Goalkeeper (association football)

File:Footb incident painting.jpg

Association football, like many sports, has experienced many changes in tactics resulting in the generation and elimination of different positions. Goalkeeper is the only position that is certain to have existed since the codification of the sport. Even in the early days of organised football, when systems were limited or non-existent and the main idea was for all players to attack and defend, teams had a designated member to play as the goalkeeper.

The earliest account of football teams with player positions comes from Richard Mulcaster in 1581 and does not specify goalkeepers. The earliest specific reference to keeping goals comes from Cornish Hurling in 1602. According to Carew: "They pitch two bushes in the ground, some eight or ten foot asunder; and directly against them, ten or twelve score off, other twayne in like distance, which they term their Goals. One of these is appointed by lots, to one side, and the other to his adverse party. There is assigned for their guard, a couple of their best stopping Hurlers."{{cite web |url=http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/srvcr10.txt |title=The Survey of Cornwall by Richard Carew |access-date=1 February 2013 |archive-date=29 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929134358/http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/srvcr10.txt |url-status=dead }} Other references to scoring goals begin in English literature in the early 17th century; for example, in John Day's play The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green (performed {{Circa|1600}}; published 1659): "I'll play a gole at camp-ball" (an extremely violent variety of football, popular in East Anglia). Similarly, in a 1613 poem, Michael Drayton refers to "when the Ball to throw, And drive it to the Gole, in squadrons forth they goe". It seems inevitable that wherever a game has evolved goals, some form of goalkeeping must also be developed. David Wedderburn refers to what has been translated from Latin as to "keep goal" in 1633, though this does not necessarily imply a fixed goalkeeper position.

The word "goal-keeper" is used in the novel Tom Brown's School Days (published in 1857, but set in the 1830s). The author is here referring to an early form of rugby football: {{blockquote|You will see in the first place, that the sixth-form boy, who has the charge of goals, has spread his force (the goal-keepers) to occupy the whole space behind the goal-posts, at distances of about five yards apart; a safe and well-kept goal is the foundation of all good play.{{cite book |page=112 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/hvd.hwkq5n?urlappend=%3Bseq=126 |title=School Days at Rugby |author=An Old Boy [Thomas Hughes] |year=1857 |location=Boston |publisher=Ticknor and Fields|hdl = 2027/hvd.hwkq5n?urlappend=%3Bseq=126}}}}

The word "goal-keeper" appeared in the Sheffield Rules of 1867, but the term did not refer to a designated player, but rather to "that player on the defending side who for the time being is nearest to his own goal". The goalkeeper, thus defined, did not enjoy any special handling privileges.{{cite wikisource |author=Sheffield Football Association |authorlink=Sheffield Football Association |year=1867 |title=Sheffield Rules (March 1867)}}

The FA's first Laws of the Game of 1863 did not make any special provision for a goalkeeper, with any player being allowed to catch or knock on the ball.{{cite wikisource |author=Football Association |authorlink=Football Association |year=1863 |title=Laws of the Game (1863)}} Handling the ball was completely forbidden (for all players) in 1870.{{cite wikisource |author=Football Association |authorlink=Football Association |year=1870 |title=Laws of the Game (1870)}} The next year, 1871, the laws were amended to introduce the goalkeeper and specify that the keeper was allowed to handle the ball "for the protection of his goal".{{cite wikisource |author=Football Association |authorlink=Football Association |year=1871 |title=Laws of the Game (1871)}} The restrictions on the ability of the goalkeeper to handle the ball were changed several times in subsequent revisions of the laws:

• 1871: the keeper may handle the ball only "for the protection of his goal".
• 1873: the keeper may not "carry" the ball.{{cite wikisource |author=Football Association |authorlink=Football Association |year=1873 |title=Laws of the Game (1873)}}
• 1883: the keeper may not carry the ball for more than two steps.{{cite wikisource |author=Football Association |authorlink=Football Association |year=1883 |title=Laws of the Game (1883)}}
• 1887: the keeper may not handle the ball in the opposition's half.{{cite wikisource |author=International Football Association Board |authorlink=International Football Association Board |year=1887 |title=Laws of the Game (1887)}}
• 1901: the keeper may handle the ball for any purpose (not only in defense of the goal).{{cite wikisource |author=International Football Association Board |authorlink=International Football Association Board |year=1901 |title=Laws of the Game (1901)}}
• 1905: the keeper may not advance beyond his goalline when defending against a penalty kick.
• 1912: the keeper may handle the ball only in the penalty area.
• 1931: the keeper may take up to four steps (rather than two) while carrying the ball.{{cite journal |title=Football |page=3 |journal=Carluke & Lanark Gazette |date=19 July 1931}}
• 1992: the keeper may not handle the ball after it has been deliberately kicked to him/her by a team-mate.
• 1997: the keeper may not handle the ball for more than six seconds.

Initially, goalkeepers typically played between the goalposts and had limited mobility, except when trying to save opposition shots. Throughout the years, the role of the goalkeeper has evolved, due to the changes in systems of play, to become more active. The goalkeeper is the only player in association football allowed to use their hands to control the ball (other than when restarting play with a throw-in).

During the 1935–36 English football season, young Sunderland AFC goalkeeper of the team, Jimmy Thorpe, died as a result of a kick in the head and chest after he had picked up the ball following a backpass in a game against Chelsea at Roker Park. He continued to take part until the match finished, but collapsed at home afterward and died in hospital four days later from diabetes mellitus and heart failure "accelerated by the rough usage of the opposing team".{{cite news|title=Goalkeeper's Death|url=http://archive.timesonline.co.uk/tol/viewArticle.arc?articleId=ARCHIVE-The_Times-1936-02-14-16-001&pageId=ARCHIVE-The_Times-1936-02-14-16|location=London|work=The Times|date=14 February 1936|access-date=20 September 2019|archive-date=7 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907134135/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}} The tragic end to Thorpe's career led to a change in the rules, where players were no longer allowed to raise their foot to a goalkeeper when he had control of the ball in his arms.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/10/04/soinve04.xml |location=London |title=On the run with dogs and a long-dead goalkeeper - Telegraph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311055415/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2006%2F10%2F04%2Fsoinve04.xml |archive-date=11 March 2007 }}

Due to several time-wasting techniques that were used by goalkeepers, such as bouncing the ball on the ground or throwing it in the air and then catching it again, in the 1960s, the Laws of the Game were revised further, and the goalkeeper was given a maximum of four steps to travel while holding, bouncing or throwing the ball in the air and catching it again, without having to release it into play. The FIFA Board later also devised an anti-parrying rule, saying that such deliberate parrying to evade the Law was to be regarded also as holding the ball.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/news/y=1997/m=10/news=goalkeepers-are-not-above-the-law-72050.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106144044/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=1997/m=10/news=goalkeepers-are-not-above-the-law-72050.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 November 2015|title=Goalkeepers are not above the Law|publisher=FIFA|date=31 October 1997|access-date=19 July 2017}}

In 1992, the International Football Association Board made changes in the laws of the game that affected goalkeepers – notably the back-pass rule,{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/law/summary.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011144333/http://fifa.com/classicfootball/history/law/summary.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=From 1863 to the Present Day |publisher=FIFA |access-date=1 February 2013}} which prohibits goalkeepers from handling the ball when receiving a deliberate pass from a teammate that is made with their feet. This rule change was made to discourage time-wasting and overly defensive play after the 1990 FIFA World Cup which was described as exceedingly dull, rife with back-passing and goalkeepers holding the ball. Also, goalkeepers would frequently drop the ball and dribble it around, only to pick it up again once opponents came closer to put them under pressure, a typical time-wasting technique. Therefore, another rule was introduced at the same time as the back-pass rule. This rule prohibits goalkeepers from handling the ball again once the ball is released for play; an offense results in an indirect free kick to the opposition. Furthermore, any player negating the spirit of the new rule would be likely to be cautioned for unsporting behaviour and punished by an indirect free-kick.

On 1 July 1997, FIFA decided to extend the back-pass rule by applying it also to throw-ins from defenders to their goalkeeper.To prevent further time-wasting, FIFA also established that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds the referee must adjudge this as time-wasting and award an indirect free-kick to the opposing team. In practice, this rule is rarely enforced: a 2019 study of 45 Bundesliga matches found the goalkeepers violating it in 38.4% of instances of ball handling, none of which were penalised.{{Cite journal |last1=Kolbinger |first1=Otto |last2=Stöckl |first2=Michael |date=2019-04-18 |title=Misbehavior During Penalty Kicks and Goalkeepers Holding the Ball Too Long as Trivial Offenses in Football |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=10 |page=844 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00844 |doi-access=free |issn=1664-1078 |pmc=6482224 |pmid=31057465}} An example of this rule being enforced in a high-profile match was at the London 2012 Summer Olympics Women's Football semi-final game between the United States and Canada. With Canada in front 3–2 late in the game, their goalkeeper Erin McLeod grabbed the ball from a corner kick and then held onto it for 10 seconds despite being warned by the referee not to waste time. The indirect free kick resulted in a penalty being called for a handball offence, which was scored to make it 3–3 and take the game to extra time, where the United States won the game 4–3.{{cite web|url=https://soccerrefereeusa.com/2019/01/05/six-second-rule-violation-pivotal-in-the-u-s-win-at-the-olympics/|title=Six second rule violation pivotal in the U.S. win at the Olympics|publisher=SoccerRefereeUSA.com|date=5 January 2019|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920194547/https://soccerrefereeusa.com/2019/01/05/six-second-rule-violation-pivotal-in-the-u-s-win-at-the-olympics/|url-status=live}}

File:Suarez Ajax captain.jpg (left) closes down Luis Suárez.]]

The position of goalkeeper is the only position in the game that is technically distinct from the others in the course of normal play. The Laws of the Game distinguish the goalkeeper from the other players in several ways, most significantly exempting them from the prohibition on handling the ball, though only within their penalty area. Once a goalkeeper has control of the ball in their hands, opponents are not permitted to challenge them. Goalkeepers have a specialized role as the sole defender against a penalty kick. Goalkeepers are required to wear distinct colors from other players and are permitted to wear caps and tracksuit bottoms.{{cite web|title=Laws|url=http://www.theifab.com/laws|website=International Football Association Board {{!}} IFAB|publisher=International Football Association Board|access-date=8 February 2018|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416141341/https://www.theifab.com/laws|url-status=live}}

The Laws mandate that one player on the team must be designated as the goalkeeper at all times, meaning that if a goalkeeper is sent off or injured and unable to continue, another player must assume the goalkeeper position. The Laws allow for teams to change the player designated as a goalkeeper at stoppages in play, but in practice, this is rarely exercised.

The Laws place no restrictions on a goalkeeper leaving their penalty area and acting as an ordinary player, though generally, goalkeepers stay close to their goals throughout matches.

Goalkeepers routinely perform extension dives. To execute this, they push off the ground with the foot nearest to the ball, launching themselves into a horizontal position. At this point, the ball may be caught or parried away from the goal. In the latter case, a good goalkeeper will attempt to ensure that the rebound cannot be taken by a player of the opposing team, although this is not always possible.

Because goalkeepers can spend the majority of a match without much action they need very good concentration in the event of the opposition going on the attack at any one time. Goalkeepers also need good 'anticipation' meaning they can 'read' where the ball is going to go and react by moving before the ball is kicked or headed and quickly decide whether to catch, punch or palm the ball.

File:U20-WorldCup2007-Okotie-Onka edit2.jpg (right) making a save]]

The tactical responsibilities of goalkeepers include:

• To keep goal by physically blocking attempted shots with any part of their body. The keeper is permitted to play the ball anywhere on the field, but may not handle the ball using hands or outstretched arms outside of their penalty area.
• To organise the team's defenders during defensive set pieces such as free kicks and corners. In the case of free kicks, this includes picking the numbers and the organisation of a defensive player "wall". The wall serves to provide a physical barrier to the incoming ball, but some goalkeepers position their walls in certain positions to tempt kick-takers to certain types of shots. Occasionally, goalkeepers may opt to dispense with the wall. Some goalkeepers are also entrusted with the responsibility of picking markers while defending at set pieces.
• To pick out crosses and attempt long passes either by collecting them in flight or punching them clear if heavily challenged by opposing strikers.

Although goalkeepers have special privileges, including the ability to handle the ball in the penalty area, they are otherwise subject to the same rules as any other player.

File:Mathew Ryan Club Brugge.jpg{{Cite web|last=Ryan |first=Mathew |title=Mathew Ryan is a young, Australian keeper with good reflexes and a very good set of feet. |date=12 June 2013 |url=http://clubbrugge.be/en/players/first-team/players/mathew-ryan |access-date=12 June 2013 |publisher=clubbrugge.be |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707113807/http://clubbrugge.be/en/players/first-team/players/mathew-ryan |archive-date=7 July 2015 }} playing with his feet]]

Goalkeepers are not required to stay in the penalty area; they may get involved in play anywhere on the pitch, and it is common for them to act as an additional defender (or 'sweeper') during certain passages of the game. Goalkeepers with a long throwing range or accurate long-distance kicks may be able to quickly create attacking positions for a team and generate goal-scoring chances from defensive situations, a tactic known as the long ball.

{{See also|Rush goalie}}

File:Manuel Neuer 2020.jpg has been described as a modern goalkeeper due to his "sweeper-keeper" status]]

Gyula Grosics from the Hungarian "Golden Team" of the 1950s was thought to be the first goalkeeper to play as the 'sweeper-keeper'.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1781995-the-50-greatest-goalkeepers-in-history/page/24|title=The 50 Greatest Goalkeepers in History|work=Bleacher Report|date=27 September 2013|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-date=29 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929090030/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1781995-the-50-greatest-goalkeepers-in-history/page/24|url-status=live}} Tommy Lawrence has also been credited with revolutionising the role of the goalkeeper by effectively acting as an 11th outfield player.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/fabien-barthez-the-goalkeepers-fear-of-losing-it-9271816.html|title=Fabien Barthez: The goalkeeper's fear of losing it|work=The Independent|author1=James Lawton|date=27 November 2001|access-date=16 January 2018|archive-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131400/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/fabien-barthez-the-goalkeepers-fear-of-losing-it-9271816.html|url-status=live}} The rushing playing style used by Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar seen during the 1980s–90s makes him one of the original sweeper-keepers of the modern era.{{cite web |url=http://www.thinkfootball.co.uk/was-bruce-grobbelaar-the-original-sweeper-keeper/ |title=Was Bruce Grobbelaar the original sweeper keeper? |last=Clark |first=Chris |date=15 January 2015 |access-date=12 September 2017 |website=thinkfootball.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508100526/http://thinkfootball.co.uk/was-bruce-grobbelaar-the-original-sweeper-keeper/ |archive-date=8 May 2015}} René Higuita was another who became known for his unorthodox, skillful but sometimes reckless techniques.Tim Vickery (10 February 2010). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/timvickery/2010/02/the_legacy_of_rene_higuita.html "The Legacy of Rene Higuita"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920162221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/timvickery/2010/02/the_legacy_of_rene_higuita.html |date=20 September 2014 }}. BBC. Retrieved 11 June 2014 Manuel Neuer has been described as a sweeper-keeper due to his speed and unique style of play which occasionally includes him acting as a sweeper for his team by rushing off his line to anticipate opposing forwards who have beaten the offside trap.{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/manuel-neuer-and-evolution-goalkeeper|title=Manuel Neuer and the evolution of the goalkeeper|work=FourFourTwo|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428225513/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/manuel-neuer-and-evolution-goalkeeper|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/646883|title=Why Manuel Neuer should not win the Ballon d'Or|work=The Score|date=2 December 2014|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000455/https://www.thescore.com/news/646883|url-status=live}} With his excellent ball control and distribution, which enables him to start plays from the back, he has said he could play in the German third division as a centre-back if he wanted to. Neuer is also credited for revolutionising the modern goalkeeping position.{{cite web | url = http://www.the42.ie/manuel-neuer-world-cup-2014-1564873-Jul2014/ | title = Why Manuel Neuer was the best player at the 2014 World Cup | work = The42 | date = 14 July 2014 | access-date = 16 July 2014 | archive-date = 16 July 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150716223530/http://www.the42.ie/manuel-neuer-world-cup-2014-1564873-Jul2014/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/these-football-times/2014/jul/16/manuel-neuer-germany-revolutionising-goalkeeping-world-cup-bayern-munich | title = How Manuel Neuer, Germany's 11th man, is revolutionising goalkeeping | work = The Guardian | first = Paddy | last = Vipond | date = 16 July 2014 | access-date = 16 July 2014 | archive-date = 23 January 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230123155821/https://www.theguardian.com/football/these-football-times/2014/jul/16/manuel-neuer-germany-revolutionising-goalkeeping-world-cup-bayern-munich | url-status = live }} Hugo Lloris of LAFC and France and former goalkeeper Fabien Barthez have also been described as sweeper-keepers,{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Jonathan|title=Tottenham's Hugo Lloris is Premier League's supreme sweeper-keeper|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/13/tottenham-hugo-lloris-premier-league-sweeper-keeper|access-date=11 May 2017|work=The Guardian|date=13 February 2014|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143930/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/13/tottenham-hugo-lloris-premier-league-sweeper-keeper|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-david-de-gea-8946453|title=Manchester United: David de Gea has made goalkeeping cool|work=Manchester Evening News|author1=Samuel Luckhurst|date=30 March 2015|access-date=13 January 2018|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416131151/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-david-de-gea-8946453|url-status=live}} while Claudio Bravo and Ederson Moraes have even been described as playmakers in the media.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37610692|title='Man City's Claudio Bravo is a playmaker not sweeper-keeper'|work=BBC Sport|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220235500/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37610692|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/07/ederson-ball-playing-midfielder-goalkeeper-manchester-city |title=Ederson leads way as a ball-playing Premier League midfielder in gloves |work=The Guardian |author1=Jonathan Wilson |date=7 December 2018 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=1 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701115508/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/07/ederson-ball-playing-midfielder-goalkeeper-manchester-city |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/10/18/the-brick-wall-ederson-solving-keeper-issues-at-man-city/106762812/ |title='The Brick Wall': Ederson solving keeper issues at Man City |work=USA Today |author1=Steve Douglas |author2=Mauricio Savarese |date=18 October 2017 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121233005/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/10/18/the-brick-wall-ederson-solving-keeper-issues-at-man-city/106762812/ |url-status=live }}

Other players who have been labelled "sweeper-keepers" in the media include Marc-André ter Stegen of FC Barcelona and Germany, Spaniard Víctor Valdés, and the late Lev Yashin, the latter of whom is often cited by pundits as one of the goalkeepers who pioneered the role of the sweeper-keeper.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefalse9.com/2017/12/sweeper-keeper-role-tactics-explained.html|title=Football Tactics for Beginners- The Sweeper Keeper Explained|last=Burford|first=Harry|website=The False 9|language=en-US|date=24 December 2017|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022172128/http://www.thefalse9.com/2017/12/sweeper-keeper-role-tactics-explained.html|url-status=live}} Sweeper-keepers have been popularised by managers who usually employ tactics inspired by total football, such as Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, for example, and are chosen not only for their shot-stopping and goalkeeping abilities, but also due to their skill with the ball at their feet, their ability to pick out passes and contribute to the build-up play of their team, and their speed when rushing out of the penalty area to anticipate opponents, which enables their team to maintain a high defensive line. It is not without risk, as a goalkeeper being so far from the penalty area can lead to spectacular long-range lob goals if they or their team lose possession, as well as risking being red-carded if they run out to challenge an opponent but foul them or handball a shot by mistake.

File:Rogério Ceni.jpg is the highest-scoring goalkeeper of all time, with over 100 career goals.]]

Some goalkeepers have scored goals. Other than by accident when a long kicked clearance reaches the other end of the field and evades the opposing goalkeeper with the aid of strong winds and/or unexpected bounces, this most commonly occurs when a goalkeeper has rushed up to the opposite end of the pitch to give his team a numerical advantage in attack, leaving his own goal undefended. As such, it is normally only done late in a game at set-pieces where the consequences of scoring far outweigh those of conceding a further goal, such as for a team trailing in a knock-out tournament.

Some goalkeepers, such as René Higuita, Jorge Campos, Rogério Ceni, Hans-Jörg Butt and José Luis Chilavert, are also expert set-piece takers. These players may take their team's attacking free kicks or penalties. Rogério Ceni, São Paulo's goalkeeper from 1992 to 2015, has scored 132 goals in his career, more than many outfield players.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/33006305|title=Rogerio Ceni: Sao Paulo keeper into club record books|publisher=BBC|date=4 June 2015|access-date=3 April 2016|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329121044/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/33006305|url-status=live}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20120723041458/http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/features/news/newsid=1306860/index.html "They said it: Jose Luis Chilavert"]. FIFA. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2013.

File:Liverpool FC team v FC Gomel.jpg team photo prior to a UEFA Europa League match against FC Gomel. Note the difference in attire of goalkeeper Brad Jones (yellow) with that of the rest of his teammates (red).]]

Goalkeepers must wear a kit that distinguishes them clearly from other players and match officials, as this is all that the FIFA Laws of the Game require. Some goalkeepers have received recognition for their match attire, like Lev Yashin of the Soviet Union, who was nicknamed the "Black Spider" for his distinctive all-black outfit;{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174638/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005620/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/players/player=174638/|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|title="Yashin, the impregnable Spider".}} FIFA. Retrieved 23 November 2013Lomas, Mark (29 April 2010) {{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/print?id=779000&type=story |title="Lev Yashin: Russian Revolutionary". |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522194557/http://www.espnfc.com/print?id=779000&type=story |archive-date=22 May 2014 }} ESPN. Retrieved 21 May 2014 Klaus Lindenberger of Austria, who designed his variation of a clown's costume; Jorge Campos of Mexico, who was popular for his colourful attire;{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0335hxv |title=Mexico's Jorge Campos: 'I'm not crazy!' |publisher=BBC World Service |date=22 September 2015 |access-date=28 June 2018 |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028182836/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0335hxv |url-status=live }} Raul Plassmann of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and his all-yellow outfit; and Gábor Király for wearing a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1LhR2yyxwJDLS8KjysBnkPk/euro-2016-gabor-kiraly-hungarys-record-breaker-his-tracksuit-bottoms|title=Sportsworld – Euro 2016: Gabor Kiraly – Hungary's record breaker & his tracksuit bottoms?|publisher=BBC World Service|access-date=20 December 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726005943/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1LhR2yyxwJDLS8KjysBnkPk/euro-2016-gabor-kiraly-hungarys-record-breaker-his-tracksuit-bottoms|url-status=live}}

Although it was initially more common for goalkeepers to wear long-sleeved jerseys, recently several goalkeepers, such as Gianluigi Buffon, have also been known to wear short sleeves.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1858000/1858449.stm|title=Gianluigi Buffon|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2002|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020083432/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1858000/1858449.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/gianluigi-buffon-one-one-you-have-be-a-real-masochist-play-goal-and-a-bit-perverse?page=0%2C2|title=Gianluigi Buffon, One-on-One: You have to be a real masochist to play in goal – and a bit perverse|work=FourFourTwo|author1=Matt Barker|date=24 March 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612114803/https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/gianluigi-buffon-one-one-you-have-be-a-real-masochist-play-goal-and-a-bit-perverse?page=0%2C2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/premium/plus/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/04-05-2012/zoff-sereno-buffon-resti-grande-911128874332.shtml|title=Zoff: "Sereno Buffon Resti un grande"|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Gaetano Imparato|date=5 May 2012|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124749/http://www.gazzetta.it/premium/plus/Calcio/Squadre/Juventus/04-05-2012/zoff-sereno-buffon-resti-grande-911128874332.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/706288|title=Still among football's elite, Juventus icon Buffon will be vital vs. Dortmund|work=The Score|first=Nicky|last=Bandini|date=24 February 2015|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000451/https://www.thescore.com/news/706288|url-status=live}}

Most goalkeepers also wear gloves to improve their grip on the ball, and to protect themselves from injury. Some gloves now include rigid plastic spines down each finger to help prevent injuries such as jammed, fractured, and sprained fingers. Though gloves are not mandatory attire, it is uncommon for goalkeepers to opt against them due to the advantages they offer.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} At UEFA Euro 2004, Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo famously took off his gloves during the quarter-final penalty shoot-out against England, knowing he was the next taker for his side. He then went on to save Darius Vassell's penalty using his bare hands before scoring his kick to win it for Portugal.{{cite web |title=EURO 2004 highlights: Portugal edge England in penalty drama |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=245&v=WlEUdZgH0gc&feature=youtu.be |website=YouTube |publisher=UEFA |access-date=2 March 2025}}[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3830451.stm Portugal break England hearts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723115914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3830451.stm |date=23 July 2016 }}; BBC Sport, 24 June 2004{{failed verification|date=August 2020}}

Though rare, goalkeepers are permitted to wear visored headgear (such as a baseball cap) to minimize glare from bright sunlight, or a knit cap to insulate from cold weather, at any time if they elect to do so. After recovering from a near-fatal skull fracture that he had sustained in 2006, Petr Čech wore a rugby-style scrum cap during his matches for the rest of his playing career.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6258681.stm |title=Liverpool 2–0 Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport |first=Phil |last=McNulty |date=20 January 2007 |access-date=13 March 2012 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003640/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6258681.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/3701996/Petr-Cech-follows-Zinedine-Zidane-in-sponsorship-deal-Football.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/chelsea/3701996/Petr-Cech-follows-Zinedine-Zidane-in-sponsorship-deal-Football.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Petr Cech follows Zinedine Zidane in sponsorship deal |date=21 July 2008 |access-date=13 March 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |last=Benammar |first=Emily }}{{cbignore}}

Goalkeepers have a very physically demanding job. They are the only players allowed to use their hands, except for throw-ins. Because of this, goalkeepers are often injured during breakaways, corner kicks, and free kicks since they put their bodies on the line. Several famous goalkeepers have been injured in ways their counterparts could not possibly sustain. For example, Petr Čech received a head injury after colliding with another player during a 2006 game; a couple of months later he debuted wearing a rugby-style headpiece, a practice that he would continue to follow for the rest of his career. However, some goalkeepers manage to avoid injury and continue to play, many not retiring until their late 30s or early 40s. Notably, Peter Shilton played for 31 years between 1966 and 1997 before retiring at the age of 47.

In general, goalkeepers can sustain any injury to which their outfield counterparts are vulnerable. Common lower and upper extremity injuries include cartilage tears, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and knee sprains. On the other hand, goalkeepers rarely fall victim to fatigue-related injuries, such as leg cramps, pulled hamstrings, and dehydration.{{cite web|last1=Burger|first1=Rob|last2=Fine|first2=Kenneth|title=Soccer Injuries|url=http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/soccer-injury-prevention.aspx#common|website=Stop Sports Injuries|access-date=3 November 2015|archive-date=9 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109152006/http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/soccer-injury-prevention.aspx#common|url-status=live}} Shoulder injuries can be caused by heavy contact with the ground and can cause significant long-term injuries as loss of the range of motion can cause a complete inability to do their job. Vedran Janjetovic suffered such a contact injury playing in an A-League match on 25 January 2019 after diving to make a save. After playing nine games on painkilling injections he underwent experimental surgery that required a two-and-a-half-year recovery and caused him to miss two entire seasons.{{Cite web|url=https://dsf.newscorpaustralia.com/dailytelegraph/subscription/|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au | Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|access-date=25 July 2021|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827123806/https://dsf.newscorpaustralia.com/dailytelegraph/subscription/|url-status=live}}

File:Gianluigi Buffon (31784615942) (cropped).jpg is the only goalkeeper to have won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year Award.]]

File:Oliver Kahn 06-2004.jpg, the only goalkeeper to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball award]]

File:LevYashin.JPG, the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or]]

File:Chelsea vs. Arsenal, 29 May 2019 21 (cropped).jpg, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, having moved from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea for €80 million in 2018]]

File:Hope in San Jose.jpg, who shares with Iker Casillas the record for most international clean sheets by any goalkeeper, with 102]]

Goalkeepers are crucial in penalty shoot-outs. The record for most penalties saved in a shoot-out is held solely by Ugandan, Denis Onyango. He saved five penalty shootout kicks to help his club, Mamelodi Sundowns edge Cape Town City 3–2 on penalties at the MTN 8 tournament in South Africa in October 2021.

The second spot is shared by Helmut Duckadam of Steaua București in the 1986 European Cup Final against Barcelona,{{cite news| url=http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/games/First_goalkeeper_who_saved_four_consecutive_penalties_Helmuth_Duckadam_set_world_record_112237.html| work=worldrecordacedemy.com| title=First goalkeeper who saved four consecutive penalties: Helmuth Duckadam set world record (Video)| date=7 May 2011| access-date=20 August 2014| archive-date=9 November 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109150922/http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/games/First_goalkeeper_who_saved_four_consecutive_penalties_Helmuth_Duckadam_set_world_record_112237.html| url-status=live}} and Ciarán Kelly for Sligo Rovers against Shamrock Rovers in the 2010 FAI Cup Final, both of whom saved all four penalties faced.{{cite news| url=https://www.otbsports.com/podcasts/highlights-from-off-the-ball/ciaran-kellys-2010-shoot-heroics-greatest-aviva-moments-otb| work=otbsports.com| title=Ciarán Kelly's 2010 shoot-out heroics - Greatest Aviva Moments| date=19 May 2020| access-date=28 May 2020| archive-date=29 April 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429012032/https://www.otbsports.com/podcasts/highlights-from-off-the-ball/ciaran-kellys-2010-shoot-heroics-greatest-aviva-moments-otb| url-status=live}}

Ray Clemence holds the record for the most clean sheets in the history of football, with 460 in more than 1000 official matches.{{Cite web|url=http://xtrahistory.blogspot.com/2014/04/Record-Statistics.html|title=World Football Historic Center: World Record and Statistics|first=Naratorn|last=Wirunhchatapant|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725132310/https://xtrahistory.blogspot.com/2014/04/Record-Statistics.html|url-status=live}}

Stefano Tacconi is the only goalkeeper to have won all official club competitions for which he was eligible.{{cite web|title=Journey through the Stars: Stefano Tacconi|url=http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/eng_aus%20tacconi%2023giugno2011%20news|publisher=Juventus|access-date=1 June 2015|date=24 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224020700/http://www.juventus.com/juve/en/news/eng_aus%20tacconi%2023giugno2011%20news|archive-date=24 December 2014}} Goalkeeper Ned Doig, who spent most of his career with Sunderland, set a 19th-century world record by not conceding any goals in 87 of his 290 top-division appearances (30%).{{cite web|date=25 April 2018|title=History: Curiosities of World Football (1891–1900)|url=https://iffhs.de/history-curiosities-of-world-football-1891-1900|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827225306/https://iffhs.de/history-curiosities-of-world-football-1891-1900/|archive-date=27 August 2019|access-date=5 July 2020|website=IFFHS}}

Rogério Ceni has scored the most goals for a goalkeeper, having recorded 131 goals through free kicks and penalties across his 23-year career.{{cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2596345-rogerio-ceni-announces-retirement-after-1256-games-and-131-goals|title=Rogerio Ceni Retires After 1,256 Games and 131 Goals|work=Bleacher Report|date=6 December 2015|accessdate=30 July 2020|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108182806/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2596345-rogerio-ceni-announces-retirement-after-1256-games-and-131-goals|url-status=live}} Tony Read and José Luis Chilavert are the only goalkeepers to score a hat-trick (three goals in a game), with all three goals coming from penalty kicks.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3485602.stm |title=The hat-trick Hall of Fame |date=4 February 2005 |access-date=8 November 2008 |work=BBC Sport |first=Phil |last=McNulty |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803012829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3485602.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite book |title=Hatters Heroes |publisher=Roger Wash |first= Roger |last= Wash |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-9560832-0-3}}

Gianluigi Buffon is the only goalkeeper to have won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year Award.{{cite web|title=Buffon hailed after 500th Juventus appearance|url=http://m.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/2174295/|access-date=9 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210004127/http://m.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/2174295/|archive-date=10 February 2015}} Oliver Kahn holds the record for most UEFA Best Club Goalkeeper and Best European Goalkeeper Awards, with four.{{cite web|title=UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1498484.html|website=UEFA|access-date=11 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920105539/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1498484.html |archive-date=Sep 20, 2015 |date=1 May 2011}} Iker Casillas holds the record for most appearances by a goalkeeper in the FIFPro World11 and in the UEFA Team of the Year, as well as most IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper Awards, alongside Buffon and Manuel Neuer,{{cite web|url=http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2017-gianluigi-buffon-makes-it-five/|title=The World's Best Goalkeeper 2017: Gianluigi Buffon Makes It Five!|publisher=IFFHS |date=3 December 2017|access-date=3 December 2017 |archive-date=4 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171217/http://iffhs.de/the-worlds-best-goalkeeper-2017-gianluigi-buffon-makes-it-five/ |url-status=dead }} winning the award for five consecutive years between 2008 and 2012.{{cite web|title=Iker Casillas named World's Best Goalkeeper by IFFHS|url=http://sports.terra.com/soccer/iker-casillas-named-worlds-best-goalkeeper-by-iffhs,2c8f27e84a60c310VgnVCM4000009bcceb0aRCRD.html|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-date=9 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109203349/http://sports.terra.com/soccer/iker-casillas-named-worlds-best-goalkeeper-by-iffhs,2c8f27e84a60c310VgnVCM4000009bcceb0aRCRD.html|url-status=live}} Casillas held the record for the most clean sheets in UEFA Champions League history until being overtaken by Neuer on April 17, 2024. He also held the most number of appearances in the competition until Cristiano Ronaldo overtook him on September 30, 2021.{{cite web|author1=Edward Bennett|title=Most clean sheets in Champions League history: Iker Casillas moves ahead of Chelsea & Man United legends|url=http://www.caughtoffside.com/2015/04/23/most-clean-sheets-in-champions-league-history-iker-casillas-moves-ahead-of-chelsea-man-united-legends/7/|access-date=1 June 2015|date=23 April 2015|archive-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702044645/http://www.caughtoffside.com/2015/04/23/most-clean-sheets-in-champions-league-history-iker-casillas-moves-ahead-of-chelsea-man-united-legends/7/|url-status=live}}

At the international level, Dino Zoff has remained unbeaten for the longest period,{{cite web|title=Dino Zoff|url=http://www.planetworldcup.com/LEGENDS/zoff.html|access-date=26 June 2012|archive-date=16 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616145832/http://www.planetworldcup.com/LEGENDS/zoff.html|url-status=live}} whilst Walter Zenga holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in a FIFA World Cup tournament at 517 minutes.{{cite web|title=Zenga: I've Dedicated My Life to Football|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1455638.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623182812/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1455638.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2011|access-date=26 June 2012}} Gianluigi Buffon, Fabien Barthez and Iker Casillas hold the record for the fewest goals conceded by a winning goalkeeper in a World Cup tournament at two each.{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}} Buffon is the only World Cup–winning goalkeeper not to have conceded a goal in open play throughout the entire tournament, one goal having resulted from an own goal after a free kick, the other from a penalty.{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}} Fabien Barthez and Peter Shilton hold the record for most clean sheets in World Cup matches, with ten each.{{cite web |url=https://the18.com/soccer-entertainment/lists/fifa-mens-world-cup-records-greatest-all-time |title=The Greatest Men's World Cup Records Of All Time |last=Yoesting |first=Travis |date=3 May 2018 |website=The18 |access-date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716080029/https://the18.com/soccer-entertainment/lists/fifa-mens-world-cup-records-greatest-all-time |url-status=dead }} Mohamed Al-Deayea holds the record for most international caps by a male goalkeeper, with 178 official appearances for Saudi Arabia.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/15730285 |title=Egypt's Ahmed Hassan equals international {{sic|apper|ance|nolink=y}} record |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=24 April 2017 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000453/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/15730285 |url-status=live }} Hope Solo of the United States holds the record for most international caps by a female goalkeeper, with 202 appearances.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/08/24/uswnt-hope-solo-suspended-us-soccer-six-months-olympics-sweden-cowards|title=U.S. Soccer terminates Hope Solo's national team contract, bans her six months|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=August 24, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828000333/http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/08/24/uswnt-hope-solo-suspended-us-soccer-six-months-olympics-sweden-cowards|archive-date=August 28, 2016}}

Pascal Zuberbühler holds the record for the fewest goals conceded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup tournament and also went a record five successive matches at an international tournament without conceding a goal. He did not concede a goal in 463 minutes of World Cup play against France, Korea, and Togo—making Switzerland the only team in the history of the tournament not to concede a goal in normal time.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Tim Howard holds the record for most saves made in a single FIFA World Cup match, with sixteen against Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2014 tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/when-howards-heroics-broke-a-world-cup-record |title=When Howard's heroics broke a World Cup record |publisher=www.fifa.com |date=1 July 2022 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117211401/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/when-howards-heroics-broke-a-world-cup-record |url-status=live }} Oliver Kahn is the only goalkeeper to have won the Adidas Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament in a World Cup doing so in 2002.{{cite web |url=https://fcbayern.com/en/club/hall-of-fame/oliver-kahn |title=Oliver Kahn |publisher=fcbayern.com |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=6 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606072036/https://fcbayern.com/en/club/hall-of-fame/oliver-kahn |url-status=live }} Lev Yashin is the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or, given to the best player of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/646883|title=Why Manuel Neuer should not win the Ballon d'Or|date=2 December 2014|publisher=The Score|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130000455/https://www.thescore.com/news/646883|url-status=live}} In 2021, Gianluigi Donnarumma became the first goalkeeper to win the player of the tournament award at UEFA Euro 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/italy-hero-donnarumma-named-euro-2020-player-of-the/hxif6rw1w9p713eq4j86giys5 |title=Italy hero Donnarumma named Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament |publisher=www.goal.com |date=11 July 2021 |access-date=12 July 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712003726/https://www.goal.com/en/news/italy-hero-donnarumma-named-euro-2020-player-of-the/hxif6rw1w9p713eq4j86giys5 |url-status=live }} Gianluca Pagliuca of Italy became the first goalkeeper to be sent off in a World Cup finals match, dismissed for handling outside his area against Norway in 1994.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/06/06/italys-pagliuca-becomes-first-keeper-to-see-red/10037403/ |title=Italy's Pagliuca becomes first keeper to see red |work=USA TODAY |date=5 June 2014 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117201639/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/06/06/italys-pagliuca-becomes-first-keeper-to-see-red/10037403/ |url-status=live }} His team went on to win 1–0 and reached the final before losing to Brazil in a penalty shoot-out (the first time a World Cup final was decided by penalties),{{cite web |url=https://olympics.com/en/news/penalty-shootout-football-world-cup-stats |title=Penalty shootout in football: Rules and its history at the FIFA World Cup |publisher=olympics.com |last1=Nag |first1=Utathya |date=20 December 2022 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816071904/https://olympics.com/en/news/penalty-shootout-football-world-cup-stats |url-status=live }} in which Pagliuca became the first goalkeeper ever to stop a penalty in a World Cup Final shoot-out.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/soccer/longterm/aj/1994.htm |title=1994 Final Kick Means World to Brazil |newspaper=The Washington Post |last1=Howard |first1=Johnette |date=18 July 1994 |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=10 February 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020210061918/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/soccer/longterm/aj/1994.htm |url-status=live }}

Iker Casillas holds both the record for the fewest goals conceded in a UEFA European Championship (only one in 2012), and the record for the longest unbeaten run at a European Championship, beating the previous record held by Dino Zoff.{{cite web|author1=Javier Estepa|title=Casillas, world record-breaking goalkeeper|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/07/02/en/football/national_teams/1341180644.html|work=Marca|access-date=1 June 2015|date=2 July 2012|archive-date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710070637/http://www.marca.com/2012/07/02/en/football/national_teams/1341180644.html|url-status=live}} He also holds the record for most international clean sheets (102) by a male goalkeeper, beating the previous record held by Edwin van der Sar (72), and became the first goalkeeper in history, male or female, to keep 100 clean sheets at international level in 2015; he also shares with Hope Solo the overall men's and women's record for most international clean sheets.{{cite web|url=http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2012/m=5/news=international-feats-and-fitting-farewell-1641297.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014235/http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2012/m=5/news=international-feats-and-fitting-farewell-1641297.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=International feats and a fitting farewell|publisher=FIFA|access-date=1 June 2015|date=30 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://as.com/diarioas/2015/11/13/english/1447451183_829981.html|title=Casillas into three figures – 100 clean sheets for Spain|publisher=as.com|date=13 November 2015|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142042/https://as.com/diarioas/2015/11/13/english/1447451183_829981.html|url-status=dead}} Buffon holds the record for most minutes without conceding a goal in European Championship qualifying matches at 644.{{cite web|title=Buffon, felice per il record di imbattibilità|url=http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/calcio/2011/09/07/visualizza_new.html_726941330.html|access-date=19 August 2013|archive-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022042205/http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/calcio/2011/09/07/visualizza_new.html_726941330.html|url-status=live}}

On 26 February 1983, Pat Jennings became the first player to make 1,000 senior appearances in English football. In the 1986 World Cup, held in Mexico, he was turning 41, making him the World Cup's oldest-ever participant at the time. In 1976, PFA awarded him the Players' Player of the Year award making him the first goalkeeper to ever receive this accolade.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Rhett |date=2022-05-24 |title=Soccer Goalie: The Secrets On How To Be A Good Goalkeeper |url=https://historyofsoccer.info/soccer-goalie |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=History Of Soccer |language=en-US |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202130242/https://historyofsoccer.info/soccer-goalie |url-status=live }}

Before the 21st century, goalkeepers generally commanded far lower transfer fees than outfield players; as of 1992 the highest transfer fee paid by a British club for an outfield player was £2.9 million but the record for a goalkeeper was less than half that figure at £1.3 million.{{cite book|editor1-last=Bateson|editor1-first=Bill|editor2-last=Sewell |editor2-first=Albert |title=News of the World Football Annual 1992–93 |publisher=Invincible Press |date=1992|isbn=978-0-85543-188-4 |pages=287–288}}

{{As of|July 2025}}, the most expensive goalkeeper of all time is Kepa Arrizabalaga, following his 2018 €80 million (£71 million) transfer to Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao.

Awards

• Best European Goalkeeper
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Teams
• Golden Glove awards
• IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper
• The Best FIFA Goalkeeper
• UEFA Best Club Goalkeeper Award

Other

• Association football positions
• List of goalscoring goalkeepers
• List of most expensive association football transfers
• List of outfield association footballers who played in goal

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{commons category-inline|Association football goalkeepers}}

{{Goalkeeper}}

{{Association football}}

{{IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Goalkeeper (Association Football)}}

Category:Goalkeeping

Category:Association football positions

Category:Association football terminology

Category:Association football player non-biographical articles