Since the inception of the Best Goalkeeper award at the World Cup in 1994, big names have succeeded each other on the podium, having made the difference between the three posts and written immortal moments in the tournament's history.

The award began under the name Lev Yashin Award, in honor of the legendary Soviet goalkeeper, before its name changed from the 2010 World Cup to the Golden Glove.

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Belgian Michel Preud'homme was the first to win the award at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, before being succeeded by Frenchman Fabien Barthez in the 1998 edition, after his contribution to France's first world title. In the 2002 World Cup, German Oliver Kahn stole the spotlight, as he won both the Best Goalkeeper and Best Player awards, becoming the only goalkeeper in World Cup history to achieve this exceptional feat. The 2006 edition saw Italian Gianluigi Buffon crowned after leading his country to the title, while Spanish Iker Casillas received the award at the 2010 World Cup, as one of the key heroes of Spain's historic triumph. In the 2014 World Cup, the award went to German Manuel Neuer, before Belgian Thibaut Courtois won it in the 2018 edition, followed by Argentine Emiliano Martínez at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after his remarkable performances, especially in penalty shootouts and the final match.

Winners of the Best Goalkeeper Award in the World Cup

* 1994: Michel Preud'homme – Belgium.* 1998: Fabien Barthez – France.* 2002: Oliver Kahn – Germany.* 2006: Gianluigi Buffon – Italy.* 2010: Iker Casillas – Spain.* 2014: Manuel Neuer – Germany.* 2018: Thibaut Courtois – Belgium.* 2022: Emiliano Martínez – Argentina.

Germany and Belgium share the lead as the most award-winning teams, with two each, while Oliver Kahn remains the most notable achiever, having surpassed the limits of goalkeeping and being crowned Best Player of the 2002 World Cup.

With each new edition, the question is not only about the identity of the champion, but also about the goalkeeper who will secure a place among the greats of the goal and join the list of those who made glory with gloves.