Top 12 Greatest Footballers To wear Jersey Number 1

Last Updated on: 21st September 2025, 08:02 pm

In soccer, Jersey Number 1 holds a special meaning. Traditionally worn by goalkeepers, it represents leadership, trust, and the responsibility of guarding the net. Over the years, some of the greatest footballers in history have worn this number with pride, becoming legends for both club and country.

Top Soccer Players With Jersey Number 1

Some top goalkeepers who wear the jersey number 1 are Gianluigi Buffon, Lev Yashin, Manuel Neuer, Dino Zoff, and Gordon Banks. Read below.

Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon, born on January 28, 1978, in Carrara, Italy, is one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Standing 6’4’’ tall, he used his height and sharp reflexes to dominate the goal. Buffon enjoyed a long and successful career, winning multiple awards, including the FIFA Best Goalkeeper, and earning a place in the FIFPRO World XI.

He spent over two decades at the top level, playing for Juventus and Parma, where he became a true legend of the game. Buffon retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most reliable and respected goalkeepers. Off the pitch, he has a son named Louis Thomas with his partner, Ilaria D’Amico.

Lev Yashin

Lev Yashin, born on October 22, 1929, in Moscow, Russia, is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Standing 6’2’’, he was famous for his quick reflexes, sharp positioning, and fearless style of play. His incredible saves earned him the legendary nickname “The Black Spider.”

Yashin remains the only goalkeeper in history to win the Ballon d’Or, showing just how much he influenced the game. Beyond his playing career, he also served as the deputy chairman of the Soviet Football Federation. He passed away in 1990, but his legacy as a football icon still inspires goalkeepers around the world.

Peter Schmeichel

Peter Schmeichel, born in 1963 in Gladsaxe, Denmark, is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Standing 6’4’’, he became a commanding presence between the posts, making his mark with both Manchester United and the Danish national team.

One of his biggest achievements came in 1992 when he helped Denmark win the European Championship. His son, Kasper Schmeichel, followed in his footsteps and also became a successful goalkeeper. Away from football, Peter is a family man. He married Laura von Lindholm in 2019 and has always maintained close ties with his parents, Antoni and Inger Schmeichel.

Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer, born on March 27, 1986, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is one of the best goalkeepers of the modern era. Standing over 6 feet tall, he is widely known for his “sweeper-keeper” style, often leaving his goal line to clear danger and control the game.

Since joining Bayern Munich in 2011, Neuer has been a key player and captain, leading the club to multiple Bundesliga titles and Champions League victories. He also played a major role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph. With his sharp reflexes and leadership, Neuer has set new standards for goalkeeping in world football.

Oliver Kahn

Oliver Kahn, born in Karlsruhe, Germany, is remembered as one of the most fearless and aggressive goalkeepers in football history. He began his youth career with Karlsruher SC in 1975 and turned professional more than a decade later, quickly rising to become one of Germany’s greatest shot-stoppers.

Kahn reached his peak at Bayern Munich, where he wore the number 1 jersey and played a vital role in the club’s many domestic and European successes. After retiring in 2008, he stayed involved in football as an executive. Known for his intensity, leadership, and remarkable saves, Kahn remains a true icon of German football.

Dino Zoff

Dino Zoff is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Standing 6 feet tall with lightning reflexes and strong leadership, he became a legend for both Italy and Juventus.

His most famous achievement came in 1982 when he captained Italy to World Cup victory at the age of 40, making him the oldest player ever to lift the trophy. Zoff’s calm personality and consistency made him a cornerstone of Juventus from 1972 until his retirement. His legacy as a leader and champion continues to inspire generations of goalkeepers.

Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks, born on December 30, 1937, in Sheffield, England, is remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Over a career that spanned nearly two decades, he made 679 club appearances and earned 73 caps for the England national team.

Banks was a key figure in England’s historic 1966 World Cup triumph. He is also famous for his legendary save against Brazilian star Pelé in the 1970 World Cup, often called the “Save of the Century.” Known for his sharp reflexes and consistency, Banks passed away on February 12, 2019, but his legacy as a world-class goalkeeper lives on.

Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas, born in 1981 in Móstoles, Spain, is one of the most celebrated goalkeepers of his generation. Nicknamed “San Iker” for his incredible saves, he became a symbol of reliability and excellence in goal. Standing 6’1’’ tall, Casillas combined sharp reflexes with quick agility, making him a nightmare for strikers.

He spent most of his career at Real Madrid, where he wore the number 1 jersey and won multiple Champions League and La Liga titles. Later, he played for FC Porto before retiring in 2020. Today, Casillas remains active in football as a commentator and ambassador, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest Spanish goalkeepers ever.

Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar, born in 1970 in Voorhout, Netherlands, is one of the tallest and most commanding goalkeepers the game has seen, standing at 6’6’’. Known for his calm presence and superb shot-stopping ability, he enjoyed a long and successful career at the highest level.

After spells with Ajax, Juventus, and Fulham, van der Sar joined Manchester United in 2005, where he wore the number 1 jersey. He became a key figure in United’s success, helping them win multiple Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. Following his retirement in 2011, he continued contributing to football as an executive, cementing his legacy as one of the great modern goalkeepers.

Petr Cech

Petr Čech, born in 1982 in Plzeň, Czech Republic, is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era. Standing 6’5’’, he made his name at Chelsea after joining the club in 2004, where he wore the number 1 jersey and became a key figure in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs. He later played for Arsenal and Stade Rennais, continuing to show consistency and leadership.

Čech retired from professional football in 2019 but stayed active in sports, even taking up ice hockey as a goaltender with Oxford City Stars. Known for his trademark protective helmet, incredible reflexes, and calm presence under pressure, Čech left a lasting legacy as one of the most reliable and respected goalkeepers in football history.

Claudio Bravo

Claudio Bravo, born on April 13, 1983, in Viluco, Chile, is one of the most successful South American goalkeepers of his time. At 6 feet tall, he built his reputation at Real Sociedad before moving to FC Barcelona, where he wore the number 1 jersey and helped the team win La Liga and the Champions League.

Bravo also became a national hero for Chile, captaining his country to back-to-back Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016. Known for his sharp reflexes, leadership, and calm presence under pressure, he remains one of Chile’s greatest football icons.

Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas, born on December 15, 1986, in San Isidro, Costa Rica, is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers from Central America. Standing 6’1’’, he is renowned for his lightning-fast reflexes, sharp agility, and fearless style in goal.

Navas rose to global fame at Real Madrid, where he wore the number 1 jersey and played a vital role in the club’s three consecutive UEFA Champions League triumphs from 2016 to 2018. He later continued his success at Paris Saint-Germain while also leading the Costa Rican national team in multiple World Cups. His consistency and athleticism earned him recognition as one of the top goalkeepers of his generation.

Which Jersey Number is Best in Soccer?

Number 10:

Often seen as the most iconic number in soccer, the No. 10 is linked with creativity, vision, and brilliance on the ball. Traditionally worn by playmakers and attacking midfielders, legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi made this number a symbol of class and magic.

Number 7:

Known for flair and dynamism, the No. 7 is usually given to wingers or attacking forwards who combine speed with skill. From Cristiano Ronaldo to David Beckham, many global stars have made this number legendary.

Number 9:

Reserved for pure strikers, the No. 9 represents goals, power, and finishing ability. Iconic names such as Ronaldo Nazário and Robert Lewandowski embody the ruthless scoring tradition of this jersey.

Number 1:

Traditionally worn by goalkeepers, the No. 1 symbolizes leadership and reliability at the back. It’s a number that carries the weight of responsibility, with keepers like Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas giving it world-class recognition.

Final Words:

This popular soccer jersey, specifically number 1, belongs to goalkeepers since they are the last line of defense. Many famous players have used this number, including Gianluigi Buffon, Lev Yashin, and Manuel Neuer, all of whom are great goaltenders and leaders.

Finally, the number 1 represents the hard work, commitment, and ambition of those who protect the post, thus making them field heroes.

FAQs:

What is the number 2 jersey in soccer?

The number 2 jersey is often used by right-back defenders.