Goalkeepers are known to have a longer career than outfield players. Apart from having a longer career, goalkeepers can also continue to perform at top level than outfield players.This article is inspired by the career of Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon is 40 already and I thought he would retire at the end of last season but the Italian legend instead went to PSG. This guy doesn't know when to quit.As a result, I decided to travel through time( I'm not the flash though 😀) and compile a list of goalkeepers who had long careers and played until the age 40.
1.GIANLUIGI BUFFON
You seriously weren't expecting me to mention someone else as No 1 right? I'm inspired by Buffon to write this article, so it's only fitting he's first on my list.
Buffon has enjoyed a successful career. He's won the world cup with Italy and nine Serie A title with Juventus but the Champions League still eludes him. Hopefully, he will get that at Juventus.
At 40, it's clear that Gigi's reflexes have slowed but he makes up for it with his extraordinary positioning and excellent control of the penalty area. Who knows, he might be the PSG's missing puzzle to win the UCL.
Also, he will be a good influence and role model to PSG's goalkeepers Areola and Trapp.
2. LEV YASHIN
Nicknamed " The Black Panther" or "Black Spider", Yashin is the only goalkeeper to ever win a Ballon D'Or. Called the " black spider " because it seems he has eight arms to catch everything and called "black panther" because of his incredible reflex and acrobatic saves. The only goalkeeper to save over 150 penalties, Yashin is regarded as the greatest goalkeeper of all time. He retired at age 41. It is worth mentioning that he's fond of rushing out to meet attackers, acting as an extra defender and starring counter attacks. This man redefined goalkeeping. Hats off, Yashin, the GOAT of the goalkeepers.
3. EDWIN VAN DER SAR
This guy is testament to the fact that goalkeepers can easily play into their 40s. He was signed by Manchester United at age 35 and played until 41. In the 2008–09 season he set the world league clean sheet record by not conceding a single goal for 1,311 minutes. He's easily one of the best goalkeepers in primier league history.
4. PETER SCHMEICHEL
Father of Leceister city goalie, Kasper Schmeichel. Peter Schmeichel is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all times and one of the best to play in the EPL. He has an intimidating stature and excellent control of the area. He had his most successful spell at Man Utd where he won a treble. Also scored 10goals in his career which is unusual for a goalie. He retired at age 40.
5. GIANLUCA PAGLUICA
Nicknamed "The Wall", he's regarded as one of the best goalkeepers. He's renouned for his excellent shot stopping, penalty stopping, control of the ball and distribution and most of all, his temper. He's the first goalkeeper to receive a red card in the history of the world cup. Retired at the age of 41.
6. OLIVER KAHN:
Nicknamed "the Titan" or "vol-kahn-no" (Volcano) by fans, he's regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. He's the only goalkeeper to win the World cup's golden boot which is an award given to the best player of the tournament. He retired at age 37 but I thought he should be included in this list.
7. GORDON BANKS:
Fondly remembered for his great save against Pele in the 1970 world cup, he has been named as the second greatest goalkeeper of all time after Yashin by IFFHS.
Retired at age 41
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Faryd Mondragón(retired at age 43, oldest player to play in a world cup), Nélson de Jesus da Silva (Dida) , Carlo Cudicini, Rogerio Ceni(only goalkeeper to score over 100 goals, scored 131 goals in his career), David Seaman, Dino Zoff, Mark Schwarzer, Peter Shilton, Essam El Hadary , René Higuita (nicked 'El Loco', the mad. He's renouned for taking unnecessary risks and for his scorpion kicks).
That's all. All these goalkeepers are legends and they will be remembered for their contribution to the beautiful. This is where I stop. Thanks for reading...
TheFutbolJoker...............
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