9 Greatest Saves in Football History (Ranked)

The saying goes that a great save is as valuable as a goal, but they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. The BBC has been awarding a 'Goal of the Season' title since 1970, but it wasn't until 2022 that the first 'Save of the Season' was introduced in English football.

While saves may not receive the same level of attention as goals that hit the back of the net, a select few exceptional stops have secured their place in football history. Whether on the grand stage of a World Cup final or in a high-stakes Champions League encounter, some of the greatest goalkeepers to ever wear gloves have etched their names into the sport's lore.

An unfortunate group of strikers has been thwarted by razor-sharp reflexes, elastic dives, and acrobatic displays, preventing what would have been unforgettable goals. Focusing on the often-overlooked position of goalkeeper, we now turn to some of the greatest saves in football history.

Ranking Factors:

• Shot Quality: The speed and precision of the shot determine how difficult it was for the goalkeeper to react and make the save.
• Occasion: While there may have been more technically impressive saves, the context of the moment—whether it’s a pivotal match or a defining moment in a tournament—adds significant weight.
• Legacy: Saves that have been mythologized or remembered over the years are given special consideration in this ranking.

9. Mert Gunok vs Austria (2024)

Team: Turkey

Ralf Rangnick had just guided Austria to the top of Euro 2024's 'Group of Death' but saw his vibrant team exit in the knockout stages after a thrilling 2-1 defeat to Turkey. Yet, the former Manchester United manager still managed to maintain his sense of humour. "We had time to score an equalizer," he sighed, "but it's hard when they have Gordon Banks in goal!"

In reality, Turkey owed their victory to the acrobatics of Mert Günok, not Banks. The 35-year-old former basketball player remained sharp in the dying seconds of stoppage time, as Austria swung in another cross. Christoph Baumgartner powered a header towards goal, sending the ball bouncing on the slick surface of the RB Arena. But Günok read the bounce perfectly, using every bit of his 196cm frame to claw the ball away. Turkey's coach, Vincenzo Montella, remained unfazed by the praise, telling the BBC: "That’s his job."

8. Iker Casillas vs Netherlands (2010)

Team: Spain

Iker Casillas is known for his humility, sometimes to a fault. One of the greatest World Cup-winning goalkeepers in history, he played a crucial role in keeping Spain’s 2010 final against the Netherlands goalless, before Andrés Iniesta scored the iconic winner. In the second half, with the match still tied, Arjen Robben—one of the Netherlands’ all-time greats—broke through on goal. Casillas took a gamble, but guessed wrong. As he dived to his left, Robben aimed for the opposite corner, only for the ball to deflect off Casillas’ foot and veer wide of the post.

Spain celebrated Casillas as a hero, but the keeper downplayed the save. "It was just good luck," he shrugged. "I’m convinced that if Robben and I played that moment ten times, he’d probably score nine of them."

7. Dino Zoff vs Brazil (1982)

Team: Italy

Dino Zoff's legendary save against Brazil's Oscar in the 1982 World Cup is so iconic it is simply known as la Parata—"The Save." At 40 years old, the Italy captain displayed reflexes far beyond his years, diving to smother a powerful downward header from Oscar. In a moment of sheer determination, Zoff not only kept the ball from crossing the line but pulled it into his chest, preserving Italy's slim lead in the dying moments of the match.

Brazil had already equalized twice in what became one of the greatest games in World Cup history, but Zoff’s heroic intervention ensured Italy held on for a 3-2 victory. Normally a reserved figure, Zoff was so overwhelmed by the emotion of the win and his pivotal role in it that he spontaneously interrupted a TV interview to kiss his manager, Enzo Bearzot, in a raw display of joy.

6. Gianluigi Buffon vs Milan (2003)

Team: Juventus

Despite the 2003 Champions League final between Juventus and Milan being often criticized for its dullness, the match erupted into chaos right from the start. Gianluigi Buffon had already watched Andriy Shevchenko's effort fly past him, only for it to be ruled out, within the opening eight minutes. Then, in the 17th minute, the ball was swung into the penalty area once more.

Filippo Inzaghi, ever the poacher, threw himself at the ball with a head-first dive, sending a powerful shot from 10 yards toward the bottom corner. Buffon, moving in the opposite direction, seemed beaten. Yet, with his signature agility, he twisted his massive frame just enough to flick the ball around the post. Inzaghi’s priceless reaction—crumpled on his knees, hands clutching his slicked-back hair, his gaze a mix of disbelief and frustration—perfectly captured the brilliance of Buffon, a man often referred to as 'the Maradona of goalkeepers.'