From Alves to Kane: Ranking the Top 7 Outfield Players Who Featured as Goalkeepers

• It's highly uncommon to witness a field player take on the role of goalkeeper
• However, emergency shot-stoppers never fail to provide good entertainment
• Sports Brief lists top outfield players who have featured between the 'sticks'

Football often sees players switching roles, with some capable of playing every position except goalkeeper.

Shot-stopping demands unique skills and a specific mindest, making it a challenge for most.

Yet, in the unpredictable world of football, players sometimes find themselves in goal for various reasons.

Numerous famous players have faced this challenge and showcased their versatility by donning the gloves.

Considering this, Sports Brief has rated the top seven outfield players who can added at least one instance of goalkeeping to their resumes.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals: 15 of the best CR7 goals and Cristiano Ronaldo assists last season

Football

Outfield players who played as goalkeepers

Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United vs Portsmouth (2008)

In a 2008 match against Portsmouth, the Manchester United defender found himself in the goalkeeper's role, per Bleacher Report.

Ferdinand's stint in goal was marked by misfortune, as a penalty was awarded against the Red Devils.

Despite this setback, the former Man United defender displayed commendable goalkeeping skills, nearly stopping Sulley Muntari's penalty, albeit falling just short.

John Terry: Chelsea vs Reading (2006)

The Chelsea legend has a vivid memory of his time between the posts.

When Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini suffered injuries, Terry stepped up as a true leader, donning the gloves to guide his team from the back, per the Mirror.

His involvement in the unfamiliar position was limited but he managed a respectable save, his joy evident to all who witnessed it.

Olivier Giroud: Genoa vs. AC Milan (2023)

Casemiro's stats: How has the Brazilian midfielder transformed Manchester United since joining the team?

Football

Despite the Serie A giants appearing on course for a routine victory, injury and stoppage time brought unexpected drama.

With Mike Maignan receiving a red card in the dying moments, Milan had no choice but to deploy Giroud in goal.

Fearlessly embracing the challenge, the Frenchman ensured his team maintained their 1-0 lead.

Harry Kane: Tottenham vs Asteras (2014)

One of Europe's most prolific strikers found himself unexpectedly in the goalkeeper's position.

With Hugo Lloris sent off and Tottenham Hotspur having exhausted all their substitutions, it became their sole recourse. Kane, who had earlier secured a hat-trick, seized the opportunity to step between the posts.

It turned into a humiliating episode for the striker as he inadvertently conceded from Jeronimo Barrales's free kick, fumbling the ball into his own net.

Pele: Santos vs Gremio (1963)

Adapting to something new usually requires time, but Pele, at just 17 years old, possessed innate talent that led him to win two FIFA World Cups before retiring.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

In a game against Gremio, he had already netted a hat-trick before goalkeeper, Gilmar, was sent off. The Brazilian icon stepped up to fill in and delivered an admirable performance in goal.

Kyle Walker: Manchester City vs Atalanta (2019)

The right-back, who had one of his best days protecting the Manchester City goal line, will undoubtedly remember this event.

More unexpectedly, Walker stopped more shots than Ederson and Claudio Bravo during the UEFA Champions League encounter against Atalanta when he stopped Ruslan Malinovskyi's free kick.

Dani Alves: PSG vs Sochaux (2018)

PSG won the French Cup final against Sochaux, but the highlight for fans was Dani Alves stepping in as goalkeeper.

Kevin Trapp's foul led to his dismissal, giving Alves a brief chance in goal.

However, the Brazilian left-back's 30-second stint didn't yield any memorable moments.

Onana names his GOAT goalkeeper

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United shot-stopper, Andre Onana naming his GOAT goalkeeper.

The Cameroonian recently made an interesting pick on the player he believes was the best at guarding a goal.