When it comes to goalkeepers, their primary role is to prevent goals rather than score them. However, there have been a few exceptional goalkeepers throughout history who have managed to make their mark on the score sheet. One such remarkable goalkeeper is Rogério Ceni, a Brazilian legend who holds the record for the most goals scored by a goalkeeper.
Rogério Ceni, born on January 22, 1973, in Pato Branco, Brazil, had a career that spanned over two decades. He spent the majority of his career playing for São Paulo FC, where he became a club icon and etched his name in football history.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ceni scored an incredible 129 goals, an astonishing feat for a goalkeeper. His goals mostly came from penalties and free kicks, showcasing his exceptional skills and accuracy. On August 4, 2011, he reached a significant milestone by scoring his 100th goal in a 3–0 victory for São Paulo.
While Ceni holds the record for the most goals scored by a goalkeeper, he is not the only goalkeeper to have made an impact on the score sheet. José Luis Chilavert, a Paraguayan goalkeeper, is second on the list with 67 goals. Chilavert also holds the record for the most goals scored by a goalkeeper in international matches, with 8 goals to his name.
One notable achievement of Chilavert is being the second goalkeeper in history to score a hat-trick. This rare feat showcases his versatility and offensive prowess. In a Copa Mercosur match in 2000, Chilavert and Argentine goalkeeper Roberto Bonano both found the back of the net, creating a memorable moment in football history.
While goals from goalkeepers are generally considered rare occurrences, there have been a few instances where goalkeepers have scored from their own half. On November 2, 2013, Asmir Begović, playing for Stoke City, scored the fastest goal ever recorded by a professional goalkeeper. Just 13 seconds into the match, Begović launched a long-range effort that found the back of the net, leaving spectators in awe.
In terms of the longest goal scored by a goalkeeper, Wilhelm Huxhorn holds the record. On April 27, 1985, Huxhorn, playing for SV Darmstadt 98, scored from a distance of 103 meters (112.6 yards) in a match against Fortuna Köln. This incredible long-range strike remains a remarkable achievement in the history of football.
However, the longest officially recorded goal by a goalkeeper is credited to Tom King of Newport County. On January 19, 2021, in a match against Cheltenham Town, King scored from an astonishing distance of 96.01 meters (105 yards). This incredible goal was confirmed by the Guinness World Records, solidifying King’s place in football history.
Rogério Ceni, José Luis Chilavert, Asmir Begović, Wilhelm Huxhorn, and Tom King are just a few examples of goalkeepers who have left an indelible mark on the score sheet. Their goals not only showcase their individual skills but also add an extra element of excitement to the game. While scoring as a goalkeeper may be a rarity, these exceptional individuals have proven that anything is possible on the football pitch.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
