Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón has moved into the upper ranks of FIFA World Cup history after recording his eighth clean sheet in the competition during his country’s 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament.
The 29-year-old produced another assured display as Spain secured a place in Sunday’s final, becoming one of only a handful of goalkeepers to reach the milestone. Simón has now kept eight clean sheets in just 11 World Cup appearances, an achievement that places him alongside some of football’s most celebrated shot-stoppers.
His latest shutout sees him join an elite group that includes Dutch goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed, Portugal’s Leão, West Germany legend Sepp Maier, Brazil’s Taffarel, Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois and former France captain Hugo Lloris.
Only two players in World Cup history have registered more clean sheets than the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper. Former France international Fabien Barthez and England legend Peter Shilton jointly hold the record, having each kept 10 clean sheets across 17 appearances.
What makes Simón’s feat even more remarkable is the speed with which he has reached the milestone. None of the goalkeepers tied with him managed eight clean sheets in fewer matches.
Jongbloed required 12 games to achieve the feat, while Leão reached the mark in 14 appearances. Maier and Taffarel each needed 18 matches, with Lloris and Courtois taking 20 and 21 appearances respectively.
Simón’s rapid rise up the rankings underlines his importance to a Spanish side that has impressed throughout the tournament. His consistency between the posts has provided a solid foundation for a team now chasing its second World Cup title.
Several renowned goalkeepers remain just behind him on the all-time list. Brazil’s Alisson and Gilmar, Spain icon Iker Casillas, Uruguay captain Fernando Muslera and Germany’s Manuel Neuer have all recorded seven clean sheets in the competition.
With Spain set to face Argentina in the World Cup final, Simón has an immediate opportunity to move into sole possession of third place. Another clean sheet would separate him from the group of goalkeepers currently tied on eight and bring him closer to the long-standing record held by Barthez and Shilton.
Should the Spanish goalkeeper maintain his current form, he could eventually challenge for the top spot and further cement his status among the greatest goalkeepers in World Cup history.
