him the best goalkeeper of the 20th Century.

3. Manuel Neuer

    
Manuel Neuer
Also Known As: Manuel Peter Neuer
Birthday: 27 March 1986
Born In: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Sun Sign: Aries
Age: 38
Often considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer has won the prestigious 'IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper' award on four occasions. In 2014, he was part of the German FIFA World Cup-winning team and deservingly earned the 'Golden Glove' award.

4. Peter Schmeichel

    
Peter Schmeichel
Also Known As: Peter Bolesław Schmeichel
Birthday: 18 November 1963
Born In: Gladsaxe Municipality, Denmark
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Age: 61
In 1992 and 1993, Peter Schmeichel was named the 'IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper'. In March 2004, at the 'FIFA 100' celebrations, he was named among '125 greatest living footballers'.

5. Oliver Kahn

    
Oliver Kahn
Also Known As: Oliver Rolf Kahn
Birthday: 15 June 1969
Born In: Karlsruhe, Germany
Sun Sign: Gemini
Age: 55

Oliver Kahn won the 'IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Award' three timers. He steered the German team into the 2002 'FIFA World Cup' final and became the first goalkeeper to win the 'Golden Ball Award' in football history.