April 14

International Goalkeeper Day

Celebrate International Goalkeeper Day with your favorite team - cheer them on from the stands and honor their hard work and dedication!

Yearly Date
April 14
Type
Day

Introduction

April 14 is a day to celebrate and recognize the significant role of goalkeepers around the world! International Goalkeeper Day was created in 2019 to honor these incredible athletes who have dedicated their lives to making spectacular saves and helping lead their teams to victory. There's no better way to celebrate this day than by watching some of your favorite goalkeepers in action, so why not pull up a seat and enjoy the show? So get ready to cheer on all of the amazing goalkeepers out there – it's sure to be an unforgettable day!

International Goalkeeper Day Timeline

1871
Goalkeeper Position Established
The London Football Association first established the position of "goalkeeper" in its formalized rules of soccer.
1936
Daskalov’s Historic Debut
Bulgarian Borislav Daskalov made history as the first goalkeeper to save a penalty on a FIFA World Cup match.
1963
Lev Yashin Wins Ballon d'Or
Soviet Goalkeeper Lev Yashin becomes the first and only goalkeeper in history to win the Ballon d'Or.
1990
Backpass Rule Introduced
FIFA introduced the backpass rule, changing the dynamics of the goalkeeper's role, forcing them to develop better footwork skills.
2019
First International Goalkeeper Day
International Goalkeeper Day was established to celebrate goalkeepers worldwide, recognising their hard work, dedication, and vital role in soccer.

How to Celebrate International Goalkeeper Day

1

Watch a goalkeeper highlight reel

Watch some of the best saves from the greatest keepers in the world. Make sure to watch some of the legendary goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer, Gianluigi Buffon, and Iker Casillas.

2

Play as a goalkeeper

Grab some friends and play a friendly game of soccer, but this time try out being a goalkeeper. It'll be a challenge to make those saves but it'll also be fun!

3

Host a goalkeeper tournament

Invite your friends to participate in a goalkeeper tournament. Challenge them to make the most saves in two minutes and the winner gets bragging rights.

4

Learn some goalkeeper tips

Take some time to check out some instructional videos and articles about goalkeeping. There are plenty of resources online to help you learn the basics of being a goalkeeper.

5

Support your local goalkeeper club

Check out your local soccer clubs and see if they have any goalkeeping teams or clinics. If they do, show your support by attending their games or signing up for their clinics.

Why We Love International Goalkeeper Day

A

Goalkeepers are courageous

The bravery of goalkeeper is unparalleled, as they face hundreds of shots and put themselves in the line of fire all for the sake of their team. Whether it's diving to save a shot or blocking a penalty kick, a goalkeeper must show incredible courage in order to keep their team in the game!

B

Goalkeepers have an eye for detail

Good goalkeepers don't just rely on luck and reflexes - they also need keen observation skills. They must be able to recognize patterns in play, anticipate opponents' moves, and anticipate where their opponent will shoot. With such sharp eyes and quick thinking, goalkeepers make great tactical decision makers on the field!

C

Goalkeepers are role models

Goalkeepers set an example for younger generations with their determination and hard work. As defenders of the goal, they are living proof that practice makes perfect and that dreams can become reality when you persevere. On International Goalkeeper Day, we celebrate these inspiring athletes who show us all what it means to be a leader and never give up!

International Goalkeeper Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 13
Thursday
2024
Apr 13
Saturday
2025
Apr 13
Sunday
2026
Apr 13
Monday
2027
Apr 13
Tuesday