TOP 10 MOST UNDERRATED GOALKEEPER ASSISTS IN FOOTBALL HISTORY

Goalkeepers are rarely praised for their contributions in attack, but every now and then, one of them steps up to deliver a moment of magic that changes the game not with their hands, but with a perfectly-timed pass or kick. From launching counterattacks to splitting defences with pinpoint balls, these underrated assists remind us that goalkeepers can be playmakers too. Here are ten moments where goalkeepers broke the norm and gave fantastic Assists.

1. ALISSON BECKER – Liverpool vs. West Brom (2021)

In a tense Premier League clash, Alisson Becker made history not just for saving goals, but for creating one. In stoppage time, with Liverpool chasing a win, the Brazilian keeper charged up the field for a corner kick. Instead of attempting a goal, he flicked a clever header across to Salah, who finished. While the assist wasn’t flashy in the traditional sense, it was decisive and changed the course of Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes. Alisson became the first goalkeeper in club history to register an assist in such fashion. It was unexpected, emotional, and perfectly executed.

2. EDERSON MORAES – Manchester City vs. Tottenham (2021)

Known for his distribution, Ederson’s assist against Spurs was pure brilliance. From deep in his own box, he launched a pin-point long ball straight to İlkay Gündoğan, completely bypassing Tottenham’s midfield. The pass landed perfectly in stride, allowing Gündoğan to control and finish cleanly. It wasn’t just a clearance it was a calculated play from a goalkeeper with elite passing range. Pep Guardiola once joked that Ederson could play midfield, and this moment was proof. It was one of those rare assists that felt more like a quarterback’s long throw than a routine goalkeeper clearance.

3. VINCENT ENYEAMA – Nigeria vs. Kenya (2013)

In a World Cup qualifier, Nigerian legend Vincent Enyeama showed off his underrated offensive ability. Under pressure from Kenya, he launched a long ball that flew nearly the entire length of the pitch. It landed perfectly for Ahmed Musa, who sprinted through and scored. It wasn’t a hopeful punt, it was a calculated, accurate delivery. That goal helped Nigeria on their path to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, and Enyeama’s quick thinking was a massive part of it. Often remembered for his heroic saves, this assist reminds us of how complete a keeper he was.

4. MANUEL NEUER – Germany vs. Algeria (World Cup 2014)

Neuer’s long distribution against Algeria in the 2014 World Cup was game-changing. He played almost like a sweeper, coming out of his box multiple times to snuff out danger and launch attacks. One particular ball sailed past Algeria’s midfield and found a German attacker, leading to a dangerous move that broke the deadlock. It wasn’t just distribution, it was a masterclass in reading the game. This performance redefined the role of the “sweeper keeper,” with Neuer at the centre of Germany’s success from the backline.

5. DAVID DE GEA – Manchester United vs. Arsenal (2017)

David De Gea is usually the last line of defence, but against Arsenal in 2017, he turned into the first spark of attack. After making a save, he wasted no time and threw a sharp pass that cut through Arsenal’s pressing line. The ball landed with Jesse Lingard, who advanced it into a goal-scoring chance. The throw was precise, quick, and showed De Gea’s awareness under pressure. While the focus was mostly on his jaw-dropping saves in that match, this clever pass reminded fans that he could also initiate counters just as well as a midfielder.

6. MARC-ANDRÉ TER STEGEN – Barcelona vs. Getafe (2019)

Ter Stegen is known for playing with his feet, and against Getafe, he delivered a pass any world-class midfielder would be proud of. From inside his own box, he launched a laser-guided ball over the top, landing perfectly for Luis Suárez. The striker took it down and calmly finished. What made this assist so impressive was its intention, not a lucky bounce, but a deliberate long ball with purpose and accuracy. Barcelona fans always praise their midfielders for creativity, but this time, their goalkeeper stole the show with an assist that would’ve made Xavi applaud.

7. ASMIR BEGOVIĆ – Stoke City vs. Southampton (2013)

Asmir Begović scored a goal from inside his own half,scored but it also technically started as a pass. His booming clearance bounced awkwardly, caught the wind, and completely deceived Artur Boruc in goal. The ball flew in just 13 seconds after kickoff, making it one of the fastest and strangest goals in Premier League history. While not your typical assist, the original intent was distribution, and it accidentally became one of the rarest goalkeeper goals ever. A bizarre but unforgettable moment that reminded everyone: never underestimate the bounce.

8. PETR ČECH – Chelsea vs. Bolton (2008)

Petr Čech was never flashy, but he had vision. In a 2008 clash with Bolton, he delivered a long goal kick that went deep into enemy territory. Didier Drogba, ever the predator, made the most of it, shrugged off defenders and scored. While Drogba took the headlines, the move started with Čech’s awareness and excellent timing. The pass wasn’t a random one, it was aimed and delivered with the confidence of a goalkeeper who knew his striker’s strength. It was a beautiful example of a quiet contributor sparking a big moment.

9. JORDAN PICKFORD – Everton vs. Liverpool (2021)

In the high-octane Merseyside derby, Jordan Pickford played a surprising role in Everton’s attacking success. With Liverpool pressing high, Pickford spotted a gap and fired a long-range pass down the flank. The ball found Richarlison in space, who took on the defenders and finished well. The pass broke Liverpool’s shape and showed that even under pressure, Pickford could pick a pass that unlocked elite defences. His kicking technique has often been debated, but moments like this show he has the ability to create as well as prevent.

10. GIANLUIGI BUFFON – Juventus vs. Fiorentina (2005)

Buffon is widely known for his saves and leadership, but in a 2005 Serie A game, he pulled off a rare assist. With Fiorentina pushing high, Buffon delivered a booming goal kick that landed straight at David Trezeguet’s feet. The striker controlled and lobbed the onrushing keeper to score. It wasn’t luck, it was classic Buffon, composed, smart, and technically sound. While it’s one of the few assists in his long career, it stands out because it came at a time when goalkeepers were rarely involved in attacking transitions.

In modern football, goalkeepers are no longer just shot-stoppers, they’re distributors, creators, and sometimes even surprise assist-makers. These ten moments show just how impactful a keeper’s vision and execution can be, These underrated gems remind us that sometimes, the playmaker wears gloves.