When we talk about goalkeepers in football, the conversation usually centers around saves, clean sheets, or heroic penalty stops. But there’s a rare breed of goalkeepers who not only protect the goal but also contribute by scoring goals. These legends defied their traditional role and shocked the footballing world. This is a tribute to those brave shot-stoppers with the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper in the history of the game.
Here are the Top 10 Goalkeepers who rewrote the rulebook and became football’s most unlikely goalscorers. Let’s dive in, one hero at a time, backed with individual stats tables showing matches, goals, yard distance, and goal average.
Here are the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper
1. Rogério Ceni – 129 Goals
Rogério Ceni is the undisputed king of the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper, having netted an incredible 129 goals throughout his career. Known for his exceptional free-kick and penalty-taking skills, he transformed the role of a goalkeeper. Ceni spent his entire professional career at São Paulo FC, becoming both a defensive wall and an attacking threat.
Career Highlights:
- Played entire career at São Paulo FC
- Known for incredible technique in dead-ball situations
- Scored a legendary free-kick vs Corinthians in 2011 to mark his 100th goal
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1237 | 129 | 24 yards | 0.104 |
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2. José Luis Chilavert – 67 Goals
Paraguayan legend José Luis Chilavert stands out in football history for his fearless style and goal-scoring ability. He is the only goalkeeper to score a hat-trick in a professional match, all from the penalty spot. With 67 career goals, Chilavert secured his place among the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper, blending leadership, precision, and unmatched confidence.
Career Highlights:
- Scored from penalties and free-kicks alike
- Played for Vélez Sársfield, Real Zaragoza, Strasbourg
- Once scored from his own half!
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 803 | 67 | 30 yards | 0.083 |
3. René Higuita – 43 Goals
René Higuita, famed for his flamboyant style and iconic scorpion kick, was more than just a showman—he was a genuine goal threat. With 43 career goals, including free-kicks, penalties, and even long punts, Higuita carved his name into the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper list, redefining the expectations from a man between the posts.
Career Highlights:
- Represented Colombia with flair
- Scored goals from free-kicks, penalties, and even long punts
- Famous for risk-taking and wild antics
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 380 | 43 | 25 yards | 0.113 |
4. Dimitar Ivankov – 42 Goals
Bulgaria’s Dimitar Ivankov may not have scored for his national team, but his domestic record speaks volumes. With 42 career goals, mostly from penalties, he firmly earned his place among the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper. Known for his composure under pressure, Ivankov was a reliable scorer and a rare attacking asset from the goalpost.
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Career Highlights:
- Notable spells at Levski Sofia and Turkish clubs Kayserispor & Bursaspor
- Saved and scored in the same penalty shootout!
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 42 | 22 yards | 0.084 |
5. Johnny Vegas Fernandez – 41 Goals
Peruvian goalkeeper Johnny Vegas Fernandez was a true penalty specialist, converting spot-kicks with remarkable consistency. His 41 career goals, including several from open play, earn him a prominent spot on the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper list. Known for his fearless style and versatility, Vegas was a rare talent who contributed at both ends of the pitch.
Career Highlights:
- Played for 15 different clubs
- Scored 9 open play goals (rare for goalkeepers)
- Never scored for Peru despite 3 caps
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 41 | 18 yards | 0.091 |
6. Márcio – 40 Goals
Brazilian goalkeeper Márcio left a lasting legacy, particularly with Atlético Goianiense, where he became a fan favorite. Scoring 40 goals throughout his career, he secured his place among the elite in the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper rankings. Renowned for his penalty-taking skills and leadership, Márcio was a rare goal-scoring threat from the backline.
Career Highlights:
- Played 532 games for Atlético-GO
- Took penalties and free-kicks with precision
- Won titles and earned promotions with his club
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 565 | 40 | 21 yards | 0.071 |
7. Hans-Jörg Butt – 37 Goals
German goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt holds a unique record, having scored three Champions League goals—each against Juventus. His remarkable consistency from the penalty spot earned him a well-deserved place in the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper conversation. Known for his composure and accuracy, Butt was not just a shot-stopper but also a reliable goal-getter in high-pressure moments.
Career Highlights:
- Played for Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich
- Celebrated a goal once, only to concede from kick-off!
- Missed 5 penalties in his career
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 37 | 12 yards | 0.062 |
8. Fernando Patterson – 35 Goals
Central American legend Fernando Patterson scored 35 goals during a lengthy career across multiple clubs, solidifying his place among the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper. Best known for his time at Club Xelajú MC in Guatemala, Patterson was a dependable penalty taker and occasional long-range scorer, proving that goalkeepers can be decisive at both ends of the pitch.
Career Highlights:
- Best years at Club Xelajú MC (Guatemala)
- Played across five separate spells
- Scored from penalties and long-range kicks
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480 | 35 | 23 yards | 0.073 |
9. Misael Alfaro – 31 Goals
Despite a career-ending neck injury, Misael Alfaro impressively scored 31 goals—remarkably, 20 of them were not from penalties. This rare feat makes him a standout on the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper list. Known for his powerful long-range strikes and game-changing presence, Alfaro was more than just a shot-stopper—he was a true match-winner.
Career Highlights:
- Played for El Salvador 42 times
- Only 11 goals from the spot – the rest from open play
- Later became a successful coach
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | 31 | 26 yards | 0.079 |
10. Dragan Pantelić – 26 Goals
Yugoslav goalkeeper Dragan Pantelić scored 26 career goals, with one legendary strike coming from his own penalty area—a rare and iconic moment. As an old-school trailblazer, he earned his place in the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper club. Pantelić’s fearless style and attacking instincts set the stage for future goal-scoring keepers around the world.
Career Highlights:
- Most goals for Radnički Niš (15)
- Scored for Bordeaux in France
- Net from his own half in a league game!
Stats Table:
| Matches | Goals | Yards (avg) | Goals/Match Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 26 | 35 yards | 0.057 |
FAQ Section
1. Who has the highest goals scored by a goalkeeper in football history?
Rogério Ceni holds the record for the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper with 129 goals.
2. Has any goalkeeper ever scored a hat-trick?
Yes! José Luis Chilavert scored a hat-trick from penalties, a rare feat in the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper records.
3. Do these goals include only official matches?
Yes, the goals listed in the Highest Goals Scored by a Goalkeeper are official unless otherwise noted (some IFFHS stats include friendlies).
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