From World Cup champions to contemporary icons, these goalkeepers have achieved the highest number of clean sheets in FIFA World Cup history. Let’s take a closer look at the elite shutout specialists…
1/9From World Cup champions to modern icons, these goalkeepers have racked up the most clean sheets in FIFA World Cup history. Here’s a glance at the shutout legends, according to official FIFA data. (REUTERS)
2/9Fabien Barthez (France)
10 clean sheets in 17 appearances
Fabien Barthez shares the all-time World Cup record with 10 clean sheets over 17 appearances. The French legend maintained 5 clean sheets in 7 matches in 1998, 1 in 3 in 2002, and 4 in 7 in 2006, conceding 8 goals at an average of 0.47 goals per game.
3/9Peter Shilton (England)
10 clean sheets in 17 appearances
Peter Shilton, the English icon, also achieved 10 clean sheets in 17 World Cup matches. He recorded 4 clean sheets in 5 matches in 1982, 3 in 5 in 1986, and 3 in 7 in 1990, allowing 10 goals at an average of 0.59 per game.
4/9Unai Simon (Spain)
8 clean sheets in 11 appearances
Unai Simon from Spain has surged into a tie for third place with 8 clean sheets in just 11 appearances. He achieved 2 clean sheets in 4 matches during 2022 and 6 in 7 matches in 2026, conceding only 4 goals at an average of 0.36 goals per game.
5/9The eight clean sheet club (Spain) (Leao left, Sepp Maier Right)
Jan Jongbloed, Leao, Sepp Maier, Taffarel, Thibaut Courtois, and Hugo Lloris have each recorded 8 clean sheets in World Cup history.
Jan Jongbloed: 8 in 12 appearances
Leao: 8 in 14
Sepp Maier: 8 in 18
Taffarel: 8 in 18
Thibaut Courtois: 8 in 21
Hugo Lloris: 8 in 20
6/9Alisson (Brazil)
7 clean sheets in 14 appearances
Alisson of Brazil achieved 7 clean sheets in 14 World Cup games. He secured 3 clean sheets in 5 matches in 2018, 2 in 4 in 2022, and 2 in 5 in 2026, while conceding 9 goals at an average of 0.64 goals per game.
7/9Gilmar (Brazil)(Standing second from the left)
7 clean sheets in 14 appearances
Gilmar, a two-time World Cup champion, also finished with 7 clean sheets in 14 appearances. He recorded 4 clean sheets in 6 matches in 1958, 2 in 6 in 1962, and 1 in 2 in 1966, allowing 12 goals at an average of 0.86 goals per game.
8/9Casillas, Muslera, and Neuer
Three additional legendary goalkeepers round out the list with 7 clean sheets each.
Iker Casillas: 7 clean sheets in 17 appearances.
Fernando Muslera: 7 in 19 appearances.
Manuel Neuer: 7 in 23 appearances.
9/9The Legacy
Only 14 goalkeepers have achieved 7 or more clean sheets in FIFA World Cup history, showcasing the significance of top-notch goalkeeping on football’s grandest stage. Spain’s Unai Simon has emerged as the latest addition to this esteemed list following his remarkable 2026 campaign.
