The FIFA World Cup Golden Glove is awarded to the best goalkeeper at each edition of the men’s tournament. Since the award was officially introduced at the 1994 World Cup, several legendary goalkeepers have earned the honor after producing outstanding performances on soccer’s biggest stage.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón became the latest winner after helping his country capture the 2026 FIFA World Cup championship.
FIFA World Cup Golden Glove Winners List
Here is the complete list of official FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winners by year:
| World Cup | Golden Glove Winner | Country | Tournament Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Michel Preud’homme | Belgium | Round of 16 |
| 1998 | Fabien Barthez | France | Champions |
| 2002 | Oliver Kahn | Germany | Runners-up |
| 2006 | Gianluigi Buffon | Italy | Champions |
| 2010 | Iker Casillas | Spain | Champions |
| 2014 | Manuel Neuer | Germany | Champions |
| 2018 | Thibaut Courtois | Belgium | Third place |
| 2022 | Emiliano Martínez | Argentina | Champions |
| 2026 | Unai Simón | Spain | Champions |
Who Won the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove?
Unai Simón of Spain won the Golden Glove at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Simón helped Spain win its second men’s World Cup title following a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final on July 19, 2026. His performances were central to a Spanish defense that conceded only one goal during the tournament.
The award made Simón the second Spanish goalkeeper to win the World Cup Golden Glove, following Iker Casillas in 2010.
When Was the Golden Glove Award Introduced?
The award was introduced at the 1994 FIFA World Cup under the name Lev Yashin Award, honoring the legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin.
Beginning with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, FIFA officially renamed the honor the Golden Glove Award.
Because the official award did not exist before 1994, goalkeepers from earlier World Cups are not included in FIFA’s official Golden Glove winners list.
1994: Michel Preud’homme — Belgium
Michel Preud’homme became the inaugural recipient after starring for Belgium at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Although Belgium was eliminated in the Round of 16, his outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him the first-ever Lev Yashin Award.
1998: Fabien Barthez — France
Fabien Barthez helped France win its first FIFA World Cup title while recording five clean sheets and conceding just two goals. France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final to lift the trophy on home soil.
2002: Oliver Kahn — Germany
Oliver Kahn produced one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in World Cup history by leading Germany to the final. He conceded only one goal before the championship match and remains the only goalkeeper to win both the Golden Glove and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
2006: Gianluigi Buffon — Italy
Gianluigi Buffon anchored Italy’s defense throughout the tournament, conceding only two goals before Italy defeated France on penalties in the final to win its fourth World Cup title.
2010: Iker Casillas — Spain
Iker Casillas became the first goalkeeper to win the newly renamed Golden Glove Award. Spain’s captain recorded five clean sheets and made several crucial saves as Spain claimed its first FIFA World Cup title.
2014: Manuel Neuer — Germany
Manuel Neuer revolutionized the sweeper-keeper role while leading Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil. Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
2018: Thibaut Courtois — Belgium
Thibaut Courtois helped Belgium achieve its best-ever World Cup finish by earning third place. His standout performances included an exceptional display against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
2022: Emiliano Martínez — Argentina
Emiliano Martínez played a decisive role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar, highlighted by his dramatic save against Randal Kolo Muani late in extra time of the final before Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout.
2026: Unai Simón — Spain
Unai Simón became the ninth official recipient of the award after leading Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final, with Simón finishing the tournament as the backbone of one of the competition’s stingiest defenses.
Countries With the Most FIFA World Cup Golden Glove Winners
Belgium, Germany and Spain are tied for the most FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winners, with two each.
| Country | Golden Glove Winners |
|---|---|
| Belgium | 2 (Michel Preud’homme, Thibaut Courtois) |
| Germany | 2 (Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer) |
| Spain | 2 (Iker Casillas, Unai Simón) |
| Argentina | 1 (Emiliano Martínez) |
| France | 1 (Fabien Barthez) |
| Italy | 1 (Gianluigi Buffon) |
How Many Golden Glove Winners Also Won the World Cup?
Six of the nine Golden Glove winners also won the FIFA World Cup during the same tournament:
- Fabien Barthez (France, 1998)
- Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, 2006)
- Iker Casillas (Spain, 2010)
- Manuel Neuer (Germany, 2014)
- Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, 2022)
- Unai Simón (Spain, 2026)
The only winners who did not lift the World Cup trophy were Michel Preud’homme, Oliver Kahn and Thibaut Courtois.
Has Anyone Won the Golden Glove More Than Once?
No goalkeeper has won the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove more than once. Every edition since the award’s introduction in 1994 has produced a different recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner?
Michel Preud’homme of Belgium became the first official recipient in 1994 when the award was known as the Lev Yashin Award.
Who won the Golden Glove at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Glove after helping La Roja win the tournament.
Who won the Golden Glove at the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez received the Golden Glove after Argentina defeated France in the final.
Who won the Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois won the award after leading Belgium to a third-place finish.
Did the Golden Glove exist before 1994?
No. FIFA introduced the award at the 1994 World Cup as the Lev Yashin Award before renaming it the Golden Glove in 2010.
Has a goalkeeper ever won both the Golden Glove and Golden Ball?
Yes. Oliver Kahn achieved the rare feat at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, winning both the Golden Glove and the Golden Ball.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup Golden Glove honors the tournament’s finest goalkeeper and has recognized some of the greatest shot-stoppers in soccer history, including Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Manuel Neuer, Emiliano Martínez and, most recently, Unai Simón.
With every World Cup producing a new winner, the Golden Glove remains one of FIFA’s most prestigious individual awards and a lasting symbol of goalkeeping excellence on the world’s biggest stage.