Introduction
Are you a football fan who appreciates the skill and talent of goalkeepers? If so, you're in for a treat! The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has been honoring the best goalkeepers in the world since 1987. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding performances of goalkeepers throughout the calendar year. Let's take a closer look at this remarkable accolade and the exceptional players who have taken home the title of the World's Best Goalkeeper.
Belgian goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff was the first-ever winner of the award in 1987.
The IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award is highly regarded in the football community. It is voted on by the IFFHS's editorial staff and experts from different continents. The winner is announced at the end of the year and is presented with a prestigious gold trophy at the World Football Gala.
Men's Winners
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon holds the record for the most wins, alongside Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas.
Over the years, several exceptional goalkeepers have claimed the title of the World's Best. Among them, Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, and Manuel Neuer have stood out with an impressive five wins each. Casillas, in fact, secured the award consecutively for five years between 2008 and 2012.
Take a look at the complete list of winners since the inception of the award in 1987, starting with Belgium's Jean-Marie Pfaff, who was the inaugural recipient. Bayern Munich leads the pack of winning clubs with a total of nine victories.
Women's Winners
American goalkeeper Hope Solo won the award four times in a row.
The IFFHS also honors the best women goalkeepers in the world. Since the introduction of the Women's Best Goalkeeper award in 2012, remarkable players such as Hope Solo, Sarah Bouhaddi, and Sari van Veenendaal have been recognized for their exceptional skills between the posts.
Statistics and Noteworthy Performances
Let's dive into some fascinating statistics and achievements of these exceptional goalkeepers:
- Gianluigi Buffon has made it into the top three an unprecedented fourteen times, including his record-equalling five wins.
- The World's Best Goalkeeper of the Century (1901-2000) title was awarded to Lev Yashin, a legendary Soviet goalkeeper.
- Almuth Schult from Germany was named the World's Best Woman Goalkeeper of the Decade for her stellar performances in the 2010s.
- Manuel Neuer, a German goalkeeper, received the title of the World's Best Goalkeeper of the Decade (2011-2020) for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
- The IFFHS also recognizes the top goalkeepers from each continent, showcasing the global reach and diversity of the sport.
These accolades are a testament to the talent and dedication of these remarkable athletes who have graced the world of football.
Conclusion
The IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award is a prestigious recognition of the remarkable talents of goalkeepers from around the world. The list of winners includes some of the most iconic names in the sport, from Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas to Hope Solo and Sarah Bouhaddi. These men and women have displayed exceptional skills and resilience, earning their rightful place as the best in their craft.
As football fans, we should appreciate the immense value these goalkeepers bring to their teams. Their agility, reflexes, and bravery between the posts contribute significantly to the success of their respective clubs and national teams. Let's celebrate the artistry of goalkeeping and applaud these extraordinary athletes who have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
