Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks is immortalized by a single save—his 1970 World Cup stop from Pelé's header, which Pelé called "the greatest save I have ever seen"—a moment faster than the average reaction time of any keeper on this list, measured at 0.2 seconds from jump to ball deflection. Banks dived full stretch, scooping the ball from beneath the turf line at a 45-degree angle, a feat that required a leap distance of 2.5 meters. That save alone earned him IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper twice and the title of England's best goalkeeper of the 20th century. Compared to #5 Iker Casillas, Banks had fewer career caps (73) but a higher save percentage in World Cups (92%), reflecting his exceptional shot-stopping under pressure. His 1966 World Cup victory added a tangible trophy to his legacy, though his fame rests on that single, unparalleled moment of athleticism.