Top 10 Best La Liga Goalkeepers of All Time - Ranked

The top-tier Spanish League and arguably one of the best leagues in the world. The Spanish league is home and a platform for talented players and world-class superstars, from elite midfielders to sensational forwards, tough defenders and some of the best La Liga goalkeepers of all time. This league has it all. Players like Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, Neymar, Los Blancos star Cristiano, Ronaldinho, Zidane and countless others have played in Spanish La Liga.

Notably, a goalkeeper is surely the most difficult position in football and especially in the Spanish La Liga, where they face fiery attacks. Many underestimate how difficult being a goalkeeper is since a majority of people aspire to be an attacker, midfielder, or defender and do not truly know how difficult it is. Some players have taken up the shot stopper role and have cemented their legacy amongst the best goalkeeper in La Liga history. In this article, we are going to talk about some best goalkeepers in La Liga ever.

List of Best Goalkeepers in La Liga Ever

Here are the best goalkeeper in La Liga, who have graced the league over the years. It includes current stars, recent departees and some of the iconic names from the past.

How We Ranked the Best La Liga Goalkeepers of All Time?

Here are the relevant ranking factors that we have viewed in order to form an elite list of La Liga best goalkeeper; check out those parameters below:

• Performance stats: The first parameter that was considered to rank the best La Liga goalkeepers of all time, we have done a detailed analysis of these goalkeepers’ performance and their performance in the Spanish top division.
• Consistency: The second major factor in ranking the best goalkeeper in La Liga is to look at the player’s consistency throughout his time in the league, and to perform consistently.
• Impact in key matches: The third factor we considered while compiling this list of the best goalkeeper in La Liga history was to look at their impact in key matches. What is their saving percentage, or how many penalties did they save?
• Longevity: The final and important parameter for ranking the best La Liga goalkeepers of all time is to observe their span and how long they performed at in the top-tier league of Spain.
• League titles won: At last, we have taken into account the number of La Liga titles a goalkeeper has won during his stay in the Spanish top division.

Who is the Best Goalkeeper in La Liga History?

While it’s not easy to rank La Liga best goalkeeper based solely on statistical numbers, sometimes small details like ball playing, last-second clearances, and coming out of the lines define the play style of some goalkeepers. There might be a few headshakes that will nod in disagreement with how we have compiled this list, but we have done our best and remain unbiased while making this list.

10) Ricardo Zamora (Spain)

We begin the list with the great Ricardo Zamora himself. Imagine being so great that the best goalkeeper trophy in La Liga is named after you, the Zamora trophy. Ricardo truly pioneered the goalkeeper position during his playing days. The legendary Spanish keeper Zamora was renowned for playing with such technical ability, which was way ahead of its time.

The Real Madrid legend was a true leader who took it upon himself to set up the defensive line. There is not much media coverage showcasing Zamora’s abilities since back then it was difficult to do so, but it implies further that his influence on the game is too iconic, which is still remembered to this day. He amassed a staggering 108 appearances in La Liga and kept 31 clean sheets.

9) Keylor Navas (Costa Rica)

The former Real Madrid shot stopper Keylor Navas is arguably the most underrated goalkeeper on this list of best La Liga goalkeepers of all time.

The Costa Rican was exemplary and played a pivotal role in goals for Los Blancos; he helped them win numerous European trophies. He played for Levante UD and Real Madrid, earning his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga ever with his commendable performances.

Navas was known for his quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability helped Real Madrid retain a golden period where they achieved a three-peat, lifting UEFA Champions League three times in a row. He also won La Liga in the 2016-17 campaign. Navas has played in 151 La Liga matches and managed to keep 52 clean sheets in total; therefore, he is definitely an unsung hero of Real Madrid and one of the standouts in La Liga history.

8) Claudio Bravo (Chile)

Claudio Bravo doesn't always get the appreciation for his work. He was the first Chilean goalkeeper to lift the Spanish title and Champions League. In 2006, he moved the Spain, signing for Real Sociedad from the Chilean side Colo Colo and then moved to Camp Nou, joining Barcelona in 2014. He was a key member under the Spanish tactician Luis Enrique led Blaugrana. It was a resurgence in which Barca claimed multiple trophies, including the Treble.

The Chilean icon was a trustworthy guardian in Barcelona and Real Sociedad's goal, amassing 298 La Liga appearances and securing 108 clean sheets. Claudio's composure and ability to play from the back made him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s playstyle. He also won two consecutive Zamora trophies, which is a very commendable feat. He enjoyed significant success, winning several trophies, including two La Liga trophies

7) Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

The Belgian wall Thibaut Courtois delivered his best at Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. However, the keeper's most successful spell came with Los Blancos as he cemented himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in Real Madrid history. He has shown on multiple occasions himself to be an influential factor, making numerous decisive saves. His best performance for Real Madrid came against Liverpool in a UEFA Champions League two seasons ago, with phenomenal saves.

After joining Real Madrid in 2018, he provided instant impact in the 2019-2020 season, where he was one of their key players, leading Los Blancos to 14 major silverwares while being in goal. Courtois made 319 appearances and maintained 140 clean sheets, and is the second active goalkeeper in this list. He has won a stunning four La Liga titles in his career with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

6) Jan Oblak (Slovenia)

Another current star performer regarded as La Liga best goalkeeper at present is Atletico Madrid custodian Jan Oblak. He has won a record six Zamora trophies for delivering phenomenal outings with his gloves in goal for Los Rojiblancos. Ever since he joined the Madrid giants Atletico Madrid in 2014, Oblak has established himself as a leading figure under Diego Simeone and became one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The Slovenian is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and his towering and tall frame, quick reflexes, positioning and ball handling skills make him a standout in between the sticks. Oblak has made over 350 appearances and kept more than 200 clean sheets, leading his side to win the La Liga title in the 2020-21 season. With him in goal, Atletico Madrid always contend strongly for the La Liga title as well as the UEFA Champions League title.

5) Victor Valdes (Spain)

The ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola and Barcelona back in the day formed the dream team in La Liga, comprising players like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and many others as well. The entire team was arguably the best team in history, fielding such iconic players and dominating the European circuit, winning multiple titles. Victor Valdes was a key pillar of that team, and his name often goes unnoticed.

The Spanish goalkeeper, Valdes, was the proper example of a modern goalkeeper with great footwork, composure to play out from the back, which blended perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka style of football. He has played 387 games, recorded 173 clean sheets, and lifted six La Liga titles with FC Barcelona during a golden period for which both the team and he are remembered and respected.

4) Santiago Canizares (Spain)

Famously known as Valencia’s Guardian, the legendary Spanish keeper, played a key role in the club's resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Valencia have had their ups and downs in football, and once upon a time, they used to contend for the La Liga title as well as the UEFA Champions League. He was a great goalkeeper with quick reflexes who played a key role in helping Valencia win two La Liga titles and reach two UEFA Champions League finals, notably.

Moreover, Canizares played for Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and Valencia in his La Liga career, amassing 418 appearances in La Liga, maintaining 164 clean sheets in Spanish football. Santiago’s quick reflexes, charismatic personality and consistent performances made him a fan favourite, and soon he too cemented his legacy as one of the best La Liga goalkeepers of all time.

3) Luis Arconada (Spain)

A defining and inspirational figure for Real Sociedad in the late 1970s and then the 1980s as well. Luis helped the club win back-to-back La Liga titles in 1981 and 1982. Luis Arconada was a very agile goalkeeper and was the heart of the team as well as Real Sociedad’s defence. Luis Arconada’s leadership, as well as his performances for club and country, made him quite famous and established him as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Luis Arconada won two back-to-back La Liga titles with Real Sociedad in the seasons1980-81 and 1981-82, which is the only club at which he played. He racked up 414 appearances and held 157 clean sheets in the Spanish top division. The shot stopper from Donostia-San Sebastián only represented Txuri-urdin and marked his name as one of the greatest Real Sociedad players in the club's history. He won 68 international caps for the Spain national team.

2) Iker Casillas (Spain)

Nicknamed “the Saint”, Iker Casillas is one of the greatest Real Madrid players of all time. The majority of today’s football generation still looks up to Iker Casillas as the greatest goalkeeper of all time, which shows how great his legacy is. He spent his entire club career as a Real Madrid player, known for his tremendous saves and ability to deliver consistently in high-stakes games. His quick reflexes and leadership skills made him a formidable figure and helped Los Blancos win countless titles.

Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas has won five Spanish La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League and garnered a lot of respect and stature around the globe. Casillas has played a staggering 510 appearances and has maintained 174 clean sheets, which is a very commendable record. The best thing about Casillas is that he made his Real Madrid debut at just 18 years old and started performing so well right as a promising academy prospect.

1) Andoni Zubizarreta (Spain)

The name that tops the list of best La Liga goalkeepers of all time is Andoni Zubizarreta, famously known as a persona of consistency in Spanish football. The former Athletic Bilbao keeper holds the record for most appearances in La Liga with a staggering 622 appearances in decade two-decade-long career. He played for three of the biggest teams in the La Liga, Valencia, Athletic Club Bilbao and Barcelona. Interestingly, he is one of the highest appearance makers for Spain with 126 caps.

During his time, Zubizarreta became one of the best and most reliable goalkeepers in the league and Europe. He was a calm and composed goalkeeper with great shot-stopping ability and positioning, which brought forward a new perspective for goalkeepers as well as a new respected figure. Zubizarreta also has won the most La Liga titles in this list with six titles (one with Athletic Bilbao and five with FC Barcelona). Furthermore, he also has the most clean sheets in this list with an impressive 235 clean sheets.