The UEFA Champions League has long been a proving ground for football’s elite. While goalscorers often get the headlines, it’s the goalkeepers who stand as the last line of defence. Some of the greatest names in history have dominated European nights with incredible saves, match-winning performances, and records that speak volumes. In this list, we break down the top 10 goalkeepers with the most Champions League Appearances, highlighting not only how many matches they’ve played but also their clean sheets, goals conceded, and overall legacy.
10. Marc-André ter Stegen
- Games: 85 | Goals Conceded: 99 | Clean Sheets: 32 | GPG: 1.16
The Barcelona shot-stopper has consistently delivered in European football with key saves and quick distribution. Despite conceding nearly 100 goals, Ter Stegen remains a vital part of Barça’s Champions League journey. His reflexes and footwork have kept him among the most trusted goalkeepers in the tournament. With 85 Champions League Appearances, he continues to build on his legacy.
9. Ederson
- Games: 86 | Goals Conceded: 92 | Clean Sheets: 31 | GPG: 1.07
Manchester City’s first-choice keeper, Ederson, is known for his exceptional ball-playing skills and distribution. His role in Pep Guardiola’s system goes beyond shot-stopping, often acting as an eleventh outfield player. Ederson’s consistent performances in his 86 Champions League Appearances underline his impact at the highest level.
8. Jan Oblak
- Games: 94 | Goals Conceded: 96 | Clean Sheets: 37 | GPG: 1.02
Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is a model of consistency and composure. His shot-stopping ability, particularly in knockout rounds, has saved his team countless times. With 94 Champions League Appearances, Oblak has earned his reputation as one of the toughest goalkeepers to beat in European football.
7. Edwin van der Sar
- Games: 98 | Goals Conceded: 77 | Clean Sheets: 50 | GPG: 0.79
The Dutch legend made his name at Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United. His calm presence and excellent positioning were key factors behind United’s European successes. With a phenomenal clean sheet record across 98 Champions League Appearances, van der Sar remains one of the most effective keepers in the competition’s history.
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6. Oliver Kahn
- Games: 103 | Goals Conceded: 102 | Clean Sheets: 33 | GPG: 0.99
Oliver Kahn, Bayern Munich’s iconic keeper, was a dominant force in goal with an unmatched competitive spirit. He guided Bayern to the 2001 Champions League title and earned the nickname “Der Titan.” His 103 Champions League Appearances reflect his long-standing influence on European football.
5. Víctor Valdés
- Games: 106 | Goals Conceded: 89 | Clean Sheets: 45 | GPG: 0.84
Valdés was the backbone of Barcelona’s most successful era, winning multiple titles under Pep Guardiola. His quick reflexes and reliable command of the box contributed to three Champions League trophies. Valdés made 106 Champions League Appearances, becoming a legend at the Camp Nou.
4. Petr Čech
- Games: 111 | Goals Conceded: 103 | Clean Sheets: 47 | GPG: 0.93
Petr Čech starred for Chelsea during their rise as a European powerhouse. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph, especially in the final against Bayern Munich. Čech’s 111 Champions League Appearances underline his resilience and quality under pressure.
3. Gianluigi Buffon
- Games: 124 | Goals Conceded: 118 | Clean Sheets: 52 | GPG: 0.95
Buffon’s Champions League journey is one of excellence, longevity, and near-misses. The Juventus legend reached multiple finals but never won the trophy, though his greatness was never in question. With 124 Champions League Appearances, Buffon’s class and leadership left a lasting mark on the competition.
2. Manuel Neuer
- Games: 150 | Goals Conceded: 138 | Clean Sheets: 60 | GPG: 0.92
Manuel Neuer revolutionized the modern goalkeeper role with his sweeper-keeper style. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, Neuer has delivered consistently elite performances on the big stage. With 150 Champions League Appearances, his legacy is among the greatest in the game.
1. Iker Casillas
- Games: 177 | Goals Conceded: 202 | Clean Sheets: 57 | GPG: 1.14
The all-time leader in Champions League Appearances, Iker Casillas remains a symbol of excellence and longevity. A three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, his reflexes, leadership, and passion set him apart. With 177 appearances, he remains unmatched among goalkeepers in Europe’s top competition.
FAQs
Q1. Who has the most Champions League appearances as a goalkeeper?
A: Iker Casillas holds the record for the most Champions League appearances by a goalkeeper, with 177 matches played during his career at Real Madrid and Porto.
Q2. Which goalkeeper has the best goals-per-game ratio in Champions League history?
A: Edwin van der Sar boasts the best goals-per-game (GPG) ratio among the top 10, conceding just 0.79 goals per match in his 98 Champions League appearances.
Q3. How many Champions League appearances has Manuel Neuer made?
A: As of now, Manuel Neuer has made 150 Champions League appearances for Bayern Munich, making him second on the all-time list for goalkeepers.
Q4. Has Gianluigi Buffon won the Champions League despite many appearances?
A: No, Gianluigi Buffon made 124 Champions League appearances but never won the trophy, despite reaching the final multiple times with Juventus.
Q5. Who is the youngest goalkeeper in the top 10 Champions League appearances list?
A: Marc-André ter Stegen is the youngest goalkeeper on this list, with 85 appearances for Barcelona and potentially more to come in future seasons.
