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Football is a game that showcases many unpredictable events. And one such event that belongs to the rarest of the categories is an outfield player taking up the position of a goalkeeper. This is not a decision the manager takes out of interest, but out of compulsion.
Managers are compelled to make such decisions as a last resort since a team without a goalkeeper is already defeated. The coach then puts the hopes on the next best option in that position either from the bench or from the remaining players on the pitch if he runs out of substitutions.
The goalkeeper's role is often underestimated, and the reality of it was understood the hard way in such situations. Over the years, many players have been forced to act as goalkeepers and they were a sight to behold. But world-class players being forced to play this role is a rare sight. We will be viewing five such players who came in to rescue their clubs after their goalkeepers were either sent off or injured:
#5 Harry Kane
The 28-year-old English striker is considered one of the best in the world. A Tottenham Hotspur player from the beginning, he became the club's star under Mauricio Pochettino's reign. However, on an eventful day, he even had to take over the goalkeeping duties.
Spurs were comfortably winning against Asteras Tripolis in the 2014 Europa League tie. Kane scored the first hat-trick of his career in this match. But the heroics were coated by his performance in the final minutes.
Cruising 5-0, the game was already in the bag. However, in an attempt to secure a clean sheet, Hugo Lloris rushed out of the box and his attempt to clear the ball failed.
He was shown a straight red for his tackle and Kane was forced to wear the gloves as Pochettino used all his substitutes. The first shot he faced was the free-kick from the foul and it was embarrassing. Kane was unable to handle the ball and it ultimately found the back of the net. The match ultimately ended 5-1 in favor of Spurs.
#4 Kyle Walker
The 31-year-old full-back joined Manchester City in 2017 after a long spell with Tottenham Hotspur. With 10 trophies since joining them, Walker has been enjoying a successful time so far. He has been a crucial part of the team with his pace being unmatched.
In November 2019, Manchester City were put in a tough situation when they lost both their goalkeepers against Atalanta in the Champions League fixture. Ederson was subbed at half-time due to an injury and Claudio Bravo, who replaced him, was sent-off with 10 minutes remaining.
Walker did pretty decently for a non-goalkeeper, saving a free-kick as well as a point for City.
#3 Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand also took up the gloves, however, he could not help produce a favorable outcome. Ferdinand had a dominant partnership alongside Nemanja Vidic at the club and the duo have won many games and trophies together.
He might be an expert defender, but his goalkeeping skills are nowhere near it. Manchester United were facing Portsmouth in an FA Cup fixture back in 2008. They had lost Edwin van der Sar due to an injury and his replacement, Tomasz Kuszczak, was sent off in the 76th minute.
They conceded a penalty and Ferdinand was given the responsibility to save it. Although he tried very hard, he could not stop the shot, and it was the decisive goal as United were knocked out of the competition.
#2 John Terry
Another prolific name to go between the sticks was John Terry. The Chelsea captain had an enormous career at Stamford Bridge and enjoyed a successful 20-year stint with the Blues.
In 2006, the year they won back-to-back Premier League titles, they faced a rather compelling fixture. Chelsea lost Petr Cech in the first minute of the match against Reading due to a head injury. Substitute goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was also injured after a nasty collision and Jose Mourinho was out of substitutions.
Terry took the responsibility and did a very good job. He made some important saves and Chelsea secured a crucial win.
#1 Dani Alves
The 38-year-old veteran is the most decorated player in the world with 43 titles to his name. His spells with Barcelona, Juventus and PSG helped him achieve the feat. Alves was a free agent after his contract with Sao Paulo ended on a rough note in September 2021.
However, he made a surprising return to his former club, Barcelona, earlier this month under the new management of Xavi. Although he has joined them, he will not be able to make his appearance until January.
The Brazilian has also made an appearance as a goalkeeper in his career. The opportunity came when he played for PSG. Kevin Trapp was sent off in the 90th minute of the match against Sochaux. Having used all the substitutes, Unai Emery was left with no other option than to field an outfield player.
Thomas Meunier was originally meant to take the spot, but the miscommunication between the manager and the players saw Alves take up the role. Notably, it lasted for only about a few seconds as the game drew to a close soon after.
