Top 10 Best Goalkeepers at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers often play the most unforgiving role in football, one moment of brilliance can define a legacy. The 2014 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper was Manuel Neuer, who redefined the role with his aggressive sweeper-keeper style and secured the Golden Glove award. Other notable names emerged as heroes during the tournament, including Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica), Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria), and Tim Howard (USA). Let’s relive the top 10 standout goalkeepers who made history in Brazil. If you are a huge fan of goalkeeper, don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get their legendary jerseys at affordable prices.

Quick List of Top 10 2014 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper

1. Manuel Neuer – Germany
2. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico
3. Keylor Navas – Costa Rica
4. Vincent Enyeama – Nigeria
5. Tim Howard – USA
6. Rais M’Bolhi – Algeria
7. Júlio César – Brazil
8. Thibaut Courtois – Belgium
9. David Ospina – Colombia
10. Tim Krul – Netherlands

1. Manuel Neuer – Germany

Manuel Neuer was the undisputed 2014 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper. His revolutionary sweeper-keeper style helped Germany maintain a high defensive line and dominate possession. Neuer’s ability to read the game allowed him to rush off his line and nullify counterattacks before they began.

• Golden Glove Winner
• Iconic performance against Algeria
• Combined reflex saves with tactical intelligence

Neuer rushing out to intercept a through ball during World Cup (Image: These Football Times)

2. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico

Guillermo Ochoa stunned the world with his reflexes and courage. Against Brazil, his superhuman saves left Neymar and company in disbelief. Despite being a free agent, Ochoa used the World Cup to showcase his world-class abilities.

• Starred in 0–0 draw vs Brazil
• Known for improbable reflex saves
• Earned international acclaim for consistency

Mexican goalkeeper making a stunning one-handed save (Image: The Guardian)

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3. Keylor Navas – Costa Rica

Keylor Navas was a wall for Costa Rica, helping them reach the quarter-finals. His heroic displays against Greece and the Netherlands included numerous clutch saves under pressure, helping cement his transfer to Real Madrid after the tournament.

• Conceded only 2 goals in 5 matches
• Dominated penalty shootouts and 1-on-1s
• Named among the tournament’s top performers

Costa Rican keeper leaping to stop a curling shot (Image: The Guardian)

4. Vincent Enyeama – Nigeria

Vincent Enyeama brought his incredible Ligue 1 form into the World Cup. He made crucial saves against Iran and Argentina, keeping Nigeria competitive in every match. Despite a costly error against France, his brilliance throughout the tournament was undeniable.

• Heroics vs Messi and Bosnia
• Commanded his box with confidence and leadership
• Carried over elite form from club to country

Nigerian keeper punching away a dangerous cross (Image: Le Dauphiné Libéré)

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5. Tim Howard – USA

Tim Howard delivered one of the most iconic performances in World Cup history, making 16 saves against Belgium — the most ever in a single World Cup match. His leadership and composure inspired a resilient USA side to go the distance.

• World Cup save record
• Immense presence and leadership
• Critical influence in USA’s round of 16 run

American keeper setting World Cup save record vs Belgium (Image: ABC News – The Walt Disney Company)

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6. Rais M’Bolhi – Algeria

A relatively unknown figure before the tournament, Rais M’Bolhi gained global respect with his breathtaking performance against Germany. His reflex save on Thomas Müller and fingertips against Philipp Lahm were highlights of Algeria’s brave campaign.

• Stellar display vs Germany
• Made multiple acrobatic saves
• Showed fearlessness and raw athleticism

Algerian goalkeeper diving to deny a low shot (Image: China Daily)

7. Júlio César – Brazil

Júlio César proved age is just a number. After a quiet season at club level, he shone in key moments — especially against Chile, where his shootout heroics kept Brazil in the tournament and showcased his emotional resilience and experience.

• Saved 2 penalties vs Chile
• Solid performances vs Croatia and Chile
• Brought calmness and leadership to Brazil’s backline

Veteran keeper celebrating penalty shootout victory (mage: The Independent)

8. Thibaut Courtois – Belgium

Thibaut Courtois was a wall behind Belgium’s golden generation. His timely interventions against the USA, especially a late stop on Clint Dempsey, ensured Belgium advanced and gave confidence to the entire defensive unit.

• Saved Belgium from late elimination vs USA
• Maintained elite shot-stopping form
• One of the calmest goalkeepers under pressure

Courtois saving a low strike from close range (Image: ESPN UK)

9. David Ospina – Colombia

Though overshadowed by Colombia’s attack, David Ospina was quietly vital in their quarter-final run. His performance against Uruguay, including four crucial second-half saves, helped maintain Colombia’s momentum.

• Clutch saves vs Uruguay
• Consistently reliable throughout the tournament
• Elevated Colombia’s balance between attack and defense

Ospina punching away a powerful corner kick (Image: Sportsnet)

10. Tim Krul – Netherlands

Tim Krul made history in the most dramatic way. Substituted on just before the penalty shootout vs Costa Rica, he saved two spot-kicks to send the Netherlands into the semifinals. His entry changed the mental battle and proved decisive.

• Saved 2 penalties in a shootout
• First goalkeeper substituted solely for shootout
• Psychological brilliance combined with reflexes

Dutch goalkeeper stopping a penalty in shootout (Image: CaughtOffside)

The 2014 FIFA World Cup Best Goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, may have redefined the role with his sweeping and distribution, but he wasn’t alone in greatness. From Tim Howard’s record-breaking saves to Keylor Navas’ rise to stardom, these 10 goalkeepers reminded the world that the man between the posts can be the tournament’s biggest hero. Which save was most unforgettable to you? Let us know in the comments and celebrate the keepers who made Brazil 2014 truly legendary.