Goalkeepers often enjoy longer careers than outfield players, sometimes playing well into their late 30s and even 40s. This longevity allows them to leave a lasting impact on the game, with some of the greatest shot-stoppers in history amassing hundreds of clean sheets over the years.
Using statistics from Transfermarkt, we take a look at the eight goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the 21st century.
8. Hugo Lloris – 334*
Despite being benched toward the end of his 447-game career with Tottenham, Hugo Lloris has continued to perform at a high level since leaving the club.
The Frenchman kept 151 clean sheets for Spurs after recording 67 with Lyon and 30 with Nice earlier in his career. Since moving to LAFC, he has added another 23 clean sheets in 55 appearances.
His international record is equally impressive. With 145 caps for France, he recorded 63 clean sheets, including three during their 2018 World Cup-winning campaign. Lloris has an option to remain with LAFC until at least 2026, meaning he could still climb higher in these rankings.
7. Pepe Reina – 371*
Pepe Reina has delivered top performances at every club he has played for. While he was often overshadowed by Iker Casillas at the international level, he still managed 36 appearances for Spain, keeping 21 clean sheets.
At the club level, Reina has been remarkably consistent, achieving at least 50 clean sheets for Liverpool, Villarreal, and Napoli. He also played for Barcelona, Lazio, AC Milan, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, and currently Como, adding to his tally.
Although still active, Reina has hinted at retirement soon, meaning his clean sheet count may not rise much further.
6. Igor Akinfeev – 376*
A true one-club legend, Igor Akinfeev has spent his entire career at CSKA Moscow, making 788 appearances. The Russian goalkeeper has played a key role in six league title wins, a UEFA Cup triumph, and numerous domestic honors.
At the club level, he has kept 328 clean sheets, and when combined with his international record, his tally stands at 376. With a year left on his contract, Akinfeev still has the opportunity to climb the rankings.
5. Manuel Neuer – 393*
Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and he continues to add to his clean sheet total despite struggling with injuries in recent years.
He kept 80 clean sheets for Schalke before securing a move to Bayern Munich, where he has since recorded 262. Additionally, he has 51 clean sheets at the international level, bringing his career total to 393.
Given his quality, Neuer is likely to move up this list before he eventually retires.
4. Petr Čech – 399
Petr Čech was one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever goalkeepers, excelling at both Chelsea and Arsenal.
During his time at Chelsea, Čech won 15 major trophies, including multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League. He kept 228 clean sheets in 494 appearances for the Blues, including a record-breaking season where he conceded just 13 goals.
Following his move to Arsenal, he added another 54 clean sheets in 107 matches. He remains the only goalkeeper to have reached 200 Premier League clean sheets. Čech also recorded 57 clean sheets for the Czech Republic, bringing his career total to 399.
After retiring from football, he briefly pursued a career as a professional ice hockey player.
3. Edwin van der Sar – 439
Edwin van der Sar was a key figure in Manchester United’s dominant era in the 2000s.
During his time at Old Trafford, he won 11 trophies and set a Premier League record by going 14 consecutive matches without conceding. He kept 135 clean sheets for United, though his highest club total came with Ajax (139).
Van der Sar also recorded 52 clean sheets for Fulham and 41 for Juventus, bringing his club total to 367. Adding his 72 clean sheets for the Netherlands, his final tally stands at 439.
2. Iker Casillas – 440
Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, having won the World Cup, European Championships, and Champions League.
During Spain’s golden era, Casillas kept five clean sheets at the 2010 World Cup and four at Euro 2012, helping his nation win both tournaments. His international tally of 102 clean sheets is the highest ever recorded.
At the club level, he managed 338 clean sheets, bringing his career total to 440. Casillas retired as a true legend of the game.
1. Gianluigi Buffon – 506
Topping the list is Gianluigi Buffon, whose career spanned over two decades at the highest level.
Buffon kept 77 clean sheets in 176 international appearances for Italy, playing a key role in their 2006 World Cup triumph. At the club level, he recorded 429 clean sheets, with 322 coming during his legendary spell at Juventus.
With a total of 506 clean sheets, Buffon holds the record for the most shutouts in football history. His longevity and consistency cement his status as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game.
These legendary goalkeepers have defined eras with their shot-stopping abilities, discipline, and leadership between the posts. While some have retired, others continue to add to their incredible records, leaving an enduring legacy in football history.
