From the creaking nets of the early 20th century to the high-tech gloves of today, Juventus has boasted some of the finest custodians football has ever seen. When we ask who the best Juventus goalkeepers of all time are, we’re not just naming names — we’re tracing legacies. In this article, EquaGoal will accompany you through the black-and-white history, matching reflexes and records, and unveiling the giants under the posts for La Vecchia Signora.
What makes a Juventus great keeper?
To judge the best Juventus goalkeepers of all time, we must weigh several dimensions:
- Longevity and consistency – many matches over multiple seasons
- Trophies and success with Juventus
- Individual accolades and influence (e.g. international caps, awards, icon status)
- Decisive performances in big matches (derbies, Champions League, finals)
- Historical context (era, defensive style, expectations)
With those criteria, here are the most credible contenders.
The Legends Who Guarded La Vecchia Signora
Below is our ranking of the top five — though acknowledging that any such list invites debate.
1. Gianluigi Buffon
If you talk Juventus, you almost always start (or end) with Gianluigi Buffon. He sits atop nearly every “greatest” list for a reason. During his Juve tenure (2001–2018, then 2019–2021), he amassed over 500 league appearances for the club. He led Juventus to 10 Serie A titles, multiple Coppa Italia triumphs, and was the captain who incarnated resilience, leadership, and class.
Stats back his legend: over his career, Buffon recorded 294 clean sheets in 674 appearances (across clubs, but with the Juve core), Buffon’s aura — the calm in chaos, the vocal leadership, the identity of Juventus between the posts — cements him as the central pillar of any best Juventus goalkeepers discussion.
2. Dino Zoff
Before Buffon, the benchmark was Dino Zoff. Between 1972 and 1983, Zoff was a rock in goal for Juventus, making 330 appearances and helping the club to six Serie A titles, two Coppa Italias, and a UEFA Cup. He also reached two European Cup finals.
What elevates Zoff into legend is his international feat: in 1982, at age 40, he captained Italy to a World Cup victory, becoming the oldest to lift the trophy — and doing so while still playing for Juve. He brought composure, fierce positioning, and a mentality that modern keepers still admire.
In many all-time Juventus XI’s, Zoff and Buffon are interchangeable in the no. 1 spot, depending on personal preference — and that speaks volumes.
3. Stefano Tacconi
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Stefano Tacconi stood as Buffon’s predecessor in many fans’ eyes. Tacconi joined in 1983 and played through 1992, featuring in 254 matches for Juventus. He won multiple league titles, Coppa Italia trophies, and the 1985 European Cup.
Tactically adventurous and confident off his line, Tacconi had a flair that matched the Juventus defense of his day. He is often remembered for making big saves in high-pressure games and being a steady presence as Juve navigated competition both domestically and in Europe.
4. Angelo Peruzzi
When Tacconi left, Angelo Peruzzi took over as first-choice between 1992 and 1999 (with interruptions). He provided solidity and experience. Before arriving at Juve, Peruzzi had already established himself as one of Italy’s top keepers. At Juve, he helped the club maintain its high standards in goal, often rescuing points and giving consistency to a side adjusting after Tacconi’s exit.
He may lack the trophy haul or iconic status of Buffon or Zoff, but Peruzzi’s tenure is crucial in the lineage of Juventus goalkeeping greatness.
5. Gianpiero Combi
Going back to the roots, Gianpiero Combi deserves a place in this pantheon. Playing for Juventus from the 1920s into the mid-1930s, Combi helped Juve dominate early Serie A. Over his long career, he won multiple league titles and also captained Italy in early international tournaments.
Statistically speaking, historical data is patchy, but in his era he was a standout and remains a revered figure in Juventus history. In many historical overviews, Combi is one of the first “great” Juve goalkeepers ever mentioned.
|
Rank |
Goalkeeper |
Juventus Era |
Notable Achievements |
|
1 |
Gianluigi Buffon |
2001–2018, 2019–2021 |
10 Serie A, multiple cups, global recognition |
|
2 |
Dino Zoff |
1972–1983 |
6 Serie A, UEFA Cup, captain of 1982 World Cup Italy side |
|
3 |
Stefano Tacconi |
1983–1992 |
European Cup 1985, domestic trophies, key saves |
|
4 |
Angelo Peruzzi |
1992–1999 |
Transition era, consistent performances |
|
5 |
Gianpiero Combi |
1920s–1930s |
Early legend, multiple league titles |
Other figures like Michelangelo Rampulla also make occasional cameo mentions, but they don’t quite match the consistent excellence of the five above.
Debates, near-misses, and honorable mentions
- Between Zoff and Buffon, many debates reside. Do you prefer the longevity and modern success of Buffon, or the pure mid-century legend of Zoff? Each side has passionate advocates.
- Tacconi vs Peruzzi is similarly debated by fans of the 1980s and 1990s — Tacconi for emotional impact, Peruzzi for consistency.
- A few later-era keepers had solid periods, but their legacy doesn’t yet reach classic status compared to the legends.
Why these five excel under scrutiny
Each of our top five meets most (if not all) of the criteria:
- Long service & consistency – Buffon and Zoff anchored Juve for a decade or more; Tacconi and Peruzzi served many seasons too.
- Trophy success – All secured major titles with Juve; few could match Buffon’s haul, but Zoff (and Tacconi) were key in golden eras.
- Influence & recognition – Buffon and Zoff are global icons; Tacconi and Peruzzi had great respect domestically; Combi remains legendary in historical retrospectives.
- Big-match pedigree – buffon’s memorable Champions League matches, Zoff’s composure, Tacconi’s decisive saves — each delivered under pressure.
Conclusion
Best Juventus goalkeepers of all time isn’t just a label — it’s a history told through dives, leadership, trophies, and iconic moments in black and white. Buffon likely occupies the top seat, but Zoff, Tacconi, Peruzzi, and Combi are not far behind. Their legacies form an unbroken guard over Juventus’s storied past.
Now, EquaGoal invites you — who is your No. 1 Juventus goalkeeper? Want deeper dive articles (comparisons Buffon vs Zoff, Tacconi’s greatest matches, modern candidates)? Let us know – the journey has only just begun.
