Top 20 keepers with most clean sheets in Premier League history

The role of a goalkeeper in the Premier League is often overlooked but their importance cannot be overstated. A reliable shot-stopper is crucial for any successful team, providing security at the back and often making match-defining saves. Over the years some of the greatest goalkeepers in football history have graced England’s top division, setting records for clean sheets and cementing their legacies.  

A clean sheet is the ultimate measure of a goalkeeper’s ability to command their penalty area, organise their defense and make crucial saves when called upon. From title-winning legends to long-serving stalwarts with the most clean sheets in Premier League history. Some of these names are synonymous with success while others quietly built their reputations with years of consistency. Let’s dive into the list, starting from number 20 and working our way up to the all-time leader in Premier League clean sheets.

A fan-favorite for his charismatic personality and shot-stopping skills, Foster played for clubs like Manchester United, Watford, West Bromwich Albion, and Birmingham City. His consistency and longevity in the Premier League saw him rack up 92 clean sheets across his career. While his time at Man United was punctuated by competition, his subsequent moves allowed him to showcase his consistent abilities. At West Bromwich Albion, he became a key figure, regularly making crucial saves and demonstrating excellent reflexes. His longevity in the league is a testament to his professionalism and dedication. Foster's ability to perform at a high level even in challenging situations, he contributed significantly to his team's defensive efforts.

Lukasz Fabianski's 92 Premier League clean sheets, accumulated across his tenures at Arsenal, Swansea City, and West Ham United, highlight his consistent reliability. Initially facing challenges at Arsenal, he matured into a dependable goalkeeper, showcasing impressive reflexes and a knack for penalty saves. His move to Swansea City allowed him to establish himself as a first-choice keeper where he consistently delivered strong performances becoming a key figure in their team. His subsequent transfer to West Ham United further solidified his reputation as a seasoned and trustworthy shot-stopper. 

Alisson Becker's 94 Premier League clean sheets, and counting, underscore his pivotal role in Liverpool's recent success. Arriving in 2018, he quickly established himself as a world-class goalkeeper, contributing significantly to their Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup triumphs. His exceptional command of the penalty area coupled with his remarkable shot-stopping ability provides Liverpool's defense with a sense of security. 

Beyond his primary duties, Alisson's distribution skills are a valuable asset initiating quick counter-attacks. He is also known for his composure under pressure, consistently making crucial saves in pivotal moments. His unique ability to score a vital header against West Bromwich Albion further exemplifies his versatility. Alisson's consistency and impact have solidified his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, and a modern great for Liverpool. His presence is a crucial factor in Liverpool's continued pursuit of silverware.

Thomas Sorensen's 107 Premier League clean sheets achieved across stints at Sunderland, Aston Villa, and Stoke City, reflect his reliable presence. The Danish goalkeeper was a model of consistency, known for his dependable shot-stopping and crucial saves, particularly in high-pressure situations. His ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout his career contributed significantly to his team's defensive stability. Sorensen's strong command of his area and effective distribution made him a valuable asset. While not always playing for top-tier clubs, he consistently delivered solid performances, earning a reputation as a dependable and experienced goalkeeper.

The Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was a loyal servant for Bolton Wanderers, making over 500 appearances for the club. Despite playing for mid-table teams, he was renowned for his exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping ability and penalty-saving prowess. Jaaskelainen’s consistency and leadership made him a key figure for Bolton, helping them compete in the Premier League for over a decade. His sharp instincts and agility often frustrated top strikers earning him 108 clean sheets in the league. Even after leaving Bolton he continued to showcase his reliability at West Ham and Wigan, cementing his reputation as a Premier League stalwart. 

One of the greatest Irish goalkeepers of all time, Shay Given played for Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, highlighting his consistent excellence. While his overall tally is impressive, breaking it down further reveals his impact. During his prime years at Newcastle, he was a near-constant presence, contributing significantly to their defensive solidity. He was a phenomenal shot-stopper with cat-like reflexes and recorded 113 clean sheets despite often playing behind leaky defenses, solidifying his reputation as one of the Premier League's most reliable goalkeepers.

Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has redefined the role with his distribution skills. A multiple-time Premier League winner, Ederson has kept numerous clean sheets under Pep Guardiola’s dominant side, earning a fourteenth spot in the list with 117 clean sheets. He won two Primeira Liga titles and he made 300 appearances for the City, winning honours including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023. 

Hugo Lloris boasts an impressive 127 clean sheets in 361 Premier League appearances for Tottenham Hotspur cementing his legacy as a top-tier goalkeeper. Beyond club success, his leadership shone brightly as the captain of the French national team, guiding them to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Renowned for his exceptional agility and rapid reflexes, Lloris excels in one-on-one situations and demonstrates a keen understanding of positioning. His "sweeper-keeper" style characterized by his willingness to venture outside the box adds a crucial dimension to his defensive prowess. His longevity and consistent performance have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in Tottenham's history.

A two-time Premier League winner with Manchester City, Joe Hart was one of England’s best goalkeepers during his peak. He was a pivotal figure in Manchester City's rise as he played a key role in securing two Premier League titles, notably playing a crucial role in their historic 2011-12 triumph. His agility and shot-stopping prowess earned him four Premier League Golden Glove awards, highlighting his dominance during his peak. Beyond his club achievements, Hart represented England extensively, demonstrating his status as one of the nation's finest goalkeepers. While his career saw later challenges, his legacy as a key player in City's transformation remains undeniable.

Peter Schmeichel amassed 128 Premier League clean sheets in 310 appearances, solidifying his legendary status. The Danish legend played a crucial role in Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning five Premier League titles and the famous treble in 1999. Beyond his five Premier League titles, his contributions to the 1999 treble including the Champions League triumph cemented his place as one of football's greatest goalkeepers. Known for his "star jump" saves and vocal command of his defense, Schmeichel's impact extended beyond statistics, embodying leadership and unwavering determination. He also won three FA Cups and a League Cup.

Edwin van der Sar enjoyed a tremendous Premier League career, having won four league titles while at Manchester United. The Dutchman is largely considered as one of the best of his generation, and his statistics back that up pretty well. In 313 appearances, he kept 132 clean sheets, resulting in one Golden Glove in 2008-09.

The former United number one began his career in England with Fulham before making the big move to Manchester to play under Sir Alex Ferguson. Along with the silverware, he created a new Premier League record by going 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal during the 2009-10 season.

Tim Howard spent 13 years in the Premier League playing for both Manchester United and Everton, but his best years were with Everton. The former US international moved to England in 2003, joining United under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, the arrival of van der Sar marked the end of his stint in Manchester as he moved to Everton where he stayed nine years.

Howard recorded 132 clean sheets across the two clubs, making overall 400 appearances in the league. Howard was named to the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2003-04 season. He also joins a select group of only six Premier League goalkeepers who have scored. 

Brad Friedel is another former US custodian who has 132 clean sheets. The shot-stopper made 450 Premier League appearances for four different clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Though he spent the most time with Blackburn Rovers, where he played for seven seasons.

Liverpool lured him to England in 1997, and he went on to appear in one PFA Team of the Year in 2003 with Blackburn Rovers. Friedel, like Howard, is one of only a few Premier League goalkeepers who have scored. He was the second player to accomplish the feat, scoring a late equaliser for Blackburn against Charlton despite the fact that they eventually lost the game.

Liverpool’s Spanish shot-stopper Pepe Reina won three consecutive Golden Gloves from 2005 to 2008. Reina was among the best with the ball at his feet, the Spaniard made an immediate strong impression at the club. He accumulated 136 clean sheets in just 297 appearances. He even played a crucial role in Liverpool’s defensive stability under Rafael Benítez. Reina’s career at Anfield did not yield the silverware it perhaps deserved with just one FA Cup and League Cup to his name in his nine seasons. 

One of the most underrated goalkeepers in Premier League history, Nigel Martyn played for Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton. His consistency helped him record 137 clean sheets in his career. Nigel Martyn was the first £1 million goalkeeper in English football history when Crystal Palace signed him in 1989. He was never sent off in his 372 appearances in the Premier League, although he picked up seven yellow cards. He was the first goalkeeper to record 20 or more clean sheets in different seasons. He lacked the accolades but his impressive consistency and saves made him a remarkably popular figure.  

In the Premier League, David Seaman played for Arsenal and briefly for Manchester City, with his 137 coming for the Gunners, third only to Cech and De Gea for a single club in the Premier League. He helped the Gunners win multiple league titles under Arsène Wenger. Known for his calmness under pressure, Seaman’s 141 clean sheets helped Arsenal establish themselves as one of England’s top clubs in the late 90s and early 2000s. Seaman played on the opening weekend of the Premier League in 1992, but he would not enjoy a clean sheet in his first game as Arsenal fell to a surprising 4-2 defeat against Norwich City. 

One of Manchester United’s best-ever goalkeepers, David de Gea amassed 147 clean sheets before leaving the club in 2023. He won the Premier League Golden Glove and was well known for his reflex saves and playing a key role in United’s success over the years. Gea hold the record for most shoutouts at the Old Trafford, surpassing Peter Schmeichel a while ago but his departure in 2023 prevented him from surpassing players further. But who knows, perhaps he will return to the EPL in the future. 

The Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer played for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester City. In his last appearance at the age of 42 for Leicester City he kept a clean sheet as they played out a goalless draw with Hull City on 14 March 2015. Schwarzer was a reliable presence between the sticks and is the only non-British goalkeeper to surpass 500 Premier League appearances. He kept 151 clean sheets in 514 appearances. 

A Premier League veteran is not too much of a surprise, as David James sits second on the list as he holds the record for the most appearances made by a goalkeeper in Premier League history, making 572 appearances. James played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City, and Portsmouth. His longevity in the league allowed him to rack up 169 clean sheets. He was known for his shot-stopping abilities but also for occasional errors as he holds the record for conceding the most goals in the competition, picking up the ball out of the back of the net on 665 occasions. 

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Petr Cech holds the record for the most clean sheets in Premier League history. When Chelsea handed over £7m for a goalkeeper who had played just over 50 games in Ligue 1 for Rennes, it raised many eyebrows as they had just secured the services of FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship winner Fabien Barthez. The Frenchman would only keep 30 clean sheets for the Red Devils but the Czech legend went on to set the record for the most Premier League history. He played for Chelsea and Arsenal, keeping 202 clean sheets in 443 appearances. 

Cech even became the first Premier League goalkeeper to go over 1,000 minutes without conceding and reach the fastest both 50 and 100 clean sheets. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s dominance under Jose Mourinho and won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League trophy.