Ranking The 6 Highest Goalscoring Goalkeepers in Football History

In football, goal-scoring is considered an art, and those who consistently find the back of the net often bask in the spotlight.

Strikers typically excel in goal-scoring, with midfielders and defenders also making noteworthy contributions.

Goalkeepers, on the other hand, are traditionally seen as the guardians of the goal, prioritising defense over offense.

It's a rarity to witness goalkies making it onto the scoresheet. Nonetheless, a few exceptional individuals have defied this norm in the world of football.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top six goal-scoring goalkeepers in the history of football.

Highest goalscoring goalkeeper

6. Dimitar Ivankov - 42 Goals

Ivankov stands as a legendary figure in Bulgarian football and holds the title of the highest goal-scoring goalkeeper in Europe. Throughout the majority of his career, he graced both the Turkish and Bulgarian top divisions. His scoring prowess was evident as he notched an impressive total of 42 goals, showcasing particular confidence in converting spot-kicks.

The pinnacle of Ivankov's career unfolded during his time with Levski Sofia, where he netted 18 goals in 203 appearances. His impact extended to the international stage, representing the Bulgarian national team with distinction in 64 matches.

Since hanging up his gloves, Ivankov transitioned into a role as a goalkeeping coach. Remarkably, he has returned to contribute to his former club, Levski Sofia, on two separate occasions, further solidifying his enduring connection to the football world.

5. René Higuita - 43 Goals

The Colombian is an iconic goalkeeper in the annals of football history, with one of his most memorable moments being the scorpion kick save against England in 1995—an enduring exemplar of athleticism in the sport.

Beyond his extraordinary saves, the Colombian goalkeeping legend managed to contribute offensively, tallying an impressive 43 goals throughout his career. His football journey predominantly unfolded in Colombia and Medellin, where he showcased his exceptional skills.

A prominent figure for the Colombian national team during the 1990s, Higuita amassed 68 appearances and even found the back of the net three times, further solidifying his multifaceted impact on the game.

4. Johnny Vegas Fernández - 45 Goals

Peruvian goalkeeper, Fernandez, notched an impressive 45 goals over his 13-year career. His scoring prowess extended beyond penalty kicks, encompassing goals from open play as well.

Fernandez's football journey predominantly unfolded within the realm of Peruvian clubs. Notably, he made a remarkable 14 transfers during his 13 years as a player before eventually retiring in 2017, adding a distinctive facet to his dynamic caree

3. Jorge Campos - 46 Goals

Jorge Campos, a legendary figure in Mexican football, elevated the sport's versatility to unprecedented heights. Over the course of his career, he achieved a remarkable total of 46 goals, showcasing his prowess not only as a goalkeeper but also as a striker, where he netted 28 goals.

Campos graced the rosters of nearly every top club in Mexico and America, earning acclaim as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. Representing esteemed teams such as Puma and LA Galaxy, he made significant contributions before concluding his career in 2004.

Integral to the Mexican national team, Campos donned the jersey 129 times, leaving an indelible mark from 1991 to 2004. His multifaceted role and impressive feats solidify his standing as a true icon in the world of football.

2. José Luis Chilavert - 67 Goals

Former Paraguayan goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert secured his place in history by setting the record for the highest number of goals scored by a goalkeeper at the international level. Renowned for his proficiency on set pieces, Chilavert amassed an impressive tally of 67 career goals, including the unique achievement of scoring a hat-trick—the first in the history of goalkeeping.

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Chilavert's football journey extended beyond Paraguay, as he showcased his skills while playing in Argentina, Spain, and France. His career came to a close in 2004, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most prolific goal-scoring goalkeepers in the sport's history.

1. Rogério Ceni - 131 Goals

Hailing from Brazil, the goalkeeper with the most goals to his name stands out. While others on the list predominantly scored from penalties, Ceni's approach set him apart. Throughout his career, he found the net an impressive 61 times from free kicks, proving to be a constant threat in set-piece situations.

Ceni's entire playing career was dedicated to Sao Paulo, solidifying his status as the greatest goalkeeper in Brazilian football. His contributions extended to the national stage, where he made 17 appearances for the Brazilian team. Presently, he holds the position of manager at Sao Paulo in Brazil.