The best goalkeeper shirts of all time

Back in June, our friends at The Football Shirt Collective posted my list of five of the worst goalkeeper shirts ever, and it ended up showcasing a 1990s revival of horror. Well it would only be fair to show my five favourites, and a little blurb to accompany... As usual, I welcome suggestions below the line!

Arsenal 1989

First photo courtesy of Peter Rapley

The template in Adidas's UK heyday in the late 1980s, this shirt was simple and classic, green with white stripes and collar. Recently recreated in 2009 for Liverpool and Real Madrid, but this was the classic. As John Lukic shows, there was a strange discrepancy where the Adidas logo and club badge were at different angles. I owned a replica in 1989, and since then have never known why! Would welcome an answer...

Italy 1982/2012

 Zoff in 1982                                         Buffon in 2012

The oldest and newest shirts on the list, these interpretation on the same designs score well. Simples design, well contrasting colours, and the 1982 vintage will be memorable for Dino Zoff lifting the World Cup. Recreated for the summer's European Championships, and almost with a similar outcome. Fortunately for some, Sports Direct are selling the 2012 version for a knockdown price as they seem to think it's a training top!

England 1986

 Being beaten by the Hand Of Cheating Bastard in Mexico

Another silver and blue effort, another World Cup. Unfortunately this one was immortalised for the wrong reasons, as England's record cap holder was beaten by a handball and then one of the greatest goals ever in 1986. The shirt was simple, but another example of a different replica, as Umbro went through a phase of using a different logo for goalkeeper shirts, with a No.1 next to the logo. Strange. But nice use of padding on the shoulders, clearly inspired by Dynasty.

Man City 2009

 Shirt comes complete with "Done By Pirlo Panenka" label

Props to Umbro here - the brand were re-inventing themselves with the Tailored By range, simple designs and going back to classics. Here we have Manchester City's effort, sported by Shay Given and Joe Hart. Green with white trim, top marks. Just a shame about the sponsor, but that is a moan for another day...

Real Madrid 2010

 Real were trying to become more popular in Liverpool

A slightly strange choice, the thought of goalkeepers in red is still something of a novelty. In 2010, Real Madrid used red for their second choice keeper shirt, yet it must have been popular, as the following season saw almost exactly the same kit become the away colours for the outfield kit. Looking like mid 80s Liverpool is one thing, but the sense of entitlement remains.