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#3 Manuel Neuer
The German custodian is perhaps the most complete goalkeeper in the world right now, and has pretty much redefined the word sweeper-keeper in the last decade or so.
Neuer’s precocious talent first came to the fore at Schalke, as he played an important role at the back for manager Ralf Rangnick.
The German’s ability to cut out danger by stepping out of his box and comfort zone allowed Schalke to play with their high-pressing approach.
Neuer earned a big-money move to Bayern Munich, and has since won everything in club football. Neuer has been part of two treble-winning Bayern Munich teams, and also helped Germany to their fourth World Cup in 2014.
The German’s incredible reflexes, shot-stopping ability and proactive thinking at the back have already inspired a new generation of goalkeepers.
In 2014, Neuer’s performances were so good that he finished third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
#2 Gianluigi Buffon
Now 43, Gigi Buffon is well past his peak and is back at his old stomping ground Parma. The current generation of football fans will perhaps never fully know how good Buffon was around a decade ago.
The Italian was part of an impenetrable defense for Italy during the 2006 World Cup. If you could get past the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi, you still had to beat Buffon in goal. And that was easier said than done.
In his prime, Buffon’s reflexes astounded the strikers who could barely believe he saved their goal-bound shots. His positioning and footwork are also impeccable, which is why he is going strong at 43.
One of the most prominent Buffon moments that come to mind is his save to deny Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final. Buffon got to Zidane’s powerful header, from a delightful Willy Sagnol cross, with his incredible reflexes. His positioning to make the save was equally impressive.
#1 Lev Yashin
Yashin’s reflex and speed will perhaps never be matched. Known as the Black Spider, Yashin is the only goalkeeper on the list to win the Ballon d’Or when he won it ahead of Gianni Rivera and Jimmy Greaves in 1963.
Regarded by many as the best goalkeeper to have played the game, Yashin’s skill and ability in the mid-20th century was perhaps never seen before.
The then Soviet Union goalkeeper's athleticism in goal was good enough to claw out saves that not many could save in that era.
