Football is a sport that is full of excitement and unpredictability, and one of the most exhilarating moments in the game is when a goalkeeper makes a spectacular save. Over the years, we have seen some truly remarkable saves that have left us speechless. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 craziest saves in football history.
1. Gordon Banks vs Brazil (1970)
Considered by many to be the greatest save of all time, Gordon Banks’ save against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup is an iconic moment in football history. Pele’s header seemed destined for the back of the net, but Banks somehow managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.
2. David Seaman vs Sheffield United (2002)
In a Premier League match against Sheffield United, Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman made a stunning save to deny Paul Peschisolido’s header. Seaman leapt across the goal and used his fingertips to push the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.
3. Rene Higuita vs England (1995)
In a friendly match between Colombia and England, Rene Higuita made an audacious save to deny Jamie Redknapp’s shot. Higuita, known for his unorthodox style of play, used his feet to make the save, which became known as the “scorpion kick.”
4. Manuel Neuer vs Porto (2015)
In a Champions League quarter-final match against Porto, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made a stunning save to deny Jackson Martinez’s close-range shot. Neuer somehow managed to react quickly and stretch out a hand to tip the ball over the bar.
5. Peter Schmeichel vs Rapid Vienna (1996)
In a Champions League group stage match against Rapid Vienna, Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel made an incredible save to deny Antonin Panenka’s penalty. Schmeichel guessed correctly and dived to his right to make the save with his legs.
6. Keylor Navas vs Atletico Madrid (2014)
In a La Liga match against Atletico Madrid, Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas made a remarkable save to deny Diego Costa’s powerful header. Navas leapt across the goal and used his fingertips to push the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.
7. Gianluigi Buffon vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2012)
In a Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made a stunning save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s close-range shot. Buffon somehow managed to react quickly and stretch out a hand to tip the ball over the bar.
8. Iker Casillas vs Sevilla (2013)
In a La Liga match against Sevilla, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas made an incredible save to deny Ivan Rakitic’s header. Casillas dived to his right and used his fingertips to push the ball onto the post and away from danger.
9. Oliver Kahn vs Valencia (2001)
In the Champions League final against Valencia, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn made a remarkable save to deny Mauricio Pellegrino’s close-range shot. Kahn dived to his right and used his fingertips to push the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.
10. Brad Friedel vs Liverpool (1997)
In a Premier League match against Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel made an audacious save to deny Robbie Fowler’s penalty. Friedel guessed correctly and dived to his right to make the save with his legs.
These 10 craziest saves in football history are a testament to the skill and athleticism of some of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game. These moments will be remembered by football fans.