Iker Casillas, Manuel Neuer and 4 Goalkeepers With Most UEFA Champions League Clean Sheets

• Goalkeepers are an integral part of football as teams aim for victory
• Some shot-stoppers have made history in the UEFA Champions League
• Sports Brief takes a look at goalkeepers with the most UCL clean sheets

Over the years, the footballing world has witnessed the emergence of numerous exceptional goalkeepers.

Despite being a crucial component of any team, many shot-stoppers often don't receive sufficient plaudits for their outstanding performances.

From impeccable saves to modern sweeper-keeping, goalkeepers are constantly faced with the unending challenge of adapting to the evolving nature of the game.

However, similar to goals and assists, clean sheets are a top priority for goalkeepers, and they are assessed based on the number they achieve.

With the UEFA Champions League being the most prestigious club football competition, Sports Brief highlights four of the keepers with the most UCL clean sheets as Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer closes in on Iker Casillas' record.

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Goalkeepers with most UCL clean sheets

Iker Casillas

Casillas had an illustrious career, achieving success in both club and international football. His time with Real Madrid saw him lift three UEFA Champions League titles (1999/2000, 2001/02, 2013/14).

Notably, he holds the record for the highest number of clean sheets in the UCL, boasting an impressive tally of 59. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the second-highest appearance maker in the competition, having played in 177 matches.

Manuel Neuer

Neuer, who burst onto the scene with Bundesliga club, Schalke 04, left many with a lasting impression with his remarkable performances in the UEFA Champions League.

He notably guided the Bundesliga side to the UCL semi-finals for the first time in the club's history through his string of spectacular saves.

Subsequently, Neuer made a pivotal switch to Bayern Munich, where he has evolved into one of the world's elite goalkeepers.

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During his spell with the Bavarian club, the German goalkeeper has won two Champions League titles (2012/13 and 2019/20) so far.

The 37-year-old also holds an impressive record of 56 clean sheets in the UCL, as reported by Whoscored.

Gianluigi Buffon

Despite having a distinguished and illustrious career, it remains a regrettable fact that Buffon never won the UEFA Champions League title.

Nevertheless, he has left an indelible mark on the competition, establishing himself as the goalkeeper with the third-highest number of clean sheets in its history (52 in 124 matches), per data courtesy of Whoscored.

Buffon holds the somewhat unfortunate record for the joint-most UCL final appearances - three without a victory. Conversely, he has the distinction of holding the third-longest run in the Champions League without conceding a goal, an impressive feat lasting 690 minutes.

Edwin Van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar stands out as one of the select few players to have won the UEFA Champions League trophy with multiple teams.

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The Dutch goalkeeper holds the fourth position in the list of goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the competition history.

Van der Sar achieved triumphs with Ajax (1994/95) and Manchester United (2007/08).

According to data via Sofascore, the retired shot-stopper maintained an impressive record of 51 clean sheets in 98 Champions League matches.

Bayern announce Neuer with bricklaying video

Sports Brief also previously reported on Bayern Munich announcing Neuer's contract extension with a strange video which features some construction work.

While many Bayern fans are pleased with the decision to retain their captain, some have mixed reactions to the curious manner of the announcement.