The Premier League has long been regarded as the most competitive football league in the world, attracting world-class talent across all positions. While attackers often grab the headlines for their goals and flair, the foundations of championship-winning sides are almost always built upon strong defenses. At the heart of these defenses stand the goalkeepers — the last line of resistance and often the difference between winning silverware or falling short.

Clean sheets, which represent games in which a goalkeeper does not concede a goal, are one of the best measures of consistency and reliability. Over three decades of Premier League football, only a select group of goalkeepers have managed to etch their names into history by recording remarkable numbers of shutouts.

This article ranks the 10 goalkeepers with the most Premier League clean sheets from number 10 to number 1. From legendary title winners to loyal stalwarts of mid-table sides, this list showcases the very best to ever grace the league.

Table: Goalkeepers With the Most Premier League Clean Sheets

RankGoalkeeperClubs Played ForAppearancesClean Sheets10Edwin van der SarFulham, Manchester United3131329Tim HowardManchester United, Everton3991328Brad FriedelLiverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Tottenham4501327Pepe ReinaLiverpool, Aston Villa2971366Nigel MartynCrystal Palace, Leeds, Everton3721375David SeamanArsenal, Manchester City3441414David de GeaManchester United4151473Mark SchwarzerMiddlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, Leicester5141522David JamesLiverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Man City, Portsmouth5721691Petr ČechChelsea, Arsenal443202

10. Edwin van der Sar — 132 Clean Sheets

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Few goalkeepers have commanded the respect that Edwin van der Sar did during his illustrious Premier League career. The Dutchman arrived in England with Fulham in 2001, where his performances quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 2005, Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to Manchester United, a decision that proved transformative.

At Old Trafford, van der Sar won four Premier League titles, playing a crucial role in a dominant United side. His composure, positioning, and exceptional shot-stopping were instrumental in maintaining United’s defensive solidity. One of his most famous records came in the 2008–09 season, where he went an astonishing 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal — a Premier League record that still stands.

In total, he kept 132 Premier League clean sheets in 313 appearances, a testament to his consistency and longevity.

9. Tim Howard — 132 Clean Sheets

Tim Howard’s name will always be synonymous with reliability in the Premier League. The American shot-stopper began his English career at Manchester United in 2003 but struggled to cement his place due to fierce competition. His move to Everton, however, saw him flourish.

Spending nearly a decade at Goodison Park, Howard became a fan favorite thanks to his reflexes, leadership, and resilience. Over 399 Premier League appearances, he amassed 132 clean sheets, joining an exclusive group of keepers at this milestone.

Howard is also one of only six goalkeepers to score in the competition, famously netting from his own half against Bolton Wanderers in 2012. His consistency over 13 years ensures his place among the best.

8. Brad Friedel — 132 Clean Sheets

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Another American goalkeeper, Brad Friedel, enjoyed an incredibly long and successful Premier League career. After spells with Liverpool and Aston Villa, his longest and most productive period came at Blackburn Rovers.

Known for his durability, Friedel set a record of 310 consecutive Premier League appearances — an achievement unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. Over his 450 total appearances in England’s top flight, he secured 132 Premier League clean sheets.

Like Howard, Friedel also scored a goal in the league, netting for Blackburn against Charlton Athletic. His leadership and dependability made him a mainstay for multiple clubs.

7. Pepe Reina — 136 Clean Sheets

Pepe Reina was one of the defining goalkeepers of the 2000s Premier League era. Joining Liverpool in 2005, the Spaniard instantly made an impact by winning three consecutive Golden Gloves between 2005 and 2008.

Reina was not only a sharp shot-stopper but also among the first modern goalkeepers to excel with the ball at his feet. His ability to launch counterattacks with precise distribution set him apart in a period when goalkeeping roles were still evolving.

In 297 appearances, Reina kept 136 clean sheets, a phenomenal ratio compared to many on this list. Though Liverpool didn’t win the league during his tenure, his consistency left a lasting legacy at Anfield.

6. Nigel Martyn — 137 Clean Sheets

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Nigel Martyn is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Premier League history. The Englishman began his career at Crystal Palace before moving to Leeds United in 1996, where he became a fan favorite.

Martyn was known for his reflex saves and calm presence under pressure. During his time at Leeds, he played a pivotal role in their Champions League semi-final run. Later, he joined Everton, where he continued to perform at a high level.

Across 372 appearances, Martyn achieved 137 Premier League clean sheets. Although he never won major silverware, his reliability earned him respect throughout the league.

5. David Seaman — 141 Clean Sheets

David Seaman, often remembered for his ponytail and calm authority, was a cornerstone of Arsenal’s success in the 1990s. Over 13 seasons with the Gunners, he established himself as one of England’s greatest goalkeepers.

Seaman won two Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal. He was renowned for his safe handling and positional awareness, rarely making mistakes. His consistency made him England’s number one goalkeeper for much of the 1990s.

In 344 Premier League matches, Seaman recorded 141 clean sheets. He later spent one final season at Manchester City before retiring. His legacy endures as a symbol of stability between the posts.

4. David de Gea — 147 Clean Sheets

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When Manchester United signed David de Gea in 2011, he was tasked with replacing Edwin van der Sar — a monumental challenge. After a shaky start, the Spaniard grew into one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his 12 years at Old Trafford.

De Gea’s agility, reflexes, and remarkable shot-stopping ability rescued United countless times. Though his distribution was often criticized, there is no denying his importance to the team, particularly during difficult post-Ferguson years.

He left United in 2023 with 147 Premier League clean sheets from 415 appearances, as well as one Golden Glove in 2017–18 and another in 2022–23.

3. Mark Schwarzer — 152 Clean Sheets

Mark Schwarzer may not have won as many trophies as others on this list, but his longevity was extraordinary. The Australian goalkeeper spent 20 years in the Premier League, representing Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester.

At Middlesbrough, Schwarzer was a reliable figure between the sticks, and later at Fulham, he played a key role in their journey to the 2010 Europa League final. Even at Chelsea, where he was mainly a backup, he stepped up when required, becoming the club’s oldest ever player.

With 514 appearances — the second-most by any goalkeeper — Schwarzer kept 152 Premier League clean sheets, making him one of the most consistent keepers of his generation.

2. David James — 169 Clean Sheets

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David James was one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Premier League history. Known for his athletic saves, but also for some high-profile errors, James nevertheless enjoyed a long and distinguished career.

He played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham, Manchester City, and Portsmouth, racking up an incredible 572 appearances — the most by any goalkeeper in the competition. Along the way, he earned the nickname “Calamity James” for occasional mistakes, but his overall ability was undeniable.

James recorded 169 Premier League clean sheets, placing him firmly in second place on this list. He also holds the record for most penalty saves in Premier League history, with 13.

1. Petr Čech — 202 Clean Sheets

At the top of the list, and by some distance, stands Petr Čech. Widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Čech revolutionized the role in the Premier League.

Joining Chelsea in 2004, he immediately broke records in his debut season, keeping 24 clean sheets and conceding only 15 goals in the entire campaign — an achievement that remains unmatched. Over the years, Čech helped Chelsea win four league titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League.

After a decade at Stamford Bridge, he moved to Arsenal, where he added to his tally before retiring. In total, Čech kept a staggering 202 Premier League clean sheets in 443 appearances, making him the undisputed king of shutouts.

The importance of goalkeepers in football cannot be overstated. These 10 legends of the game have not only amassed the most Premier League clean sheets but also influenced how the position is played. From the dominance of Petr Čech to the longevity of David James and Mark Schwarzer, and the agility of David de Gea, each has left a lasting mark on English football.

Modern stars like Alisson Becker and Ederson are closing in on this list, and with more years ahead of them, it will be fascinating to see how the rankings change in the future. For now, the names on this list stand as the gold standard for goalkeeping excellence in the Premier League era.

FAQ

Who has the most Premier League clean sheets?

Petr Čech holds the record with 202 Premier League clean sheets.

Which goalkeeper has the most Premier League appearances?

David James made 572 Premier League appearances, the most by any goalkeeper.

Who is the only goalkeeper to win three consecutive Golden Gloves?

Pepe Reina achieved this feat with Liverpool between 2005 and 2008.