Unai Simón Leaves World Cup Legends Chasing as Spain Goalkeeper Climbs FIFA’s All-Time Clean Sheet Rankings

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón has moved into the elite ranks of FIFA World Cup history after equaling one of the competition’s most impressive goalkeeping milestones.

His outstanding performances during Spain’s run to the 2026 World Cup final have earned him a place among the tournament’s greatest shot-stoppers.

Following the completion of the semi-finals, FIFA updated its all-time statistics, placing Simón among the goalkeepers with the third-highest number of clean sheets in World Cup history.

Spain’s Defensive Strength Powers Simón’s Rise

Simón now boasts eight clean sheets in just 11 World Cup appearances, a record strengthened significantly by Spain’s impressive 2026 campaign.

The Spanish goalkeeper has kept six shutouts in seven matches at this year’s tournament, adding to the two clean sheets he recorded during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His consistency has been a major factor behind Spain’s journey to the final, with the team’s disciplined defense allowing very few scoring opportunities throughout the competition.

Historic Company Among World Cup Greats

By reaching eight clean sheets, Simón has drawn level with several legendary goalkeepers who left lasting marks on World Cup history.

He now shares the joint third position with Dutch goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed, Brazil’s Emerson Leão and Taffarel, Germany’s Sepp Maier, Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois and former France captain Hugo Lloris.

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The achievement highlights how quickly Simón has built an outstanding World Cup résumé despite playing far fewer matches than many of the players alongside him.

Barthez and Shilton Still Lead the Rankings

At the top of FIFA’s all-time standings remain France’s Fabien Barthez and England’s Peter Shilton, who continue to share first place with 10 World Cup clean sheets each from 17 appearances.

Barthez produced five shutouts during France’s victorious 1998 campaign before adding one in 2002 and four more in 2006.

Shilton, meanwhile, accumulated his total across three tournaments, recording four clean sheets in 1982, three in 1986 and another three during England’s run in 1990.

Simón Posts Best Goals-Conceded Average

Beyond his clean sheet tally, Simón has also established himself as one of the tournament’s most efficient goalkeepers.

Across his 11 World Cup matches, he has conceded only four goals, giving him an exceptional average of just 0.36 goals allowed per game.

According to FIFA’s updated statistics, that is the best goals-conceded average among the goalkeepers occupying the top positions in the clean sheet rankings.

Spain’s latest 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals further strengthened both his individual record and his country’s hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy.

Several Legendary Goalkeepers Remain Close Behind

Just behind the group tied for third are another collection of World Cup icons.

Brazil’s Alisson and Gilmar, Spain legend Iker Casillas, Uruguay veteran Fernando Muslera and Germany’s Manuel Neuer each have seven World Cup clean sheets, placing them jointly in 10th position under FIFA’s ranking system.

FIFA groups goalkeepers with identical clean sheet totals into shared positions, meaning multiple players can occupy the same rank.

FIFA World Cup Goalkeepers With the Most Clean Sheets

With Spain now one victory away from World Cup glory, Simón has the opportunity to strengthen his place in FIFA history even further and move closer to the long-standing record held by Barthez and Shilton.