These goalkeepers blended the play style of old football while introducing revolutionary changes to the game!

The role of goalkeepers underwent substantial evolution during the 2010s, with sweeper-keepers becoming pivotal components of the most forward-thinking teams. Throughout the decade, especially in its latter years, goalkeepers were not merely tasked with shot-stopping duties but were also required to demonstrate proficiency and confidence with their footwork. In certain teams of that era, goalkeepers assumed the responsibility of distributing the ball and instigating attacks from deeper positions. So, let's take a look at the keepers that defined the decade of the 2010s. 

Gianluigi Buffon 

Although Gianluigi Buffon made his Parma debut in 1995, he continued to be a top goalie for Juventus and Italy throughout the 2010s, making incredible saves for both the team and the nation year after year. During his tenure as an international player, which lasted until 2018, Buffon earned 176 caps for Italy. He also made it to the Champions League final twice, with Juventus in 2015 and 2017. After playing for Parma for another season in 2023, he retired in 2023 after spending a season at Paris Saint-Germain. He then returned to Juventus the following year.

Jan Oblak

When Atletico Madrid signed Slovenian custodian Jan Oblak from Benfica in 2014 for €16 million, some people raised an eyebrow, but the Rojiblancos quickly grew to adore the Slovenian. In 2020, Atleti became the quickest custodian in La Liga history to reach 100 clean sheets. Despite Atleti's defence deteriorating, he continued to make incredible saves. He was a finalist for the Champions League in 2016 and helped Atletico win La Liga in 2021 in addition to the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018.

Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is a modern-day sweeper-keeper with the qualities of a dominant goalie from the past. Neuer earned several awards with Bayern Munich in the 2010s, including triple victories in 2013 and 2020, and was a vital member of Germany's strong defensive line during their 2014 World Cup victory. He is among the greatest goalkeepers of all time, having been named the world's best by IFFHS in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2020.

Iker Casillas

At the beginning of the 2010s, Iker Casillas was the best goalie in the world, and it was due to his save of Arjen Robben of the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final that La Roja won the title for the first time. Two years later, "San Iker" assisted Spain in winning Euro 2012 and was recognised by IFFHS as the world's finest custodian in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Along with Real Madrid, he also won the Champions League in 2014. However, he departed the team under dubious circumstances the next year, and in 2016, he lost his spot for Spain. He retired in 2020 after missing time due to a heart attack, making him one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

Thibaut Courtois

The greatest of Thibaut Courtois most likely came at Real Madrid a bit later, but the Belgian was still a brilliant goalkeeper throughout the 2010s. In addition to spending three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone's team enjoyed success, Courtois won two Premier League titles while playing for Chelsea. IFFHS rated him the greatest keeper of the 2018 World Cup for his remarkable performances for Belgium, especially against Brazil in the quarterfinal.

As football transitions into the 2020s, these goalies’ play styles will be taken as a starting point by the future keepers of the sport.