Often hailed as one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, the FIFA World Cup is followed by millions of football aficionados from all over the world. The star-studded history of the FIFA World Cup, which spans over decades, has witnessed numerous legendary goalkeepers who have dominated the game by stopping the most crucial goals and have also maintained the highest number of clean sheets in numerous World Cup editions throughout their glorious professional football careers.
Numerous legendary goalkeepers, including Manuel Neuer, Lev Yashin, Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas and many others, have dominated the opponent teams with their unmatched goalkeeping skills and have led their teams to commanding victories at the World Cup. Have you ever wondered about the top-notch goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the FIFA World Cup? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four legendary goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup: Top 4 Goalkeepers With Most Clean Sheets
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Peter Shilton, England
The legendary English professional football player Peter Shilton, who played as a goalkeeper, is at the first spot in our list of the top four goalkeepers who hold the record for maximum clean sheets in the history of the World Cup. Throughout his glorious international football career which lasted from 1970 to 1990, Peter Shilton played a total of three World Cup editions in the years 1982 (Spain), 1986 (Mexico), 1990 (Italy) and appeared in a record total of seventeen World Cup matches. Additionally, Peter Shilton holds the record for holding a record total of ten clean sheets, which continues to be the highest aggregate as of 2025, speaking volumes about his unwavering dominance in the game.
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Fabien Barthez, France
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At the second spot in our list of the top four legendary goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the FIFA World Cup, we have the French former professional football player Fabien Barthez, who played as a goalkeeper throughout his international career that lasted from 1994 to 2006. Also, throughout his star-studded professional football career, Fabien Barthez played a total of three World Cup editions in the years 1998, 2002 and 2006.
Also, Fabien Barthez maintained a record total of ten clean sheets throughout his glorious FIFA World Cup career, ranking him at the second spot on our list. Moreover, Fabien Barthez clinched the 1998 FIFA World Cup and played a total of seventeen World Cup matches throughout his career.
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Gilmar, Brazil
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four goalkeepers who hold the record for maximum clean sheets in the history of the World Cup, we have the legendary Brazilian professional football player Gilmar, who played as a goalkeeper for the Brazil national football team from 1953 to 1969. Often hailed as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, Gilmar played a total of two World Cup editions in the years 1958 and 1962 and established himself as the only professional goalkeeper to clinch a record total of two consecutive World Cup editions as the starting keeper.
Also, Gilmar maintained a record total of seven clean sheets throughout his star-studded World Cup career, which continues to be the third-highest aggregate as of 2025. Owing to his successful exploits, Gilmar continues to be one of the greatest professional football players of all-time.
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Manuel Neuer, Germany
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four legendary goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the FIFA World Cup, we have the trailblazing German professional football player who plays as a goalkeeper for the German national football team and also captains the Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. Often regarded as one of the most dominant goalkeepers in the world, Manuel Neuer has played a total of four World Cup editions in the years 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. As of 2025, Manuel Neuer holds the record for fourth-highest number of clean sheets in World Cup history, i.e. seven, speaking volumes about his unwavering dominance in the game.
