The English Premier League (EPL) is renowned for its fierce competition and high-scoring matches, making it incredibly challenging for Premier League goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet.
Achieving over 100 games with a clean sheet in the EPL requires not only individual brilliance but also a well-coordinated and efficient defense.
Factors such as the quality of the defensive lineup, the tactical acumen of the coaching staff, and the overall team strategy play crucial roles in a goalkeeper’s ability to shut out the opposition.
Petr Cech, the legendary former goalkeeper for Arsenal and Chelsea, holds the record for the most clean sheets in Premier League history with an impressive 202 clean sheets.
In this article, you will find out the top goalkeepers in the EPL who have excelled in maintaining clean sheets, including notable names such as David James, Mark Schwarzer, and David de Gea.
Top 10 Goalkeepers With The Highest Clean Sheets In The Premier League (2025)
Below are the 10 EPL goalies with the highest matches without conceding a goal as of 2025.
1. Petr Cech — 202 clean sheets
Petr Cech is a legendary player in EPL history, having registered over 200 clean sheets in 443 matches.
He is regarded as one of the greatest goalies of all time.
The Czech veteran joined Chelsea in 2004 from Stade Rennais FC, becoming the fastest to reach 100 clean sheets in the EPL.
His first 180 record was with Chelsea, where he also broke the record for the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in a single season (24).
Alongside other four keepers, Petr also holds the most Golden Gloves.
Another incredible achievement by this decorated player is that he is the only shot-stopper to have won the EPL Golden Glove with two different teams; Arsenal and Chelsea.
Petr Cech was known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the box, and excellent positioning.
His reflexes and reach made it difficult for opponents to beat him, especially in one-on-one situations.
During his prime, Cech’s consistency and calm demeanor under pressure were unmatched. His leadership and communication with his defenders were pivotal in organizing Chelsea’s and later Arsenal’s defenses, contributing significantly to his record number of clean sheets.
2. David James — 169 clean sheets
David James comes in second with a 169 clean sheet record in 572 matches.
During his time in the English Premier League, he played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Portsmouth, and Manchester City.
He also represented his country in 53 matches and is the record holder for the most appearances in the EPL (572).
In his career, the former England keeper saved 13 out of 63 penalties to earn the record for the most penalty kicks saved.
Interestingly, David James was often referred to as “Calamity James” due to some high-profile errors, was nonetheless a highly talented goalkeeper.
James had an incredible shot-stopping ability and was particularly strong in dealing with crosses and high balls.
His longevity in the Premier League also is a reason why is among the list of goalkeepers with the highest clean sheet in the Premier League.
3. Mark Schwarzer — 151 clean sheets
Mark Schwarzer registered 151 clean sheets in 514 matches playing for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester City.
He is also the first keeper to win back-to-back English Premier League titles with two teams.
Schwarzer is also one of the most decorated stars of Australia’s ‘Golden Generation.’
His two saves in the penalty shoot-out helped his team reach the finals in the 2006 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay.
Schwarzer’s calm and composed nature, combined with his ability to read the game, made him a dependable presence between the sticks.
His experience and leadership were invaluable assets to the teams he played for, including Middlesbrough and Fulham.
4. David de Gea — 147 clean sheets
David de Gea ranks fourth and still has the potential to increase his number of clean sheets since he is still active, although he is no longer in the Premier League.
The former Manchester United goal-stopper has kept 147 clean sheets in the Premier League, coming in 415 United appearances.
His most recent performance in the Red Devils’ 3-0 Win over Leicester saw his record match Peter Schemeichel’s clean sheet register.
When he was in the EPL, the Spaniard was among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
De Gea’s contract with Manchester United expired on July 1, 2023, after failed negotiations. His departure was confirmed on July 8, 2023, making him a free agent after 545 appearances for the club. On August 9, 2024, he signed with Serie A club Fiorentina.
5. David Seaman — 141 clean sheets
(Photo by Gary M.Prior/Getty Images) Arsenal won the match 4-1.
David Seaman features among the top goalies with the most clean sheet in the EPL, having registered 141 clean sheets in 344 appearances.
The former Arsenal legend was nicknamed ‘Safe Hands,’ and his immersive contribution to the Gunners saw them win three EPL titles and four FA cups.
6. Nigel Martyn — 137 clean sheets
Nigel Martyn is a retired English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
During his career, he played for several clubs in the top flight of English football, including Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Everton.
Martyn’s impressive performances in the Premier League saw him earn 137 clean sheets during his career, which at the time of his retirement was a record.
He remains one of the most respected goalkeepers to have played in the Premier League.
7. Pepe Reina — 136 clean sheets
Pepe Reina is one of the most well-known goalkeepers in the Premier League.
He has had a long, successful football career, and could retiring soon.
During his career, the Spaniard played for several clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany, and England, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, and AC Milan.
Reina is best known for his time at Liverpool, where he played for nine seasons between 2005 and 2014.
While he was at Liverpool, Reina established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and kept 136 clean sheets in the competition.
Pepe Reina was known for his excellent distribution, quick reflexes, and ability to command his area. He was also adept at playing as a sweeper-keeper, often coming off his line to clear danger.
8. Brad Friedel — 132 clean sheets
Brad Friedel is a retired American professional soccer player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest American goalkeepers.
Friedel played for several clubs in the English Premier League during his career, including Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Friedel recorded 132 clean sheets in the Premier League, which he achieved over the course of 450 appearances in the league.
9. Tim Howard — 132 clean sheets
Another American is among the list of the goalkeepers with the highest clean sheets in the Premier League.
The legendary Tim Howard is regarded as one of the best foreign goalkeepers in the English Premier League.
In his 13-year career in England, Howard played for two different clubs, namely Manchester United and Everton.
He played for Everton from 2006 to 2016, making over 400 appearances for the club and helping them reach the FA Cup final in 2009.
Howard kept in 132 clean sheets in 435 EPL appearances.
Tim Howard was known for his athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to make spectacular saves. He was also a vocal leader, organizing his defense effectively.
Howard’s consistency and shot-stopping ability made him a key player for Everton and he is one of the greatest US soccer players of all-time.
10. Edwin van der Sar — 132 clean sheets
In his playing days, the Dutchman wass among the best goalkeepers in the world.
Van der Sar played for several top clubs in Europe, including Ajax, Juventus, Fulham, and Manchester United.
He played for Fulham and Manchester United during his time in England, and established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
He kept an impressive 132 clean sheets in 313 EPL appearances, helping the Red Devils win four Premier League titles.
Edwin van der Sar was known for his calm and composed nature, excellent shot-stopping ability, and exceptional distribution. His towering height made him a formidable presence in goal.
Van der Sar’s experience and leadership were crucial for Manchester United’s success.
His ability to make crucial saves in important matches and his excellent positioning set him apart as one of the best.
