From nerve-shredding penalty shootouts to breathtaking last-ditch saves, World Cup goalkeepers have often been the unsung heroes of football’s grandest stage. One stat that stands out above all others for these guardians of the net is the clean sheet, a match where the keeper doesn’t concede a single goal.
Let us have a look at the seven goalkeepers with most clean sheets in the FIFA World Cup:
1. Peter Shilton – The English Wall
England’s legendary keeper tops the charts with 10 clean sheets across three World Cups (1982, 1986 and 1990). Known for his incredible positioning and shot-stopping ability, Shilton was a rock at the back throughout the 1980s, helping England reach deep into tournaments.
2. Fabien Barthez – France’s Golden Glove Protector
Matching Shilton’s tally, Barthez also recorded 10 clean sheets in his World Cup career from 1998 to 2006. His most memorable run came in France’s triumphant 1998 campaign, where his saves under pressure were key to lifting the trophy.
3. Jan Jongbloed – Dutch Defensive Dynamo
The Netherlands’ cult hero boasts eight World Cup clean sheets. His performances in the 1970s embodied the Dutch style of “Total Football”, with Jongbloed bringing both skill and daring to his role between the sticks.
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4. Leão – Brazil’s Stalwart Stopper
Brazil’s Leão also chalked up eight clean sheets on soccer’s biggest stage. A commanding presence for Brazil during the 1974 and 1978 tournaments, he blended agility with leadership in front of goal.
5. Sepp Maier – The German Cat
Sepp Maier, affectionately nicknamed “The Cat from Anzing”, joined the elite with eight World Cup clean sheets. His quick reflexes and consistency were vital in West Germany’s successes in the 1970s.
6. Cláudio Taffarel – Brazil’s Barrier Builder
Another Brazilian great, Taffarel also notched eight clean sheets across multiple World Cups. He was a cornerstone of Brazil’s defense in the 1990s, mixing calmness under fire with big-moment saves.
7. Manuel Neuer- Modern-Era Maestro
Germany’s modern icon registered seven clean sheets in World Cup action. His role in Germany’s 2014 triumph was especially notable, as his p
