The ranking of history’s greatest goalkeepers features notable names such as CSKA Moscow captain Igor Akinfeev and former Spartak Moscow stopper Rinat Dasaev, as recognized by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).
In compiling the rating, IFFHS drew on statistical data dating back to 1987. Dasaev sits in 37th place with 57 points, while Akinfeev appears at 47th with 47 points.
Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, who spent his prime years with Parma, was named the all-time best goalkeeper, earning 357 points. Real Madrid and Spain’s Iker Casillas follows in second place with 260 points, and Manuel Neuer, the long-time Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper, ranks third.
Neuer’s status shifted at the end of 2022 after Germany exited the World Cup in Qatar when he sustained a leg injury in a skiing incident. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and will be unavailable for competitive action this season.
In a recent interview, Neuer criticized club leadership for parting ways with Toni Tapalovic, the goalkeeper coach. Tapalovic’s resignation, announced on January 24, stemmed from differences with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and the broader management team of the club that has led the Bundesliga champions since 2011.
Earlier, Rinat Dasaev, who earned silver with the USSR at the 1988 European Championship, reflected on the current generation of Russian national team goalkeepers during the March training camp context. His insights highlighted the evolving standards and expectations placed on contemporary shot-stoppers in Russia and beyond.