Ladies and Gentlemen...the Greatest Ever series is back!
This is the 20th installment of the series where I look at the greatest talents to grace various sports. This time I look at football, and the top ten goalkeepers of all time! Enjoy!
10. Bert Trautmann (GER)
Throughout his career, Trautmann didn't just have to compete with opposition strikers, but with endless taunts from the terraces due to his being in the German army during the Second World War. After the war he settled in England and began playing football.
It says something for the quality of his performances that he eventually became accepted and even idolised by some fans, particularly those of Manchester City, where he became a legend.
The strongest sign of his acceptance came in 1956 when he was named FWA Footballer of the Year. Not long afterwards he helped City to win the FA Cup, playing the last 15 minutes of the final with a broken neck a remarkable feat of bravery made all the more impressive by the fact that he made some important saves in that time.
9. Pat Jennings (NIR)
One of very few players to have played for, and maintained the respect from both Arsenal and Tottenham fans, Pat Jennings played over 1,000 top level games in his 22-year career, and is Northern Ireland's highest capped player with 119 appearances.
Jennings is also a two-time FA Cup winner, a two-time League Cup winner and won a UEFA Cup in 1972 while playing for Tottenham. On an individual level, he was named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1973, and the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1976.
8. Gianluigi Buffon (ITA)
By the time his career is over he could well be in the top five, but for now Buffon has to settle for eighth. After impressing at Parma he moved to Juventus, where he showed exceptional loyalty in staying with the club when they were demoted to Serie B.
During his club career he has won the UEFA Cup, the Italian Cup, and two Serie A titles. His greatest achievements, however, have come at international level where he currently has 90 caps and is a World Cup winner.
Individually, Buffon has been named as the Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year seven times, and the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper four times, more than any other 'keeper.
7. Peter Shilton (ENG)
As a Leicester youngster not yet proved at the highest level, he forced then England No.1 and World Cup winner Gordon Banks out of the club by threatening to leave if he didn't get game time. Such was his potential that the club agreed.
Shilton went on to enjoy a 31-year career, playing 1005 league games, and 1237 games overall, more than any other player. He was 47 when he hung up his boots. He also played a record 125 times for England, despite competition from the likes of Banks and Ray Clemence throughout his career.
Shilton was part of Brian Clough's all-conquering Nottingham Forest side, and won one League title, a League Cup and two European Cups. Individually, he was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1978.
6. Oliver Kahn (GER)
Oliver Kahn is one of the most decorated German players of all-time, and it's no coincidence that wherever he went, he won trophies and accolades. While at Bayern Munich, Kahn won eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, six League Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a Champions League.
The story of success continued with the national team. His 86 caps included being part of the team that won Euro '96. Individually, he has been named German Footballer of the Year twice, IFFHS Best Goalkeeper three times, and Best Bundesliga Goalkeeper seven times.
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