In football (soccer), jersey number 01 (or simply No. 1) is traditionally reserved for the team’s starting goalkeeper. This number symbolizes the first line of defense and often denotes leadership and trust between the posts. Soccer players who wear jersey number 01 are typically star goalkeepers, known for their commanding presence and critical saves. In this article, we profile the top 10 soccer players who wear jersey number 01, exploring their clubs, key stats, and why the No. 1 shirt carries such prestige. Along the way, we’ll also look at the symbolism of jersey number 01 in football.

Table of Contents

Soccer Players Who Wear Jersey Number 01 – Top 10 List

1. Alisson Becker – Liverpool & Brazil

Alisson is the Brazilian goalkeeper for Liverpool FC and the Brazil national team. Since joining Liverpool in 2018, he has been the undisputed No. 1, wearing jersey #1 as the club’s first-choice keeper. Alisson was a key figure in Liverpool’s 2019 UEFA Champions League triumph and their 2020 Premier League title. Known for his composure and distribution, he even became the first-ever goalkeeper to score a Premier League goal. By May 2023, Alisson had reached 100 clean sheets for Liverpool, underscoring his consistency and elite status.

Club: Liverpool FC (2018–present)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: UEFA Champions League 2019, Premier League 2020, FIFA World Cup semi-finalist (2018).

2. Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich & Germany

Manuel Neuer is Bayern Munich’s captain and Germany’s No. 1 goalkeeper. He has worn jersey number 1 throughout his Bayern career (since 2011) and at international tournaments. Neuer revolutionized the sweeper-keeper role and has won countless honors, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He holds the Bundesliga record for most career clean sheets (224), highlighting his legendary shot-stopping. Neuer’s ball-playing skills and leadership make him one of the greatest number 1 keepers ever.

Club: Bayern Munich (2011–present)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: World Cup 2014, multiple Bundesliga and Champions League titles.

3. Keylor Navas – Al-Nassr (formerly Real Madrid & Costa Rica)

Keylor Navas, the Costa Rican international, famously inherited the No. 1 shirt at Real Madrid after Iker Casillas departed. He was Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper during three consecutive Champions League wins (2016–2018) and won La Liga titles as well. Navas’s reflexes and penalty saves earned him global acclaim. After Real Madrid, he continued wearing No. 1 at PSG and now plays for Al-Nassr while remaining Costa Rica’s first-choice keeper.

Club: Al-Nassr (2023–present); formerly Real Madrid (2014–2019)
Position: Goalkeeper (wore No. 1 at Madrid)
Notable Achievements: 3× UEFA Champions League (2016–2018), FIFA Club World Cup 2014, 2016, 2018.

4. Marc-André ter Stegen – Barcelona & Germany

Marc-André ter Stegen is the German goalkeeper for FC Barcelona, where he wears jersey number 1. Since joining Barcelona in 2014, Ter Stegen has become their long-term No. 1, known for his exceptional footwork and quick reflexes. He won the treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League) in his debut season. Ter Stegen also serves as Germany’s primary backup keeper. His safe hands and playmaking from the back epitomize the modern No. 1.

Club: FC Barcelona (2014–present)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: UEFA Champions League 2015, La Liga titles 2015, 2016, 2019, UEFA Confederations Cup 2017.

5. Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid & Belgium

Thibaut Courtois is the towering Belgian keeper for Real Madrid, donning the number 1 jersey for the club. Standing at 6’7”, Courtois has been Madrid’s No. 1 since 2018, delivering stellar performances. He won La Liga (2019-20) and the 2022 UEFA Champions League with Real. As Belgium’s No. 1, Courtois captained his country to a World Cup third place in 2018. His acclaim culminated in winning the 2022 FIFA Best Goalkeeper award.

Club: Real Madrid (2018–present)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: La Liga 2020, UEFA Champions League 2022, UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year 2022.

6. Hugo Lloris – Los Angeles FC (formerly Tottenham) & France

Hugo Lloris, France’s long-time captain and goalkeeper, is currently the No. 1 keeper for MLS club LAFC, wearing jersey number 1. He was Tottenham Hotspur’s No. 1 from 2012 to 2024. Lloris led France to victory at the 2018 World Cup and was a finalist in Euro 2016. Known for his agility and leadership, Lloris earned Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year three times during his career with Lyon before moving to Spurs.

Club: Los Angeles FC (2024–present); formerly Tottenham Hotspur (2012–2024)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: World Cup 2018 (captain), UEFA Nations League 2021, 3× Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year.

7. Jordan Pickford – Everton & England

Jordan Pickford is England’s current first-choice goalkeeper and plays club football for Everton, where he wears jersey number 1. Pickford rose through Sunderland’s youth ranks before joining Everton in 2017, inheriting the No. 1 shirt. He quickly became England’s No. 1 keeper, leading the team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. His signature strengths are penalty saves and shot-stopping in big moments.

Club: Everton FC (2017–present)
Position: Goalkeeper (wears No. 1)
Notable Achievements: UEFA European Championship runner-up (2021), FIFA World Cup semi-finalist (2018).

8. David de Gea – Manchester United (2023) & Spain

David de Gea was Manchester United’s No. 1 goalkeeper from 2011 to 2023, proudly wearing the number 1 shirt. The Spaniard joined United in 2011 and quickly became a club legend, earning three consecutive Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year awards. His reflex saves and dominance led United to a Premier League title in 2013–14. In August 2023 De Gea moved to Fiorentina (Serie A). He remains one of the most accomplished keepers to wear #1.

Club: Fiorentina (2024–present); Manchester United (2011–2023)
Position: Goalkeeper (wore No. 1 at Man Utd)
Notable Achievements: Premier League 2014, UEFA Europa League 2017, PFA Team of the Year (2015–2018).

9. Gianluigi Buffon – Juventus & Italy (Goalkeeper Legend)

Gianluigi “Gigi” Buffon is one of soccer’s all-time great goalkeepers. He wore the number 1 jersey throughout his storied career at Parma, Juventus, and the Italian national team (and briefly at Paris Saint-Germain). Buffon won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and a record 10 Serie A titles with Juventus. He “held off younger pretenders to the number 1 jersey” for nearly two decades, earning 176 caps for Italy.

Club: Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Parma (retired 2023)
Position: Goalkeeper (long-time No. 1)
Notable Achievements: World Cup 2006, 10× Serie A champion, 12× Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year.

10. Peter Schmeichel – Manchester United & Denmark

Peter Schmeichel is a Manchester United and Denmark legend who famously wore the No. 1 jersey. He led United to five Premier League titles (1993–1999) and the 1999 UEFA Champions League trophy as the team’s No. 1 keeper. The Transfermarkt squad history shows Schmeichel wore #1 in each season at Manchester United (1993–1999). Known for his imposing height and reflexes, Schmeichel also won Euro 1992 with Denmark and remains one of the most iconic keepers to don jersey 01.

Club: Manchester United (1991–1999)
Position: Goalkeeper (wore No. 1)
Notable Achievements: UEFA Champions League 1999, Premier League (5 times), European Championship 1992.

Symbolism of Jersey Number 01 in Football

In soccer, jersey number 1 carries deep symbolism. It is almost universally assigned to the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. Wearing the No. 1 shirt signifies that the player is the defensive backbone and often a leader on the field. Over time, legendary goalkeepers (from Lev Yashin to Casillas to Neuer) have elevated the prestige of this number. Key points about the #1 jersey:

First-choice goalkeeper: By tradition, the squad’s starting keeper wears 1, reflecting trust and responsibility.
Leadership & legacy: Goalkeepers with #1 often are captains or former captains (e.g., Hugo Lloris, Iker Casillas), and the number is associated with club legends.
Historical prestige: Many of the greatest goalkeepers in history (e.g., Buffon, Yashin) are remembered as iconic No. 1s, giving the shirt a heroic aura.
Continuity: When a team’s No. 1 retires or leaves, the incoming keeper often inherits the 01 jersey (as Alisson did at Roma or Courtois at Madrid), showing its continuity.

The jersey number 01 therefore symbolizes excellence between the posts. It is revered by fans and players alike, and wearing it often means a goalkeeper is considered a top talent or club stalwart.

FAQs

Q: What does jersey number 01 signify in soccer?
A: It traditionally signifies the starting goalkeeper of the team. Wearing #1 means you are the first-choice keeper. The number carries prestige, indicating trust by the coach and a leadership role in defense. Many historic goalkeepers wore #1, making it a symbolic number in football.

Q: Are all players who wear 01 goalkeepers?
A: Almost always. In professional soccer, the number 1 jersey is reserved for goalkeepers. Outfield players rarely wear 1, and if they do (in rare cases), it’s usually due to non-standard numbering or friendly matches.

Q: Can a goalkeeper change his number after wearing 01?
A: Yes, but it’s uncommon. Some keepers switch numbers late in their career or if they change clubs. For example, Buffon wore #1 at Juventus but chose #77 when he returned as backup. However, most top goalkeepers keep the No. 1 jersey as long as they play for a club.

Q: Who are some famous soccer players with jersey #1 besides goalkeepers?
A: There really aren’t notable outfield players with #1 at high levels, since 1 is for keepers. However, legendary keepers (though the question says “players”) include Lev Yashin, Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon, and current stars like those listed above. Their fame has made #1 an iconic number.

Conclusion

The Soccer Players Who Wear Jersey Number 01 are elite goalkeepers who often form the foundation of their teams. From Alisson’s Premier League title to Neuer’s World Cup and record clean sheets, to Lloris lifting the World Cup for France, each of the players above exemplifies why #1 is special in football. In summary, the No. 01 jersey symbolizes leadership and excellence between the posts. Whether it’s Manuel Neuer sweeping up at Bayern or Buffon’s storied career at Juventus, these goalkeepers have built legacies wearing the number 1.