Saving the Day: Goalkeepers who scored vital goals

It is not often we see goalkeepers scoring goals, but when they do, they tend to save the day! Goalkeepers spend most of the game in their own penalty box nevertheless, whenever the team needs an extra man in attack, keepers don't think twice!

The most prolific goalkeepers are those who finesse free kicks or penalties. These instances are extremely rare during a game and are often considered a 'fluke' or a stroke of luck. Let's check out some of the most prolific goalkeepers in the game!

Ivan Provedel (Lazio) scored an incredible equalizer against Atletico de Madrid during the Champions League group stage.

The young Italian goalkeeper went up for a free kick in the closing stages of the game. Lazio where down by one goal, however, there was still time for one last play. Provedel's head met the end of a cross, resulting in a 94th-minute equalizer!

Provedel's goal secured Lazio's first point in the Champions League 2023-2024 season!

Rogerio Ceni is regarded as the most efficient goalscoring goalkeeper in the history of the game. The Brazilian keeper scored a total of 131 goals!

Ceni holds the record for penalties kicked (69) and goals scored for one club (131). He scored 14 goals in the Copa Libertadores, placing Ceni at a whole different level.

Ceni became one of Sao Paolo's icons during the 90s!

The Paraguayan international, Jose Luis Chilavert holds the record for most international goals (8) and is the only goalkeeper to have a hat trick to his name.

His powerful left foot turned him into a great free-kick taker. Throughout his career, he scored a total of 67 goals!

Jorge Campos is one of Mexico's most iconic goalkeepers. He was a striker with the heart of a goalkeeper. During his 89-91 season, he scored a total of 28 for Pumas!

Pumas had two great goalkeepers at the time but lacked scoring abilities. Jorge Campos was assigned the striker role and Adolfo Rios would take the keeper role.

Hans-Jörg Butt is regarded as one of the best-attacking goalkeepers to ever play in Europe. He spent most of his time in the Bundesliga, playing for big teams like Bayern Munich and Leverkusen.

Butt holds the record number of penalties scored in a single season (in a European competition), with 29 goals!

The German goalkeeper also scored three goals during a Champions League season, making him the highest-ever scoring goalkeeper in a UEFA competition.

As football grows, so do the demands for goalkeepers. Not only are they judged on their ability to handle the ball with their hands, but also their feet! So far this season, Provedel has one goal in the Champions League and is two away from breaking Butt's record. Will we see more flying keeper goals this season?