Full list: Unai Simon joins World Cup’s greatest goalkeepers for clean sheets

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Spain’s goalkeeper #23 Unai Simon grabs the ball during the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between France and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

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Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has written his name into FIFA World Cup history after moving into joint third on the tournament’s all-time clean-sheet rankings.

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The 29-year-old kept his eighth World Cup clean sheet as Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, booking their place in Sunday’s final.

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Simon has now recorded eight clean sheets in just 11 World Cup appearances, joining an elite group of legendary goalkeepers that includes Jan Jongbloed, Leão, Sepp Maier, Taffarel, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris.

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Only two goalkeepers have kept more clean sheets at the World Cup than the Athletic Bilbao star. France’s Fabien Barthez and England legend Peter Shilton jointly hold the record with 10 clean sheets, both achieved in 17 appearances.

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Simon’s remarkable record means he has reached eight shutouts in fewer matches than any other goalkeeper on the list. Jan Jongbloed needed 12 appearances, Leão 14, while Maier and Taffarel each took 18 matches. Courtois reached the mark in 21 appearances, with Lloris requiring 20.

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Brazil’s Alisson, Gilmar, Spain’s Iker Casillas, Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Germany’s Manuel Neuer are next on the all-time rankings with seven clean sheets each.

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With Spain set to face Argentina in the World Cup final, Simon has the opportunity to move clear into third place outright with another shutout. If he keeps clean sheets in both the final and a potential future World Cup appearance, he could also close the gap on Barthez and Shilton’s long-standing record.

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Goalkeepers with the most World Cup clean sheets

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• Fabien Barthez (France) – 10 clean sheets in 17 appearances
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• Peter Shilton (England) – 10 in 17
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• Unai Simón (Spain) – 8 in 11
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• Jan Jongbloed (Netherlands) – 8 in 12
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• Leão (Portugal) – 8 in 14
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• Sepp Maier (West Germany) – 8 in 18
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• Taffarel (Brazil) – 8 in 18
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• Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) – 8 in 21
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• Hugo Lloris (France) – 8 in 20
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• Alisson (Brazil) – 7 in 14
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• Gilmar (Brazil) – 7 in 14
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• Iker Casillas (Spain) – 7 in 17
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• Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) – 7 in 19
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• Manuel Neuer (Germany) – 7 in 23
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