To see the full list of goalkeepers in the Hall of Fame or read more about Weighted Cap Totals (WCT), click here.
2010 - Bente Nordby (Norway, 172 caps / 159 WCT) - Bente Nordby was Norway’s national team goalkeeper from 1991 to 2007 and retired with the most caps as a goalkeeper in the world (although she would later be surpassed). At 17 years old, Nordby debuted with the national team in a 1-0 shutout against the US. Nordby would eventually take over the starting spot from Reidun Seth by 1995, where Nordby led Norway to winning their first and only World Cup win, topping the US 1-0 in the semifinal and Germany 2-0 in the final. The following year, Norway finished third at the 1996 Olympics but rebounded in 2000 to win gold. Despite 2000 being the last major trophy for Norway, the Grasshoppers would finish in the top four at the Euro three times with Nordby (1995, 2001, 2005) and twice at the World Cup (1999, 2007) after winning in 1995.
Away from the international stage, Nordby spent time in four countries during her club career. Starting early in Norway, where she won a league trophy with Sprint-Jeløy in 1993, she was the first pick in the 2000 WUSA Foreign Player Allocation, where she played for the Carolina Courage, before being traded for the San Diego Spirit. After a lackluster time in the WUSA (only 14 starts before being released due to San Diego not willing to take on her salary), Nordby rebounded with another Norwegian league trophy in 2002 and reached the Champions League quarterfinals with Kolbotn. Nordby spent 2006-07 with Swedish club Djurgården/Älvsjö and, despite finishing runner up both years, was named the league’s top goalkeeper in 2007. Nordby spent her last two years as a professional with Olympique Lyon, where she made Champions League semifinal runs both times.
Perhaps one of the succinct ways to sum up her career was how she won “player of the match” in a 1-0 loss against the US in the 2003 World Cup quarterfinal match. In both her international and club career, Nordby elevated her team to put them in a position to compete. At the highest level, Nordby conceded only 23 goals over 22 World Cup matches.
ERIC RISBERG, ASSOCIATED PRESS
2011 - Briana Scurry (USA, 175 caps / 125 WCT) - Scurry’s fame is typically centered on her 1999 World Cup heroics but in every stop of her career she excelled above her peers. In 1989, she entered the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a heralded prospect, just previously being named as a High School All-American and Minnesota’s top female athlete in the state. Scurry would go on to once again win All-American honors, this time at the collegiate level, during her senior year. The 1993 Final Four run with UMass helped put Scurry in the national team picture due to her performance in a loss against eventual winners the University of North Carolina. At UNC head coach Anson Dorrance’s recommendation, Scurry was brought into the national team in 1993 and stayed with the program until 2008. Scurry helped the national team capture two gold medals (1996, 2004) and a first-place finish at the 1999 World Cup, the latter of which she was named as the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Although her penalty save in the final is what most remember from the 1999 World Cup, her stellar performance in the semifinal match against Brazil and three goals conceded in six matches marked her as the best in the world.
Scurry’s time on the club scene was limited, due to a lack of a stable domestic league in the US. Scurry played for the Atlanta Beat in the WUSA for all three years of its existence, before the league folded, earning the 2003 WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year award. In 2009, Scurry played for the Washington Freedom in their inaugural season with the WPS until a concussion ended her playing career, early into the 2010 season.
Frequently cited as not only the best goalkeeper of her era but as one of the greatest of all-time, Scurry was a perennial winner with an unmatched will to win. Her 15 years of accomplishments with one of the greatest teams in women’s soccer history is a standard for any goalkeeper who wishes to be called “one of the greatest”.
2012 - Sandrine Roux (France, 70 caps / 127 WCT) - Roux was a goalkeeper for the French national team for 18 years, stretching over three decades with the Blues. Roux grew up playing on boys teams while hiding her hair in a cap, as it was frowned upon for young women to be playing football at the time. At 16, Roux became the starting goalkeeper for VGA Saint-Maur, where she led the club to win the league in her first season with the cub (1983). VGA Saint-Maur continued their dominance over an eight-year span, winning the league six times from 1983-1990. Although Roux stayed with the club throughout 1999, assisting in having one of the lowest goals conceded tallies each year, VGA struggled to put the ball in the back of the opponent’s net and consistently finished mid-table until relegation in 1998. For her final two years of her professional carer, Roux moved to FC Lyon, where she finished third in 2000.
Roux was first featured for the national team in 1984, a few days before she turned 17 years old. Roux went on to be a part of France’s 1988 Mundalito squad, as well as Euro qualifying campaigns in 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1997. Roux was named captain in the last Euro run, 1997, which also marked the first time France qualified for the final eight, narrowly missing out on the knockout round due to goal differential. In 1999, France fell short in World Cup qualifying, earning some tough points against Italy and Finland before being knocked out.
2013 - Caroline Jönsson (Sweden, 80 caps / 72 WCT) - Born in 1977, Jönsson came up through the Sövestads IF and Veberöds AIF academies before moving to Malmö FF Dam (now known as FC Rosengård). She began her career on an amateur contract, while also attending school and working in a grocery store. The goalkeeper spent 13 years at the club, making 222 appearances. Her tenure featured seven runners-up finishes in the Damallsvenskan and the triumphant claiming of the 1997 Svenska Cupen.
After departing Malmö, the Chicago Red Stars of the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer selected her in the 2008 WPS International Draft. Jönsson played every minute during the 2009 season, leading the league in saves. Despite the organization exercising her contract option, she returned to Sweden and signed with two-time UEFA Champions League winners Umeå IK. Her veteran role on a young and developing squad helped to stabilize the former super-club suffering from reported financial turmoil. After a fourteen-year career and lingering injuries, the then-35-year-old retired in 2013.
At the international level, Jönsson made 80 appearances for the Swedish national team after debuting in 1999, earning multiple “Goalkeeper of the Year” (2003, 2006) accolades. She was on the squad for three editions of the Olympic Games (2000-08), making the final competition after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear. With the Lund native in goal, Blågult (The Blue and Yellow) finished runners-up at the 2001 UEFA Women’s Championship and 2003 Women’s World Cup.
With Sweden’s emphasis on a specific tactical approach, Jönsson focused on structuring the back-line and squad’s overall cohesion, adopting a less aggressive nature that emboldened defenders to take on more responsibilities. The strongest parts of her game were controlling the box and possession, befitting the methodical decision-making that defined her career, and continued work in the sport. Following her retirement, Jönsson serves on the board of FIFPRO, the international players’ union. She is working to achieve the best for the sport, preserving competitive integrity and ensuring long-term quality.
2014 - Carla Brunozzi (Italy, 55 caps / 66 WCT) - Brunozzi’s professional career started in 1993 with Lazio before making stops at Picenum and Atletico Oristano. In 2000, the goalkeeper joined Torres Calcio, winning her first Serie A and Coppa Italia titles. After playing at Senigallia Vigor, she moved to the now-defunct ASD Bardolino, spending six seasons with the Gialloblu (Yellow-Blues). During her tenure, the Verona-based club won three consecutive Scudetti, two domestic cups, and two Super Cups, while also becoming the first Italian team to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Women’s Cup. Her performance in the quarterfinal against Danish champions Brøndby featured two saves in the penalty shootout. Having claimed a host of trophies, the decision was made to leave Bardolino in 2010. Brunozzi spent her final professional season at ACF Brescia before retiring.
At the international level, Brunozzi earned 55 caps for the Italian national team. She made the roster twice for the UEFA Women’s Championship, in 2001 and 2005. At the latter competition, the Torricella Sicura native appeared in all three matches for Le Azzurre (The Blues). Brunozzi retained the number one spot through the 2007 World Cup qualifying, conceding only six goals in the seven matches.
Playing a position that oftentimes demands physical superlatives, Brunozzi was an anomaly, standing a mere 5’5”. She earned the pop-culture-influenced nicknames “Batman” and “Taz” for her speed and intensity, a whirling dervish of energy that neither reduced activity nor stood down from an opponent. Competing at a time when Italy was perhaps less focused on the women’s game, the lack of training available to female players makes her accomplishments that much more significant, achieving at a high level without the advantages and support structure available in the modern game.
2015 - Ursula Holl (Germany, 5 caps / 4 WCT) - Known as “Uschi” and hailing from the Bavarian city of Würzburg, Holl spent her academy days with TSV Uengershausen before moving to the now-defunct FSV Frankfurt in 2000. She made ten appearances in her debut Bundesliga season before heading to crosstown rivals FFC Frankfurt (now known as Eintracht Frankfurt). While serving as a backup, the club claimed three league titles, three German Cups, and the 2003 UEFA Women’s Cup.
In search of first-team football, Holl returned to FSV Frankfurt during the 2003 summer transfer window. She gained valuable experience, receiving the necessary playing time to grow into the number one goalkeeper role. Her next destination came as no surprise, bouncing back to FFC Frankfurt.
Ready to compete for Germany’s most successful club, Holl contributed to the growing legacy. From 2005 through 2007, she claimed the UEFA Women’s Cup, Bundesliga, and German Cup. Capping off a fantastic year, the goalkeeper and her national team were awarded the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt, the highest honor for German athletes bestowed by the country’s president.
She then moved to SC 07 Bad Neuenahr. After two seasons in the Rhineland, Holl joined FCR 2001 Duisburg. Her play led the Löwinnen (Lionesses) to the 2010 German Cup and a runners-up finish in the Bundesliga, but struggles with injury issues limited her ability to stake a claim as the country’s top goalkeeper. For her final season, Holl moved to Essen-Schönebeck. After making 12 appearances, she retired in 2012 at the age of 30. Her post-playing career consists of commentating, coaching, and working as a banking analyst.
Holl featured prominently for German youth international sides before advancing to the senior team. After waiting several years for an opportunity, she debuted in 2007 and finished her career with five caps. The international section of her trophy cabinet is almost as full as the club display, featuring two UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championships, two UEFA European Championships, a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, and, most importantly, the 2007 World Cup.
Holl is described as an “open and self-confident character” that would “conduct her team loudly” with “more energy” than the defense was used to encountering. The reliable goalkeeper’s strengths were quick reactions, acrobatic saves, and stopping fast breaks, fulfilling the archetype of the athletic shot-stopper. Coaches praised her performance-oriented nature, “professional attitude, high level of discipline, and willingness to work hard.” Perhaps overshadowed by the strength of contemporaries, the top competitor achieved every possible accomplishment at the club level, never standing down from a challenge on or off the field.
Photo taken from the German Federation Association
2016 - Nadine Angerer (Germany, 146 caps / 134 WCT) - There are few goalkeepers as decorated as Nadine Angerer, the rare case of a talented player receiving proper acclaim. The native of Lohr am Main collected individual and team accolades at the club and international level, presiding over the area with an almost preternatural ability and carrying her squads to victory. Despite the consistency of her storied 20-year career, there are two matches that standout, both for the German national team.
After being named the undisputed starter following an injury to Silke Rottenberg, Angerer set multiple records at the 2007 World Cup for minutes conceded without a goal and shutouts. She held opponents scoreless for every match of the competition. Her most impressive performance waited ever so dramatically for the final. With Germany leading 1-0, the high-flying Brazilians drew a penalty in the 63rd minute. Legendary striker Marta, considered the world's top player, lined up at the spot, with few expecting anything other than conversion. Angerer stood firm, read her opponent's eyes, and slid to the right of the net for a save that looked almost too easy. Following a few more key stops, Germany was crowned champions for the second time. The accolades rolled in for Angerer. She was named Best Goalkeeper, selected to the All-Star Team, and awarded Silbernes Lorbeerblatt by the federal government.
Six years later, Angerer provided an encore performance at the 2013 UEFA Women's Championship. She saved two penalties to defeat Norway, 1-0, in the final, denying the opponents with shrewd movement and improvisation. The entire match was a one-woman show for the goalkeeper, a whirlwind display of intelligence, timing, and athleticism. At an even greater level than before, she was rewarded for her efforts. Angerer claimed a spot on the Squad of the Tournament, while also being named Best Player of the Tournament and UEFA Best Women's Player in Europe. The final prize, an unprecedented bauble, was winning the Ballon d'Or, the first goalkeeper to earn the honor.
At the club level, from Germany to Sweden, in Australia and the United States, Angerer exemplified similar excellence. She claimed a UEFA Women's Cup, two Bundesliga titles, and four German Cups. After retiring, the International Federation of Football & Statistics named her to the All-Decade Team for the 2010s and the All-Time Women's Dream Team. Nicknamed “Natze”, Angerer is praised for her “ability to concentrate” and “one hundred percent focus on the game,” along with reading of the game and shot-stopping. She was considered an intelligent player with a strong personality, devoid of “any glaring weaknesses.” Standing tall on the world’s biggest stages, managers considered her a "special person" and leader that uplifted the even before considering her elite performances.
2017 - Hope Solo (USA, 202 caps / 119 WCT) - When pushed to decide history's greatest female goalkeeper, Hope Solo would likely be the first or second name mentioned. She was a key member of multiple Olympic gold medal and World Cup-winning sides, and her list of individual accolades and records are more than extensive. Over 17 years, the Washington native made 202 appearances at the international level, establishing a pattern of excellence that will go unmet for a very long time.
Solo brought a fearless nature and athleticism to the position that is often attributed in word but rarely present in deed. Her athleticism granted her the ability to cover the entire box and pop right back up projected a level of confidence to which goalkeepers should aspire. Before an opponent's shot reached the goal, her careful footwork had put her in a position to keep the ball out of the net.
Consider her incredible double-save in the 2012 Olympics send-off match against Canada. Christine Sinclair took a shot from the top of the box that was deflected, but Solo had already begun moving to the right side of the goal. She stopped and utilized every fiber of quick-twitch muscle to reverse course for the save. The veteran was then able to dive again, corralling the rebound with one arm and preventing the opponent from forcing her over the line.
There was also the notable save on the inimitable Marta to preserve the shutout against Brazil in the Gold Medal Match of the 2008 Olympics. The striker slalomed through the American defenders and had a clean shot on goal, directing her effort to the near post, a ploy that would have bedeviled many goalkeepers. However, Solo went against the natural reflexive urge and stood firm, producing a one-armed save.
The two-time World Cup Golden Glove winner will be forever present on any list of top goalkeepers. Her on-field performances are beyond reproach through years of consistent greatness. Any research into her playing history yields a supremely athletic talent capable of holding down the number one spot for a top nation during a transformational era of the sport, a motivating figure atop the mountain for what a player can achieve.
Paul Thomas/FA via Getty Images
2018 - Emma Byrne (Ireland, 134 caps / 256 WCT) - Born in the County Kildare town of Leixlip, Byrne competed for Leixlip United and Coláiste Chiaráin, reaching the final of the All-Ireland schools competition. The then-14-year-old departed home and began playing for St. Patrick’s Athletic in the now-defunct Dublin Women’s Soccer League, overcoming an early cruciate ligament rupture. In 1999, she moved to Fortuna Hjørring of the Danish Women’s League for a year before heading to London for an opportunity with the continent’s top club, Arsenal.
After going on trial, Arsenal made an immediate offer. With the club beset by injury issues, Byrne quickly earned the starting role and made an immediate impact, winning the domestic treble in 2001. For the following 17 years, she was the model of stability and achievement, embarking on a dominant run with England’s most successful club. The Gunners claimed nine Premier League National Division titles, two FA Women’s Super League trophies, nine FA Women’s Cups, three League Cups, and five Premier League Cups. Despite overtures from the Women’s Professional Soccer League in the United States, Byrne stayed in England.
The crowning achievement was the 2007 quadruple, capped off with the UEFA Women’s Cup, the club’s first. In the two-leg final, Arsenal defeated Swedish side Umeå IK, 1-0 on aggregate. Byrne made several brilliant saves and also benefitted from some luck. An 80th-minute shot rebounded off her face, into the post, and out for a corner.
In December of 2016, Byrne departed Arsenal on a free transfer. She spent one year at Brighton & Hove Albion, making nine appearances before stepping away. Her retirement lasted three years, with Spanish side Terrassa FC signing her in August of 2019.
At the international level, Byrne debuted for Na cailíní i nglas (The Girls in Green) at 16 years old and made 134 appearances before retiring in 2017, serving as captain and setting the cap record for her country. Her performances earned the 2008 Eircom International Player of the Year, Football Association of Ireland Senior International Player of the Year twice, and 2017 PFA Ireland Merit Award. She was the first woman inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame.
Byrne commanded the final third, the complete player that could control the box and make spectacular reaction saves. She was of the sweeper-keeper mold, “always running out” with pace, before shifting to a focus on deliberate and calculated movement in the latter stages of her career. While shying away from the role model label, observers and officials lauded her work ethic and commitment to excellence on and off the field, described as “dragging women’s football from the dark ages into the twenty-first century.”
Picture taken from the Guardian
2019 - Precious Dede (Nigeria, 99 caps / 182 WCT) - Born in the cultural hub of Lagos, Dede spent a majority of her professional career in the domestic Nigerian Women Premier League. Dede played for a number of clubs, including the Rivers Angels, Ibom Queens, Bayelsa Queens, and Delta Queens FC. Her most prolific stint was with the latter club, winning the Federation Cup and the Super Six competition multiple times. She spent a year abroad at Norwegian side Arna-Bjørnar in 2009, filling in for the injured Erika Skarbø, before returning to Nigeria.
Dede was a stalwart for the Nigerian national team, making 99 appearances in 15 years. She was on the squad for four World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015), three Olympic Games (2000, 2004, and 2008), and six editions of the African Women’s Championship. With the 5’7” athlete in goal, the Super Falcons won the latter competition four times.
Dede is perhaps best known for a “five-star performance” against Ghana in the third round of 2004 CAF Olympic qualifying. In the second away leg, she stopped multiple attempts during the penalty shootout, silencing the crowd at Accra Stadium and helping the Super Falcons qualify for the Olympics. The Nigerian Football Federation named Dede the Female Footballer of the Year in 2009.
She retired in 2015 after returning to the squad for the 2015 World Cup. “I feel that I did my best for the country for the 15 years I was in post for the Super Falcons,” Dede told the Guardian. “I wanted to quit before my last World Cup in Canada 2015, but I was asked to come back and play… I had to leave the stage for the younger ones."
Dede established a high standard for goalkeeping across the continent, impressing on-lookers as a “very athletic” goalkeeper and possessing “strong reflexes.” Her steady and “unshowy” play kept Nigeria within striking distance of far stronger opponents, most notably at the 1999 World Cup, where Nigeria finished second in the group with wins over North Korea and Denmark. Nigeria would eventually lose a close quarterfinal contest to powerhouse Brazil, 4-3 in extra time. To date, no other African nation has reached the quarterfinals of a World Cup, before or since.
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