In football history, extraordinary saves have always left an indelible mark on fans, but only a few are ranked as the "best goalkeeping save ever in football history". One of them is Mert Gunok's best save against Austria at Euro 2024. Dubbed the "new Gordon Banks", the 35-year-old Turkish goalkeeper pulled off a superb save in stoppage time, helping his team hold on for a 2-1 victory. From Christoph Baumgartner's tricky header on a slippery pitch, Gunok read the ball perfectly and used his impressive 196cm frame to neutralize the seemingly unstoppable goal, leaving everyone in awe. Let's find out more about Wintips through the following article!
Ranked 9 best goal save in football history
9. Mert Gunok vs Austria (2024)
Team: Türkiye
Ralf Rangnick led Austria to the top of Euro 2024's 'Group of Death' and saw his vibrant side knocked out after a 2-1 defeat to Turkey, but he still maintained a sense of humor. "We had time to score an equalizer," sighed the former Manchester United manager, "but it was difficult when they had Gordon Banks in goal!"
Turkey owes its acrobatic performance to Mert Gunok, not Banks. The 35-year-old former basketball player remained alert in the final minute of stoppage time when another cross from Austria was sent into the box. Christoph Baumgartner headed the ball hard onto the slippery surface of the RB Arena, but Gunok anticipated the rebound perfectly, using all 196cm of his massive frame to block the ball. Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella is not caught up in the hype, telling the BBC: "That's his job."
8. Iker Casillas vs Netherlands (2010)
Team: Spain
Iker Casillas can be incredibly humble. One of the greatest World Cup-winning goalkeepers of all time, Casillas, was the only man responsible for keeping the scoreline level in Spain's 2010 final against the Netherlands, right until Andres Iniesta scored the famous winner. When Arjen Robben, widely regarded as one of the best forwards in his country's history, charged at goal after the hour mark, Casillas took a gamble. Casillas guessed incorrectly. As he charged to his left, Robben pushed the ball towards the opposite corner, only to see his effort deflect off Casillas' foot and wide of the post.
The whole of Spain hailed Saint Iker, but the man of the moment himself was less than impressed. "It was just luck," Casillas shrugged. "I believe that if Robben and I were in that situation 10 times, he would probably score nine goals."
7. Dino Zoff vs Brazil (1982)
Team: Italy
Dino Zoff's unforgettable save against Brazil's Oscar in the 1982 World Cup is so esteemed that it has been enshrined in football lore as 'la Parata'—' the save,' a name that perfectly captures its enduring brilliance. At the age of 40, the Italian captain defied time, showcasing reflexes worthy of a goalkeeper half his age. In the dying seconds of the match, Zoff not only stopped a thunderous header from crossing the line but also expertly secured the ball to his chest, delivering a moment of brilliance forever etched in football history.
Brazil equalized twice in one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. Zoff ensured the iconic match ended 3-2 in Italy's favor. Known for his reserved nature, Zoff was so overwhelmed by the triumph and his pivotal role in it that he even interrupted a live television interview to share a heartfelt kiss with his manager, Enzo Bearzot.
6. Gianluigi Buffon vs Milan (2003)
Team: Juventus
Despite being often derided as one of the most boring Champions League finals, Juventus and Milan got off to a chaotic start in the 2003 final. Gianluigi Buffon saw an Andriy Shevchenko effort disallowed in the first eight minutes, and just nine minutes later, the ball was sent into the box in the 17th minute.
Filippo Inzaghi of Milan lunged at the ball, firing a shot from 10 yards into the bottom corner. Buffon ran in the opposite direction but still managed to twist his tall frame into a position that allowed him to push the ball around the far post. Inzaghi's priceless reaction—kneeling, hands in his slicked-back hair on either side, with a look of disbelief in his eyes—captured the quality embodied by a figure known as the 'Maradona of goalkeepers.'
5. Gregory Coupet vs Barcelona (2001)
Team: Lyon
What Claudio Cacapa was thinking was anyone's guess, as it was unclear why he made such a decision. Lyon's deep-lying center-back flicked a tricky pass back past his goalkeeper in the Champions League tie against Barcelona. Gregory Coupet had to dive and head the ball over his crossbar, avoiding a penalty that would have been awarded for catching the ball from a teammate.
That quick, gravity-defying reflex action was impressive enough, but the French goalkeeper was only getting started. Barcelona's Brazilian Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo followed the rebound, heading the ball hard into the bottom corner from six yards. Coupet somehow reacted quickly and blocked the close-range effort. David James, former England number one, was among the many stunned onlookers, describing it as "the greatest save I've ever seen."
4. David Seaman vs Sheffield United (2003)
Team: Arsenal
To many observers—particularly those without ties to Arsenal—David Seaman is remembered more for his rare missteps than for his years of unwavering consistency. A slow start to a pair of long-range strikes from Nayim and Ronaldinho represents one of the few blemishes on a career that has brought him every domestic honor imaginable.
Anyone who doubted Seaman’s immense talent was silenced in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final. On his 1,000th career appearance, the 39-year-old Arsenal number one accidentally blocked a Paul Peschisolido header from close range. This helped him keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win. For a goalkeeper who boasts the nickname ‘Safe Hands’, it is ironic that he has never been able to make such a miraculous save while wearing gloves.
3. Jim Montgomery v Leeds (1973)
Team: Sunderland
As Sunderland fans flocked to the English capital to watch the Black Cats take on Don Revie’s legendary Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup Final, a documentary crew conducted a series of interviews with the traveling crowd. One of the hopeful supporters was Jim Montgomery's mother-in-law. Asked if her daughter's husband would keep a clean sheet, she confidently declared: "Oh yes, he’ll keep them out. He’ll do it."
Against all odds, Montgomery managed to deliver on that prediction. The Sunderland goalkeeper blocked Trevor Cherry's header, which came from Peter Lorimer's foot, with such force that both the BBC and ITV commentators initially called it a goal before quickly correcting the error. As delayed replays showed, Montgomery blocked Lorimer's dreadful shot against the crossbar, maintaining a clean sheet in a famous 1-0 win.
2. Emi Martinez vs France (2022)
Team: Argentina
Argentina's journey to the 2022 World Cup was filled with iconic moments. The opening defeat to Saudi Arabia and Nicolas Otamendi's provocative celebration against the Netherlands were part of everything Lionel Messi did. But few single incidents carried the weight of Emi Martinez's save in the final moments of the match.
As France's Randal Kolo Muani charged towards the Argentina goal in stoppage time, Martinez recalled thinking: "I want the ball to hit me in the face." I closed my eyes and said, "Hit me." The Frenchman's effort hit Martinez's outstretched boot instead of his face, ultimately forcing a penalty shootout, which he helped his country win. The goalkeeper's hulking frame has been immortalized on the skin of countless fans. Kolo Muani doesn’t need a tattoo to remember that moment. "It’ll be there forever," he admits. Martinez and the world won’t forget it anytime soon.
1. Gordon Banks v Brazil (1970)
Team: England
Pele netted an astounding 1,283 goals throughout his legendary career, yet for many who witnessed it, the shot he couldn’t convert remains the most unforgettable moment. Hailed as the "save of the century," England's legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks flung his imposing frame to the ground. He astonishingly deflected a thunderous header from Brazil during the 1970 World Cup group stage—a moment that forever redefined goalkeeping brilliance. In a celebrated international career spanning a decade, highlighted by England's historic World Cup triumph four years earlier, Banks solidified his legacy with a single, extraordinary moment of brilliance.
However, this was not true for the other half of that iconic act. "Although it was truly extraordinary, my memory of Gordon is not defined by that," Pele recalled after Banks's death. "It was defined by his friendship. He was a kind and warm man who gave so much to others."
A few final words
In conclusion, these unforgettable moments in goalkeeping demonstrate that football is not only about scoring goals but also about what it takes in skill and bravery to keep them out. Whether it was Gordon Banks' legendary save in 1970, Iker Casillas' reflex masterpiece in 2010, or Mert Gunok's breathtaking stop at Euro 2024, each save has redefined the limits of excellence. Undoubtedly, these performances stand as the greatest saves in football history, showcasing the artistry and heart of goalkeepers who have left their mark on the sport for generations to come.
See more: Ranked 10 best last minute goals in football history
