.png){kind=logo}
As goalkeepers often perform exceptionally well even in their 30s and occasionally reaching 40s, they can exert a more prolonged influence on the sport compared to several field players.
The top goalkeepers globally boast thousands of clean sheets combined.
In this analysis, we've examined the eight goalkeepers who boast the highest number of clean sheets, based on data provided by Transfermarkt.
8. Hugo Lloris – 334*
Even though he was benched towards the end of his 447-game tenure with Tottenham, Lloris managed to bounce back following his departure. During his time at Spurs, the French goalkeeper recorded 151 clean sheets, adding to his previous tally of 67 with Lyon and 30 with Nice.
Following his departure from North London, Lloris joined LAFC, accumulating 23 clean sheets in 55 matches played for the team.
His statistics representing France might be the most notable, however. Lloris appeared for the previous world champions 145 times – maintaining three clean sheets during their 2018 victory – and recorded 63 shutouts in total.
He can stay with his present team until at least the end of 2026, which means Lloris may still have room to ascend further in club soccer.
7. Pepe Reina – 371*
In every league Reina has participated in, he has made an impact. Considering he spent a significant part of his career alongside legendary Spaniard Iker Casillas, Reina managed to secure 36 caps for the national team, recording clean sheets in 21 matches.
In other instances, he has excelled, maintaining at least 50 clean sheets across three different clubs: Liverpool — where he was based for eight years — Villarrel and Naples. Reina has represented Barcelona, Lazio, AC Milan, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and his present team, Como, achieving standard metrics with these teams.
The fact that he continues to play suggests his total of 371 might keep increasing. However, since he left his previous team, Villarreal, where he mentioned wanting to pen the final page of his career, it indicates that he may be nearing retirement soon.
6. Igor Akinfeev – 376*
At 38 years of age, Akinfeev remains in top form. As the most enduring player in the Russian Premier League, he has made an impressive 788 appearances for just one team: CSKA Moscow.
He has assisted them in winning six league championships along with one UEFA Cup and several additional honors. In terms of club records, Akinfeev has recorded 328 clean sheets, which rises to 376 when combined with his international statistics.
The Russian still has one year remaining on his current contract, which means he can climb further up the rankings.
5. Manuel Neuer – 393*
It’s highly likely that Neuer will climb at least one position on this list, possibly even higher based on how long he continues playing. Recently, the German goalkeeper has faced some injury issues, which means his statistics aren’t improving as frequently as they did several years back.
Following 80 clean sheets for Schalke during his formative years, Neuer received a transfer to Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich, where he has amassed an additional 262 shutouts.
In soccer at an international level, the player, who is 39 years old, boasts 51 clean sheets, accumulating a career tally of 393 and still growing.
4. Petr Čech – 399
It is uncommon for a player to be released by a Premier League club where he was considered a legend, only because his performance seems to have declined, and then continue his career at another level almost seamlessly. In Cech's case, following an outstanding tenure with Chelsea , he went on to continue playing for Arsenal.
His most successful years professionally were spent at Stamford Bridge, during which time he claimed 15 titles, such as several Premier Leagues and a Champions League.
He maintained 228 shutouts across 494 matches with the Blues, and at one point only allowed 13 goals throughout a Premier League season, prior to sitting out the final three fixtures where an additional two goals were scored against Chelsea. That particular season saw his longest streak without conceding being 10 consecutive games.
Following his departure from Chelsea in 2015, he recorded an additional 54 clean sheets with Arsenal, helping them win the FA Cup in 2017. During his tenure at the Emirates Stadium, he achieved a remarkable milestone as the sole goalkeeper to attain 200 Premier League clean sheets. Adding up all his shutouts, including 342 at the club level and 57 for Czech Republic, brings his total number of clean sheets to 499.
Emphasizing his abilities as a defensive player, he subsequently had a brief stint as a professional ice hockey player.
3. Edwin van der Sar – 439
Closely associated with the prominent period at Manchester United during the 2000s, Van der Sar stands out as one of the finest players to have worn the Red Devils' jersey.
He claimed 11 trophies with them and had a streak of 14 Premier League matches without letting in any goals – a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Although he maintained 135 clean sheets with Manchester United, his highest tally was achieved at Ajax, where he recorded 139 shutouts. In terms of club appearances, he had an additional 52 clean sheets with Fulham and 41 with Juventus, summing up to 367 cleansheets overall. Furthermore, he contributed another 72 clean sheets playing internationally for the Netherlands.
2. Iker Casillas – 440
One of the absolute greatest goaltenders in the history of the sport, Casillas Once achieved victory in both the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and UEFA Champions League simultaneously. He played a pivotal role for Spain and Real Madrid during these victories.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he maintained five shutouts, and in the subsequent European Championships, he recorded four more. Spain emerged victorious in both tournaments. Throughout his career, Casillas achieved a record of 102 clean sheets for his country and secured an additional 338 at the club level.
He concluded his career with 440 clean sheets to his credit, departing as an unquestionable legend.
QUIZ: Could you list all the World Cup-winning goalkeepers since 1966?
1. Gianluigi Buffon – 506
In international soccer exclusively, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon maintained 77 shutouts in 176 matches. As he played successfully even as he reached his forties, it's not surprising that Buffon managed to accumulate an impressive total of clean sheets.
During his time in club football, he kept a total of 429 clean sheets. Out of these, an impressive 322 were achieved while playing for Juventus, where he became a legendary figure after appearing in 685 matches.
Altogether, including his time with both club and national teams, Buffon achieved an impressive total of 506 clean sheets.
READ NEXT : The premier league’s lifetime top 10 goal scorers: Salah nearing the fourth spot…
TRY A QUIZ : Could you list the highest-scoring player from each nationality in the Premier League?
