Goalkeepers Are Different

Everything you've ever wanted to know about
goalkeepers and a little bit more

Getting Personal

Personal Oddities

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Jim Mitchell is the only man to play for England while wearing spectacles, doing so in 1924 when capped against Ireland. He also played in the 1922 FA Cup Final for West Bromwich Albion wearing his specs.

Sheffield United's first ever goalkeeper was a bespectacled fellow by the name of Charlie Howlett.

Another keeper who played in his glasses was Swiss goalie Markus Schluepp, who played for St. Gallen in the late '70s/early '80s.

Former Millwall and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Ted Hinton used to keep his false teeth at the back of his net.

Newcastle United and Celtic goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson took great delight in telling the press how he kept his false teeth safe during games by rolling them in a handkerchief and putting them in his cap in the back of the net.

Queen of the South goalkeeper Willie Fotheringham actually left his false teeth in the back of his net following a game away to Arbroath. The gnashers were returned via a fish delivery lorry the following week.

Banks of EnglandAfter losing the sight of one eye in a car accident, Gordon Banks retired from the professional game but went on to play in the odd charity and exhibition match as well as spending a season in the North American Soccer League.

The oldest player ever to play a competitive game in England was New Brighton's Neil McBain, who turned out against Hartlepools United in a Division Three (North) game in 1947 at the ripe old age of 51 years and 120 days. McBain was New Brighton's manager and had to play as an emergency goalkeeper, almost 32 years to the day since he made his professional debut.

Former England international Dave Beasant was named as one of Stevenage Borough's substitutes during their league game against Carlisle United in October, 2014 at the tender age of 55.

In 1964, Sunderland goalkeeper Derek Foster became the youngest person to play in the First Division when he made his debut against Leicester City at the age of 15 years and 185 days.

The oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup Final was Italy's goalkeeper and captain, Dino Zoff, who played in the 1982 final in Spain aged 40 years, 4 months and 13 days.

At the age of 38 years and 232 days, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the oldest player ever to appear in the European Championship final when Germany lost to Spain in 2008.

Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary becamse the oldest player ever to compete in the World Cup finals when he lined up against Saudi Arabia at the age of 45 in their group clash at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, marking his appearance by saving a first half penalty. El-Hadary broke the record set by Colombia's Faryd Mondragón, who made a substitute appearance at the 2014 Finals in a game against Japan at the tender age of 43 years and 3 days.

In January 2013, former Spanish international and Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo came out of retirement to rejoin Osasuna after back-up keeper Asier Riesgo suffered a foot injury. Later that year he played against Real Madrid at the age of 41, becoming La Liga's oldest ever player in the process.

Cittadella keeper Andrea Pierobon holds the record for being the oldest professional player in the history of Italian football, having surpassed the previous record holder, fellow goalkeeper Marco Ballotta, in May. Pierobon is still going strong at the age of 45 in Italy's Serie B.

In April 2010, Dundee's Bobby Geddes replaced Tony Bullock in goal during a game against Raith Rovers after Bullock was forced off with a hamstring injury. Geddes was 49-years-old at the time.

Legendary Baggies Keeper John Osborne apparently had a plastic knuckle - but this didn't prevent him from winning the FA and League Cup with West Brom during the 1960s.

Bulgarian International and former Reading 'keeper Borislav Mihaylov gained notoriety during the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States when he suddenly appeared with a full head of hair having been completely bald on top only weeks before. It turned out that he had decided to wear a wig to help promote his toupee company back home (During the Quarter Final game against Mexico, the poor man had to adjust his hairpiece under the protection of a towel after the blazing sun had caused him to sweat just a little too profusely…)

Probably the most instantly recognisable international goalkeeper of recent times was Faeroe Islands' goalie Martin Knudsen, who nearly used to always wear a bobble hat when he played.

In a similar vein, Hungarian goalkeeper Gábor Király always wears a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms rather than shorts when he plays.

Peterborough United goalkeeper Fred Barber used to run out onto the pitch wearing a Freddie Kruger mask from the film Nightmare on Elm Street. When The Posh reached Wembley in the play-off finals he was politely told it was not the done thing to do at the home of football but wore it anyway.

Former Glasgow Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram suffered from schizophrenia in the latter part of his career.

US international Tim Howard suffers from Tourette's Syndrome.

Tom Farquharson, Cardiff City's keeper in their 1927 FA Cup triumph, apparently always carried a hand gun with him!

Dutch goalkeeper Edwin Zoetebier used to bring his own lunch with him when he was with Feyenoord, which consisted of smoked fish, a speciality he first savoured when he was living in the seaside town of Volendam.

Turkish keeper Rüstü Reçber applies a thick layer of black charcoal under his eyes for almost every game, claiming that it helps block out the glare from stadium floodlights.

To celebrate winning his 50th international cap, Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones decided a trip to the barber's was in order and emerged from the players' tunnel sporting a "50" on either side with a Welsh dragon at the back. Unfortunately for Jones, he had a nightmare between the sticks as Slovakia ran out 5-1 winners in Cardiff.

Before the start of each half, Blackburn Rovers keeper Jason Brown performs a ritual that involves resting his head against each of his posts in turn, with his eyes closed and his hands in front of him as if in prayer.

Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos José Castilho was colour-blind and often had trouble picking out white balls during night games.

Having grown tired of continually being overlooked by successive England managers - despite a string of impressive performances - West Ham United's Robert Green decided to make point when the Hammers played Birmingham City in February 2008 by wearing a pair of gloves with "England's number 6" emblazoned across them.

Former American international Alan Mayer used to wear an ice hockey-style helmet when he kept goal during the 1970s.

Ned Doig, who kept goal for Sunderland, Liverpool and Scotland at the end of the 19th Century, always wore a cap when playing to hide his baldness.

When former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Milija Aleksic began his career, he was so keen that he used to iron his bootlaces before playing.

Steve Ogrizovic was told he had to give up the fags if he wanted one final contract with Coventry City while the club were still in the top flight, which he duly did.

For reasons best known to himself, Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Jeremie Janot decided to don a Spider-man outfit in 2005 for a game against FC Istres and yes, that did include the mask...

Former Aldershot, Tottenham and Southampton keeper Ron Reynolds was reputedly one of the first professional footballers ever to wear contact lenses.

Australia's Mark Schwarzer has worn the same pair of shinpads since he was six years old.

Blackburn Athletic and Bradford Park Avenue goalkeeper Chick Farr was born with Syndactyly (webbed fingers).

Former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Jimmy Sanders used to wear his 1954 FA Cup Winners medal around his neck when serving behind the bar of his pub after he retired from football.

Airdrieonians keeper John Martin would often swing from the crossbar during games if supporters behind his goal asked him too!

Aberdeen's Harry Blackwell wore a waterproof coat and took to the field with an umbrella borrowed from a spectator in the inclement weather when Aberdeen beat Peterhead 13-0.

One-time Celtic and Portsmouth goalkeeper Dick Beattie was a horse-racing fan and used to wear a jockey's cap when in goal.

Tony Chursky, who kept goal for Seattle Sounders and Canada in the 1970s, was deaf in one ear as is Ajax, Fulham and Netherlands international Maarten Stekelenburg.

Namibia international goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha has been deaf since the age of seven and apparently communicates with his teammates by screaming at them.

Wigan Athletic's Chris Kirkland was the last top-flight goalkeeper to wear a baseball cap to keep the sun out of his eyes, doing so during a game against West Ham United back in 2009.

Former Southampton and Aldershot goalkeeper Tony Godfrey holds the distinction of being Basingstoke Town's youngest and oldest player. Having turned out for The Dragons while still a schoolboy, he returned for one game in 1985 at the age of 45 after an injury crisis left the club without a keeper.

Hungary's Gábor Király became the oldest player to appear in the finals of the European Championships when he turned out against Austria in the Magyars' opening game of 2016 at the age of 40 years and 75 days, beating the record held by Lothar Matthäus.

When Sander Boschker finally made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2010 at the age of 39, he became his country's oldest ever debutant and capped player.

AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma became the youngest ever goalkeeper to start a match in the history of Italian football when he turned out for against Sassuolo at the age of 16 years and 8 months.

Bengt Andersson shows no signs of retiring from football just yet. The former Sweden international goalkeeper recently joined Särö IK on a semi-professional basis and has form in this department. One of the oldest players to have appeared in the Allsvenskan, he won the Swedish league title with IFK Göteborg for the first time at the tender age of 41, become the oldest player to do so in the process.

Indian goalkeeper Shilton Paul was named after England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. His dad was a big fan.

Ayr United goalkeeper Hugh Sproat admitted to Shoot! magazine in 1977 that he was such a fan of Punk Rock that he regularly wore earrings shaped like razor blades - one was green, the other blue in a nod to the auld firm...

When Arbroath famously beat Bon Accord 36-0 in the Scottish Cup back in 1885, their goalkeeper, Jim Milne Sr, was apparently such a spectator that he smoked his pipe during the game.

There were many tales about former Queen's Park and Hearts goalkeeper Jim Cruickshank, most of which were probably apocryphal. However, one of the most frequent stories shared about the goalie was habit of walking onto the field of play with a transistor radio hidden in his towel, which was placed carefully beside the post and occasionally adjusted during lulls in play so he could tune into the horse racing from various circuits around the country.

In the early 90s, West Ham United goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko received a compliment of sorts when Hammers fan Danny Noise changed his name by deed poll to Danny Miklosko in honour of the Czech stopper.

Dutch goalkeeper Diederik Boer enjoyed a successful career with PEC Zwolle despite missing the little finger of his right hand, meaning he plays with only 9 fingers.

Sweden international and former Chelsea Ladies goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl suffers from vitiligo and has to apply high factor sunscreen before and during matches.

Former Dundee United goalkeeper Luis Zwick, who also had spells with Hansa Rostock and Schweinfurt 05, suffered from epilepsy as a child.

Denmark's Henry From was the epitome of cool when he faced a penalty in the semi-finals of the 1960 Olympic football tournament against Hungary. With his team leading 1-0, From readied himself for the spot kick by removing his chewing gum and sticking it to the side of his goalposts. After he saved Pal Varhidi's shot, he pciked the chewing gum off the post and put it back his mouth, with Denmark going on to win the game 2-0.

United States international goalkeeper Ruth Harker was blind in her left eye.

Birmingham City, Hibernian and Scotland goalkeeper Jim Herriot used to smear dollops of mud from his goalmouth under his eyes before a game to combat the glare from floodlights, especially during midweek games.

Roma's Francesco Quintini was reputedly the shortest goalkeeper to play in Serie A, standing at a height of just 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in).

Former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers Ladies goalkeeper Danielle Gibbons was rendered deaf in her left ear following surgery in 2015 to remove a vestibular schwannoma.

Scottish goalkeeper Andy Greig, who enjoyed a career with Aberdeen, Darlington and Montrose either side of World War One, was born deaf.

Superstitious Goalkeepers

Former Wales international and Stoke City goalkeeper Leigh Richmond Roose was famously superstitious and always wore a lucky shirt beneath his goalkeeping jersey - an old black-and-green Aberystwyth top, was reputedly never washed.

Former Canadian international and Minnesota Kicks goalkeeper Tino Lettieri used to keep a lucky mascot in the form of a stuffed parrot called 'Ozzie' at the back of his net during games.

Something of a superstitious chap, former Scotland international Alan Rough always carried an old tennis ball and a key ring with a thistle motif on it to the ground with him and insisted on having a shave on the morning of every match. He always had to hang his clothes on peg No 13 too...

Another keeper with a superstitious streak in him was former Manchester United and England goalie Gary Bailey. The one-time Old Trafford custodian readily admits to using juju - an African form of black magic - during his spell with South African side Kaiser Chiefs. There must have been something in it as they won every domestic trophy while Bailey was in goal.

Bobby ClarkAberdeen's Bobby Clark attributed his side's victory in the Scottish League Cup during the 1976/77 season to the white tie he wore with his match-day suit before every round, up to and including the final. Clark, a notoriously superstitious keeper, refused to change his tie during the competition, saying that it brought his side luck!

The much travelled former England goalkeeper David James has many pre-match superstitious rituals, probably the most disturbing of which is the need to spit on the walls of the changing room urinals before games.

Argentina's Sergio Goycochea developed an equally disturbing superstitious ritual during the 1990 World Cup Finals, namely urinating on the pitch before his side's penalty shoot-outs against Yugoslavia and Italy. It must have worked as Argentina won on both occasions to reach the final.

Ghana international Robert Mensah was something of a flamboyant goalkeeper who would often mock opponents by reading a newspaper while the game was in full flow. He was also prone to wearing an over-size flat cap during games in attempt to put strikers off and he'd often get into scraps when opposition players tried to remove it, believing it was bringing them bad luck through the use of juju.

Another Ghana goalkeeper with a lucky charm is Brimah Razak, who carried his favourite Spider-man action figure onto the pitch with him during the 2015 African Cup of Nations. Ghana reached the final but the comic book hero was powerless to prevent Razak from missing the decisive penalty in the shoot-out against the Ivory Coast in the final.

When former England international Reg Davies visited Bisham Abbey with Brian Clough's Derby County for a training session in the late 1960s, he refused to enter the building after being unnerved by a "ghostly vibe" that he picked up following the team's arrival.

Pior to every game he competed in, Irish keeper Shay Given, who enjoyed a successful career with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United among others, would place a vial of holy water from Lourdes at the back of his goal as a lucky charm.

Another Irish goalkeeper with a superstitious habit was Celtic custodian Packie Bonner, who carried a piece of clay from County Donegal with him in his glove bag.

When Scotland played in the 1978 World Cup finals in Argentina, goalkeeper Alan Rough took with him a good luck message from a Blue Peter viewer who won a competition on the programme and placed it in his net at the start of every game.

Jack Robinson, who played eleven times for England at the turn of the 20th Century and enjoyed spells with Lincoln City, Derby County and Millwall among others, was something of a superstitious chap and insisted on having a bowl of rice pudding before every game. There may have been something in it because the one time he failed to have his lucky pre-match meal, he was beaten eleven times!

Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Herbert Hoyle had a liking for oranges and apparently always placed one at the back of his net for good luck.

Iker Casillas is a rather superstitious goalkeeper. Among his many quirks is the need to touch his own crossbar whenever his team scored. However, one of Casillas' oddest rituals was when he wore his socks inside out on the advice of a gypsy prison inmate. He carried on doing so until manager Jose Mourinho benched him!

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina developed a couple of pre-match rituals during his time at Anfield. Before every game he used to fill his car up with petrol at the same service station - even if he didn't need to - and insisted on parking in bay 39 in the players' car park at the ground.

During UEFA Euro 2012, the Czech Republic squad decided not to shave, believing to do so would bring bad luck. Such was their commitment that goalkeeper Petr Čech refused to get out his razor even when his wife told him he looked awful and should have a shave!

Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Artem Rebrov kisses his goalposts before each game.

Before found international fame at the 1990 World Cup finals, Colombia goalkeeper Rene Higuita visited a fortune teller with Atletico Nacional teammate Carlos Perea in a bid to improve their form, who advised them that their fortunes would change if the team wore blue belts and underparts. Having taken the advice on board, the club went on to win the Copa Libertadores in 1989.

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian sought a bit of luck before his side's London derby against Chelsea during the 2017/18 season and thought rubbing the head of Argentine teammate Pablo Zabaleta during training sessions would do the job. The ritual earned the goalkeeper a bit of publicity, with the Spaniard telling journalists that rubbing a bald head is supposed to bring good luck but it didn't work as he was dropped in favour of England goalkeeper Joe Hart. The match ended 1-1.

Every time Barcelona score a goal, their keeper, German Marc-André ter Stegen, takes a quick drink from his water bottle, positioned at the side of his net.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois performs the same ritual prior to international games during the playing of his country's national anthem, La Brabanconne. While singing along to the anthem, Courtois touches his chin for good luck!

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki has to touch the match ball before the game kicks off, sometimes going to extreme measures, including taking the ball off of mascots, in order to do so.

Coventry and Manchester City goalkeeper Perry Suckling kept a bible in the back of his net for good luck.

Former Leicester City and Bournemouth goalkeeper Ian Andrews was a creature of habit and always put his left boot on first before a match.

Back in 1996, when Rafael Benitez's tenure at Real Valladolid was under threat, his kit man placed some garlic behind the goal of Valencia goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta hoping to bring him some bad luck. It seemed to work as the former Spanish goalkeeper had to be replaced before the game after he was injured during the warm-up. Unfortunately for Benitez and his kit man, the in-coming Jorge Bartual played a blinder, winning the Man of the Match award as Valencia triumphed 5-2.

During is spell at Maine Road, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan began to receive a sprig of lucky heather before every home game from flower seller and City fan Helen Turner, with the pair captured for posterity in the 1981 Topical Times Football Book performing the ritual.

Former Scotland and Norwich City goalkeeper Bryan Gunn had an interesting pre-match ritual while he was with Aberdeen; he would attempt to head-butt the crossbar, much to the amusement of manager Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United's David de Gea has an in-match ritual where he touches his crossbar every time his teammates score a goal.

Goalkeeper Nicknames

*Tim Carter and Nigel Spink picked up their nicknames while playing for Millwall at the height of Teletubbie-mania in 1997. Their choice of goalkeeping kit (lurid green and yellow) probably had something to do with it...

Quirky Middle Names

Unfortunate Monikers

When Australia were beaten 17-0 by a touring English FA XI in 1951, their goalkeeper was one Norman Conquest.

In 1958, Danish side Frem Copenhagen had a goalkeeper called Bent Koch on their books.

In 2005, Nottingham Forest signed a young goalkeeper by the name of Paddy Gamble.

Has there ever been a more apt name for a Scottish goalkeeper than Dundee United's Hamish McAlpine?

Shrewsbury Town once had a goalkeeper by the name of Dick Brush.

French side Bordeaux have the unique distinction of having not one but two goalkeepers called Dropsy on their books - former French international Dominique Dropsy and his son Damien.

Back in the 1980s, schoolboys around England had a good laugh or two at the expense of Brighton & Hove Albion's Perry Digweed and Crystal Palace's Perry Suckling.

Egypt's goalkeeper in their only game of the 1934 World Cup was Mustafa Kamel Mansour, who later played for Queen's Park while studying in Scotland.

In 1964 Darlington signed the delightfully named Ray Snowball from non-league Crook Town.

Keeping with the winter theme, York City signed Jack Frost from Grimsby Town in 1948 after he was "frozen out" at Blundell Park.

Port Vale and Middlesbrough had a goalkeeper on their books called Joe Frail, who was once suspended by Vale after he missed a train to a match against Rotherham United and failed to give a suitable reason as to why.

Chelsea once signed a goalkeeper called Les Fridge, who only played once for the Blues in a 5-1 defeat against Watford. He later enjoyed a career north of the boarder with St. Mirren and Clyde among others.

NASL side Chicago Sting once signed a keeper called Paul Coffee.

There can't be many goalkeepers named after a United States president but Belize international Woodrow Wilson West is certainly one of them.

Belgian goalkeeper Cyprien Baguette earned his "crust" between the sticks for Charleroi and FC Brussels.

Keeping it in the Family

Spurs and England goalie Ian Walker's Dad Mike used to keep goal for Colchester United back in the Seventies. Mike tried to buy his son during his first spell in charge of Norwich City.

Midfielders Stephen Clemence and Sam Shilton decided not to follow in their fathers' footsteps and battle it out for the England No1 spot like their dads, Ray and Peter, did in the late 70s/early 80s. They both opted for a career in the middle of the park instead, although Stephen was once forced to play in goal for Birmingham City after Nico Vassen was sent off.

Peter Schmeichel's son Kasper followed in his father's footsteps, signing pro-forms with Manchester City before enjoying a career with Leicester City and Leeds United among others.

Dad Bobby may have played for Wales and been manager of the Welsh side at the time but when it came to his own International career Celtic keeper Jonathon Gould opted to play for Scotland instead, receiving a call-up to the Scottish World Cup Squad in 1998 following Andy Goram's departure.

Birmingham City once boasted brothers Bob and Dave Latchford in their line-up. Centre forward Bob later found fame and fortune with Everton and England while their brother, Peter, who also happened to be a goalkeeper like Dave, went to Scotland and won an awful lot of trophies with Celtic.

Former Glasgow Rangers and England goalkeeper Chris Woods' great uncle was none other than Eric Houghton, one of the first stars of the modern game between the wars.

Only one set of goalkeeping brothers have ever been part of the same World Cup squad. Victor and Vyacheslav Chanov went to the 1982 World Cup Finals with the Soviet Union as understudies to Rinat Dassajev but neither played a game.

Irish goalie Tommy Gordon let in nine goals when he won his last International cap against England in 1895. His brother Hugh just happened to be making his International debut in the very same game. A third brother, Willie, also later played for the Irish national team.

Chelsea legend and former England international John Hollins' brother Dave played in goal for Wales.

Brothers Willie and Elisha Scott both played in goal at full international level for Ireland.

Goalkeeper Jimmy Trainer and his brother Harry both played for Wales towards the end of the 19th Century. Jimmy even captained his country when Wales played England between the years 1895-97.

Goalkeeping ran strong in the Springett family. Ron was capped thirty-three times by England, keeping seven clean sheets along the way, and was part of the 1966 World Cup winning squad while brother Peter was an England Under-23 International.

England also capped goalkeeping cousins Harold Pearson and Harry Hibbs. Pearson's father Hubert was also a goalkeeper and was picked to play for England against France in 1923 but missed the match through injury and was never selected again.

England and Nottingham Forest liked to keep it in the family at the turn of the century. Goalkeeper Harry Linacre played alongside his brothers-in-law Frank and Frederick Forman while at Forest and all three were capped by England, albeit in separate games.

The Republic of Ireland also like to keep it in the family. When keeper Alan Kelly was injured against Turkey in the recent Euro 2000 play-offs manager Mick McCarthy called up his older brother Gary to the squad to replace him for the second leg. Their father, Alan Snr, was also a goalkeeper and played for Preston North End.

England goalkeepers Billy Moon and Teddy Taylor both had relatives who played Test cricket for England. In Moon's case it was his brother Leonard while Charlie Hallows was Taylor's cousin.

Former England and Nottingham Forest full back Jim Iremonger was a tall bloke but his brother Albert, who played for Notts County, was taller. At 6' 5", Albert was one of the tallest goalkeepers ever to play League football. He also scored an own goal after taking a penalty at the opposite end of the pitch...

Former Spurs and England keeper Ted Ditchburn's father was once a champion boxer.

Reg Birkett, the first football international to play rugby union for England, came from a strong rugby playing family. Both his son and his brother were also rugby union internationals.

Balding Bulgarian goalie and former Reading 'keeper Borislav Mihaylov followed in his father's footsteps when he went between the sticks. His Dad kept goal for the national side during the 1960s while his son, Nikolay, made it a hattrick of international keepers when he made his debut for Bulgaria in 2006.

Wolves' Michael Oakes father is former Manchester City defender Alan Oakes. Michael's cousin, Andy Oakes, played for Derby County.

Spanish giants Barcelona can boast another father and son goalkeeping dynasty with current shot-stopper Jose Reina following in his father's footsteps. Miguel Reina played for the Catalan side in the 1970s as well as keeping goal for Athletico Madrid later in his career.

Aston Villa's Peter Enckelman's father, Göran, played for Finland against England at Wembley in 1976.

Former Manchester United and England goalie Gary Bailey had a lot to live up to. His dad, Roy, was Ipswich Town's Championship-winning custodian in 1962.

Another player with a lot to live up to is Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini. Father Fabio was capped by the Italian national side and is a legend at AC Milan.

Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon comes from a very sporting family - his dad was a shot-putter, his mother used to throw the discus while his two sisters play in Italy's top volleyball league! What's more, former AC Milan and Inter goalkeeper Lorenzo Buffon is a distant cousin.

The first pair of brothers to play together at international level were James and Robert Smith of South Norwood Football Club, who played for Scotland in the first ever international against England way back in 1872. Robert Smith started the game outfield but replaced captain Bob Gardner in goal at the start of the Second Half. Both he and Gardner kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

Former Spurs player David Howells played alongside his goalkeeping brother Gareth in the Tottenham youth team. Gareth later went on to play for Torquay United and currently turns out for non-league Aldershot.

It has often been said that there is nothing harder than following in your father's footsteps. Thankfully, Pele's son, Edinho, saw sense and decided to become a goalkeeper, playing for the same team as his dad, Santos.

Saudi Arabia's long-serving keeper Mohammad Al-Deayea replaced his brother in the Saudi National team before going on to play in two World Cup finals.

Southampton and Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones followed his eldest brother Mark into League football. His brother once had a spell with Hereford United.

The Dunne brothers both played for Manchester United during the 1960s. Goalkeeper Pat made several appearances during United's Championship winning season of 1964/65 before being replaced by Alex Stepney. He went on to play for the Plymouth Argyle and the Republic of Ireland while fullback Tony stay behind at Old Trafford and was part of the team that won the European cup in 1968.

Born in Southampton, both Aaron and Darryl Flahaven played for the Saints youth team before finding first team success at Portsmouth and Southend United respectively.

Kasey Keller's dad was a semi-pro softball pitcher in the States.

Celtic's Ronnie Simpson, who was first capped by Scotland in 1967, followed his father Jimmy, who played for Rangers, into the national side, although Jimmy had more sense than to go in goal...

One the most talented players ever to play for Bulgaria, Georgi Sokolov, was the son of a goalkeeper, the legendary - in Bulgarian football at least! - Apostol Sokolov.

Joe and George Sealey, have both followed the example set by their late father Les, the ex-Manchester United, Aston villa and Luton Town custodian, and are trainee goalkeepers at one of their father's former clubs, West Ham United. It's also worth noting that Les Sealey's uncle was former West Ham United striker Alan Sealey.

Manchester City stalwart Tony Book's brother, Kim, also played professional football and was the unfortunate goalkeeper between the sticks for Northampton Town when George Best ran riot for Manchester United in an 8-2 victory. Kim's son Steve followed him into goal, playing for the likes of Cheltenham and Swindon Town.

Goalkeeper Hans Klodt played alongside his brother, winger Bernhard, in the FC Schalke 04 side that dominated German football in the 1930s.

French international goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's father was a top-class Rugby Union player. Fabien himself used to play rugby before taking up football.

Former Bolton Wanderers and England goalkeeper John Sutcliffe's brother Charles was also a keeper, turning out for Sheffield United in the 1925 F.A. Cup Final.

Ipswich Town youngster Carl Pentney hopes to go one better than his dad, Lloyd, by making his League debut before too long. Despite playing non-league football with the likes of Clacton Town, Harwich & Parkeston and Wivenhoe Town, the nearest Lloyd came to the Coca-Cola Championship was the Rymans League.

Dynamo Kiev keeper Nikolai Trusevich played in the same all-conquering Kiev side as his brother-in-law, Iosif Livshitz. Trusevich later played for FC Start against the German military, including the infamous 'Death Match', during the Second World War after he was taken prisoner.

There's only two John Lukics... Former Arsenal and Leeds United goalkeeper John Lukic's son, also called John, was signed by Grimsby Town in the summer of 2005. John is also a goalkeeper like his father, er, John.

Uruguayan international and Nacional de Montevideo goalkeeper Sebastián Viera also followed in his father's footsteps. Mario Viera was also a goalkeeper for some note and played for his country in the 1979 FIFA World Youth Championship in Japan.

Crawley Town goalkeeper Scott Ward, on the other hand, decided not to following in the footsteps of his brothers, Darren and Elliot, both of whom are centre halves for Crystal Palace and West Ham United respectively.

When New Youngs met Air Force in a Sri Lankan FA Cup tie in June 2006, there was a bit of sibling rivalry involved. New Youngs lined-up with Damith Dayawansa between the posts while Air Force had his brother Saman as their goalkeeper. The game was eventually abandoned after Damith was arrested for going AWOL from his military unit. His unit? The Air Force, of course!

Football was in the blood of Icelandic brothers Johannes and Alti Edvaldsson. Johannes turned out for Celtic and Motherwell while Alti plied his trade in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and Fortuna Dusseldorf. Both were capped at international level. Their father, Evald Mikson, was also a footballer and played in goal for Estonia. He fled to Iceland at the end of the Second World War after collaborating with the Nazis.

Manchester City legend Frank Swift's brother, Fred, was also a goalkeeper and turned out for Oldham Athletic. During the summer months they ran a pleasure boat together on Blackpool seafront!

Rosenborg goalkeeper Espen Johnsen's younger brother, Marius, plays in defence for Start and Norway.

Malcolm Webster, who had spells with Arsenal, Fulham, Southend United and Cambridge, was goalkeeping coach at Norwich City when his son, Ben, had a trial with The Canaries in 1999. He now plays for Soham Town Rangers.

Jose Mourinho may not have played football professionally but his father, Felix, kept goal for Portugal, and gave "The Chosen One" his first job as a scout at Rio Ave.

Thomas Ravelli's twin brother, Andreas, was also a professional footballer, playing alongside his brother at IFK Göteborg. Both were capped by Sweden, although goalkeeper Thomas won 143 caps to his brother's 41.

Welsh international Leigh Richmond Roose was the brother-in-law of Jack Jenkins, a Welsh rugby union international.

Pat Jenning's son, also called Pat, has played professionally with Eircom League clubs UCD and Derry City.

Former Spanish international Luis Arconada's brother, Gonzalo, is now manager of Real Sociedad.

The much-travelled Andy Dibble, who kept goal for seventeen different clubs during his career including Middlesbrough and Manchester City, followed his father Alan into goals after initially playing as a left back at school.

Franck Songo'o, the son of former Cameroon international Jacques Songo'o - who played in every World Cup between 1990-2002, can be seen strutting his stuff as a midfielder with Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Josh Lillis followed his father's footsteps by signing professional forms with Scunthorpe United. However Josh decided to be a goalkeeper rather than centre forward like his dad, Irons' stalwart Mark Lillis.

The Brazilian Football Federation obviously like to keep it in the family. When former international goalkeeper Aymoré Moreira became coach of the national side, eventually leading them to World Cup glory in 1962, one of his predecessors was his brother Zezé. A third brother, Ayrton, was alos a respected coach in Brazil.

Dutch brothers, Ruud, who kept goal for Barcelona and Roda JC, and Danny, who played for NEC, Roda and AZ Alkmaar amongst others, both carved out respectable professional careers during the 1990s.

American international Nick Rimando is married to female soccer star Jacqui Little, who plays for Washington Freedom.

When former Manchester United Youth team midfielder David Fox joined Blackpool in January 2006, he teamed up with his dad Peter, The Seasiders' goalkeeping coach who used to keep goal for Stoke City in the 1980s.

Some might say Liverpool have got it in for this family, but having dispensed with the services of goalkeeper David James some years ago, the Merseyside club saw fit to release his nephew, striker James Frayne, in the summer of 2006.

During the 1950 and 60s, the Unity Club of Belize benefited from the footballing talents of Keith Gardiner and his goalkeeping brother, Charlie.

Liverpool and England goalkeeper Scott Carson's brother, Grant, is also a keeper and currently on the books of Carlisle United.

The Cooper family have strong links with Dallas football. Having played for Blackburn Rovers, Kenny Cooper Senior joined the Dallas Tornado in the North American Soccer League and became an NASL All-Star. His son, also called Kenny, is now a centre forward for FC Dallas in the MLS.

Croatian international Joey Didulica's brother, John, is a former player and the current CEO of the Australian Professional Footballers' Association.

Donald Farquharson, son of Tom Farquharson who played in goal for Cardiff City when they won the FA Cup in 1927, emigrated to Canada and become one of the leading exponents of Masters Athletics in the 1970s. His son, Steve, became a Minor League Hockey player.

French footballing brothers Sébastien and Nicholas Frey both ply their trade in Italy. Sébastien keeps goal for Fiorentina while Nicholas plays for Modena in Serie B. Their father, Raymond, and grandfather, André, also played professionally.

The Late Niccolò Galli, who played for Arsenal and Bologna, was the son of former Italian international goalkeeper Giovanni Galli.

Goalkeeping is in the blood of the Henderson family. Wayne Henderson currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion and is a Republic of Ireland international while his nephew Stephen is on Aston Villa's books. Wayne's father Paddy kept goal for Shamrock Rovers in the 1960s while his older brothers, Dave and Stephen, both played with some success in the League of Ireland.

China have benefitted from the goalkeeping expertise of the Jiang family with brothers Jin and Hong both turning out for the national side.

Australian brothers Jason and Michael Petkovic have both been capped by the Socceroos, having played for the same junior club, Spearwood, in Western Australia. Jason later turned out for Perth Glory while Michael kept goal for South Melbourne.

Celestine Babayaro's goalkeeping brother, Emmanuel was part of the Nigeria squad that won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Maccabi Haifa's Nir Davidovich followed in the footsteps of his father, Benjamin, who also played in goal for Haifa after the Second World War.

Dynamo Moscow goalkeeper Vasily Frolov has a lot to live up to. His grandfather was Lev Yashin.

Norwich City and Scotland keeper Paul Gallacher is the son of Jim Gallacher, a goalkeeper who played Scottish League Football for 22 years between 1968 and 1990, firstly with Arbroath and more famously with Clydebank.

Sparta Prague's Zdenek Zlámal's followed his uncle František between the sticks and it was his uncle, who kept SK Slavia Prague in the 1970s, who bought him his first pair of gloves.

Another Sparta Prague keeper who followed the family tradition is Zlámal's teammate Milan Švenger, who's father was also a professional goalkeeper, donning the gloves for FK Jablonec 97 and FC Bohemians 1905.

Israeli Under-21 goalkeeper Ohad Levita Hapoel and his grandfather, Yair Levita, both kept goal for Kfar-Saba FC.

Hartlepool United's Danish keeper Jan Budtz, who has also kept goal for Doncaster Rovers, has a twin brother, Ole, who is a defender with Aarhus.

Former Celtic and Motherwell goalkeeper Gordon Marshall followed his father, also a goalkeeper called Gordon, into the game. But while Gordon Senior was capped by England at under-23 level, Gordon junior elected to play for Scotland, winning one full cap against the United Stated in May 1992. His brother Scott also became a professional footballer and went on to play for Southampton and Celtic, but elected not to become a keeper like the rest of his family.

David Martin is the son of former West Ham defender Alvin Martin. His brother Joe followed in his father's footsteps and became a defender.

Paraguay goalkeeper José Luís Chilavert was selected alongside his brother, Rolando - a midfielder, for the 1986 World Cup Finals in Mexico.

The much travelled Nathan Abbey also has a brother who is also a professional footballer. However, unlike the former Luton Town, Chesterfield and Boston United goalkeeper his brother Zema prefers to play up front.

For the Wallace family, it was like father like son. Jock Wallace senior kept goal for Raith Rovers, Derby County and Blackpool while Jock Wallace junior carved out a modest career with Berwick Rangers, Airdrieonians and West Bromwich Albion before tasting success as a manager with Glasgow Rangers and Leicester City, famously scaring future tv presenter Gary Lineker in the process!

Uruguayan international Walter Corbo played alongside his brother Ruben Romeo, a left winger, in the Penarol side of the 1970s.

Tottenham's Ben Alnwick has a brother Jak who is also a goalkeeper and currently in the youth set-up at Newcastle United.

Football played a big part in the Behan family. Keeper Billy played for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers and had a spell with Manchester United in the 1930s while his brothers John and Paddy also played for Shamrock. His son, William junior, followed in the family footsteps and also kept goal for the Rovers side.

French goalkeeper Damien Dropsy kept it in the family when he signed his first professional contract with Girondins Bordeaux in 2006. His father Dominique played over 200 times for the club before retiring after a successful career that included stints with RC Strasbourg and the French National Side.

Former Spanish international Juan Carlos Ablanedo playerd alongside his elder brother José Luis, who was a centre half, in the Sporting Gijón side of the 1980s.

FC Twente's Cees Paauwe followed his older brother Patrick into the world of Professional football. However, while Cees chose a career between the sticks, Patrick preferred to play in midfield, carving out a career with Fortuna Sittard, Feyenoord and Borussia Mönchengladbach amongst others.

Juan Valdivieso, who played for Peru in the 1930 World Cup Finals, later watched his grandson, also called Juan, compete in the swimming events at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

Sunderland goalkeeper Trevor Carson is the nephew of comedian Frank Carson.

FC St. Pauli's Mathias Hain is the younger brother of Eintracht Braunschweig's goalkeeping coach Uwe Hain.

Another pair of goalkeeping brothers were the Hancocks - Ken and Ray. Ken, the younger of the two siblings, had the more impressive career, playing for Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Bury after following his brother into the first team at Port Vale.

Cousins Jasmin and Samir Handanovic have both kept goal for the Slovenian national side.

Liverpool legend Sam Hardy's nephew, Eddie, and grandson, also called Sam, both played professionally for Chesterfield. Hardy's cousins, brothers Ernest and Harry Blackwell kept goal for Sheffield United and Aberdeen respectively.

The Brown family of Troon could boast of three brothers who played professionally. The eldest, Jim, carved out a career in the United States and despite being born in Scotland went on to be part of the USA team that reached the semi-finals of the 1930 FIFA World Cup while his brother John kept goal for Hibs and Clyde and was capped by Scotland. The third and youngest brother, Tom, kept goal for Ipswich Town but lost much of his career to World War Two, when he served as a commando in the armed forces.

Former Scottish international Andy Goram's Dad, Lewis, also played in goal, turning out for Third Lanark and Bury after the Second World War.

Ghana international keeper Richard Kingson has played alongside his brother Laryea Kingston in the national side. The difference in spelling is apparently due to "irregularity on their identity documents" although the Ghanaian FA list both players as 'Kingston'.

New Zealand goalkeeper Frank van Hattum, who went to Spain in 1982 with the All-Whites for the World Cup, came from a sporting family. Two of his sisters - Marie-Jose Griffith and Grazia MacIntosh (née van Hattum) - also represented New Zealand at international level in the women's game while a third - Stella - was a member of the Kiwis' karate squad.

Shamrock Rovers had keeper Tony O'Dowd and his brother Greg on their books in the late 1990s.

Although Colin Stewart followed in his fathers footsteps - former Scotland international Jim Stewart - by breaking into the Kilmarnock first team he could emulate his dad's impact, playing only once for Killie compared to Stewart Senior's 136 appearances. He later married Julie Fleeting, star of the Women's game in Scotland.

It's often said that goalkeepers are mad but there are two who could safely call themselves Mentel - former Inter Bratislava keep Miroslav and his son Filip, who plays for Dundee United.

Former Israeli Under-21 goalkeeper Danny Amos' brother Nathan is a notable rugby union player.

Former Chester City and Carlisle United goalkeeper Jim MacLaren led the way for his three younger brothers, who were all on the books of at least one football league side. Roy played for St. Johnston, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, Dave for Dundee, Leicester City and Plymouth Argyle and finally Monty, who was signed by Liverpool

Willie White, who played in goal with distinction for Hearts and Southampton, was also one of four brothers who played top-class football - John was an inside-forward with Heart of Midlothian and Leeds United, Thomas played for Motherwell while James had a spell with Alloa Athletic

Former Norwich City goalkeeper Bryan Gunn's son, Angus, followed in his father's footsteps and signed for The Canaries as a schoolboy before earning a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2011. However, unlike his father and despite his name, Angus had no intention of playing for Scotland and declared himself available for England, earning several Under-16 caps and representing his country of birth up to Under-21 level, before a change of heart saw him make his debut for Scotland in the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus.

Walsall's Dávid Gróf's father Attila also played professionally as a goalkeeper turning out for Ujpest Dozsa, Videoton, Honved and Hungary during his career.

Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jenning's son, also called Pat, has made his own mark in the game, turning out for UCD, Derry City and Glenavon in an eleven-year career.

Goalkeeper Eddie Edgar and his son David both played professionally for Newcastle United. Eddie enjoyed some success with Hartlepool United before joining the NASL while David joined Burnley and has been capped by Canada.

George Raikes, who made four appearance for England in the later 1890s, also enjoyed a successful County Cricket career, as did his brother Ernest and his nephew Thomas.

Conor Ripley, son of former Middlesbrough and England winger Stuart, followed his dad into the Boro side, albeit between the sticks.

Former Southampton and York City goalkeeper George Thompson had the privilege of seeing both his sons following in his footsteps. George Jnr played with distinction for Scunthorpe United, Preston North End, Manchester City and Carlisle United and was a losing FA Cup finalist in 1954 with North End while Des enjoyed a career with York City, Burnley and Sheffield United.

There was plenty of football talent in the Milburn family - with Jackie, Jack, Jim, Stan and George all playing professionally, not to mention their World Cup Winning nephews, Jack and Bobby Charlton. However, it's Jack, Jim, Stan and George's brother-in-law, Jim Potts, who is of most interest, having kept goal for Leeds United!

Francisco Quintero Nava, who represented Mexico during the 1948 Olympic Games in London, is the grandfather of Atlanta Silverbacks keeper Felipe Quintero Monsivais.

Northern Ireland enjoyed the services of the Irvine brothers during the 1960s while Burnley striker Willie Irvine was scoring at one end, Stoke City and Linfield keeper Bobby Irvine was keeping them out at the other end.

Arsenal's Wojciech Szczesny followed in his father, Maciej, into both the Legia Warsaw side and the Polish National team. His brother Jan is also a goalkeeper and currently plies his trade with Gwardia Warsaw.

Brothers Ralf and Falk Fährmann both ply their trade between the sticks in Germany. Ralf, a former U-21 international, currently plays for Schalke 04 while Falk was on the books of FSV Zwickau.

Former Scunthorpe United, Wrexham and Halifax Town goalkeeper Darren Heyes is the son of George Heyes, who kept goal for Leicester City and Swansea.

Ex-Russia international and Chelsea goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine's younger brother, Mikhail, was also a professional keeper but failed to reach the heights his brother attained and was restricted to Torpedo Moscow's reserve team for most of his career.

Dale Belford may have only managed one league appearance in his career - for Notts County in 1987 - but son Cameron has already over 100 appearances to his name after spells with Bury and Southend United while Cameron's brother Tyrell is currently on Liverpool's books.

Another player with a pair of goalkeeping sons is former Shelbourne United player Robert O'Neill. Eldest son Alan enjoyed spells with Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk while his younger brother Dermot made over 400 appearances for Bohemians and Glenavon.

St. Mirren goalkeeper Grant Adam is the younger brother of Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam.

San Marino's Aldo Simoncini often plays in the national side alongside his twin brother Davide. In September 2010, the brothers set an unfortunate record when they became the first twins to score an own goal in the same game in international competition, with Sweden being the fortunate beneficiaries of such generosity!

Former Watford and Grimsby Town goalkeeper Steve Sherwood's older brother, John, won a bronze medal in the Men's Hurdles at the 1968 Olympic Games.

Tony Macedo, Fulham's Gibraltarian goalkeeper in the 1950s/60s, was the son of a former Spanish international footballer who played for Real Madrid.

Not wishing to compete with his father, Ulf Kirsten, who was a German international and finished as the leading goalscorer in the Bundesligh three times, son Benjamin decided to become a goalkeeper rather than a striker, carving out a career with Dynamo Dresden.

Former Charlton Athletic and Republic of Ireland keeper Dean Kiely's son Chris was once on Gillingham's books.

Ronnie HellstromThe Football League boasted a trio of footballing brothers either side of the Second World War in Frank, Ray and George King. Frank kept goal for Everton and Derby before injury cut his career short while Ray made over 250 appearances for Port Vale. George was the black sheep of the family and became a centre forward.

South Africa's Kaiser Chiefs once boasted goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and his younger brother Lucky on their roster.

Double Olympic swimming gold medalist Rebecca Adlington is the grandniece of former Derby County and Torquay United goalkeeper Terry Adlington.

Swedish legend Ronnie Hellström's son, Erland, followed in his father's footsteps, keeping goal for Assyriska Föreningen and Hammarby amongst others.

Kyle Letheren is another goalkeeper who followed his father's career path. The much travelled former Wales Under-21 keeper, who has been on Swansea City and Kilmarnock's books amongst others, his the son of one-time Leeds United and Swansea City stopper Glan.

Between the wars, Bristol City had three brothers on their books - Jack, Arthur and Frank Vallis. Frank played over 200 times on goal for the Robins.

Not only were brothers Elias and William Owen capped by Wales in the late 19th Century, but their cousins Morgan and Hugh Morgan-Owen also represented the principality.

Stoke City had all four Baddeley brothers - Amos, George, Sam and Tom - on their books at one time or another during their careers. Only Tom was a goalkeeper.

Former Millwall, Bolton and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keith Branagan's son Ritchie made two appearances for Bury before joining Salford City in 2012.

Belgium international and Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet followed in his father Stefan's footsteps when he abandoned a career in midfield to go in goal.

Rene Higuita, the Colombian madcap goalkeeper, had the pleasure of seeing his son Cristian Andrés Higuita also become a professional footballer with Asociación Deportivo Cali. He was also capped by Colombia's U-20 side although he opted to play in midfield rather than go in goal.

Stoke City's Asmir Begovic is another goalkeeper who followed in his father's footsteps. His dad, Amir, kept goal for FK Leotar FK Iskra in his native Yugoslavia.

Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph, who's career has seen him keep goal for Charlton Athletic, Motherwell and Birmingham City amongst others, is the the son of Ed Randolph, one of the first American imports into the Irish Basketball League.

Standard Liege keeper Yohann Thuram-Ulien, who spent the 2013/14 season on loan at Charlton Athletic, is the cousin of former France international defender Lilian Thuram.

Spurs, Wolves and Newport County goalkeeper Mark Kendall once played in goal against his son Lee. Kendall senior was between the sticks for Cwmbran while Kendall junior kept goal for Barry Town during a Welsh Premier League game in 2000.

United States international goalkeeper and double Olympic gold medalist Hope Solo is married to former NFL star Jerramy Stevens, who played for the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Goalkeeper Will Lilley played alongside his brother Harry for Sheffield United from1890-1894.

Former Darlington, Millwall and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Pat Cuff's son Phil played rugby for West Hartlepool.

Bert Crossthwaite, who kept goal for Fulham, Birmingham City and Blackpool before the First World War, had a cousin called Harry who played for Stockport County and Stoke City.

When Wimbledon's FA Cup winning goalkeeper Dave Beasant joined Stevenage Borough as a their specialist goalkeeping coach in the summer of 2014, one of the keepers in his charge was his son, Sam.

Former Birmingham City goalkeeper Dan Tremelling, who was also capped by England, had a younger brother, Billy, who also played professionally with Blackpool and Preston North End.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane's four sons are all members of Real Madrid's youth team academy and currently playing for various different clubs in Spain. However, while Enzo, Theo and Elyaz all followed in their father's footsteps and play in midfield, Luca proved to be the real genius of the family and opted to go between the sticks and carve a career out as a goalkeeper.

The Millington brothers, Grenville and Tony both carved out careers as the last man of defence, although Tony was the marginally more successful of the two. While Grenville chalked up around 300 appearances for Chester, Tony enjoyed spells with West Brom, Peterborough United and Swansea City and was capped 21 times by Wales. The two faced each other in January 1971 when Swansea beat Rhyl in the third round of the FA Cup, 6-1.

PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands goalkeeper Jan van Beveren was part of a very sporting family. His father Wil van Beveren represented the Netherlands at 1936 Olympic Games, competing against Jesse Owens in the 200 metres, while his mother was also a regional athlete. His brother, also called Wil, was one of the few bespectacled footballers to play professionally.

Jan Jongbloed, who kept goal for Holland in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup Finals, was still playing professionally for Go Ahead Eagles at the age of 44 when his son, Erik, was playing in the fourth tier of Dutch football with Amsterdamsche Football Club Door Wilskracht Sterk (DWS). Sadly Erik was killed when he was struck by lightning during a game against VV Rood-Wit (See Quirky Injuries).

The Mandanda family can boast of four goalkeepers in their ranks with brothers Steve, Parfait, Riffi and Ever all making the grade as professionals. Steve, the eldest of the four, is first choice at Marseille and a French international. Parfair keeps goal for Belgian side Charleroi and is also an international but with the Democratic Republic of Congo while Riffi has been capped at Under-16 level and is in Caen's squad. Ever, the youngest of the brood, is the first-choice keeper for Lusitanos Saint-Mau.

The sons of former Partick Thistle goalkeeper Brian Osborne both followed in their father's footsteps and into the professional game north of the border. David Osborne enjoyed a spell with Fort William late his career while his brother Mark played for Albion Rovers.

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois' sister is Valérie, is a Belgian international volleyball player. Courtois' parents were both volleyball players too.

American international Hope Solo is married to former American football player Jerramy Stevens, former receiver with Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Blackburn Rovers and Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes is the son of former Oldham Athletic and St. Johnstone goalkeeper Andy Rhodes.

Goalkeeper John Gardiner and his son Ross, a defender, both played for Dundee United and Montrose during their respective careers.

Former Brentford keeper Gordon Phillips' sons Kelly and Trent both became footballers, albeit at non-league level for Staines Town, although only Trent was a goalie.

Queen of the South stalwart Alan Davidson was the son of former FIFA referee Bob Davidson, who officiated in three World Cup finals.

East Germany's Horst Weigang, who enjoyed a career with Lokomotive Leipzig and Rot-Weiß Erfurt, is the father of swimmer Birte Weigang, who won three medals at Seoul in the 1988 Olympic Games.

Gary Plumley, who played for Newport County and Cardiff City, married Olympic showjumper Debbie Johnsey. Their daughter Gemma is also an established rider and competes professionally.

Accrington Stanley and Berwick Rangers goalkeeper Tom McQueen was the father of Manchester United and Scotland centre half Gordon and assistant secretary and treasurer of the Scottish Junior Football Association, Iain McQueen.

Former Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City winger Mark Kennedy's brother Brendan enjoyed as successful career as a goalkeeper in the Republic of Ireland with Kildare County, Dublin City and Monaghan United among others.

Another pair of Irish brothers that enjoyed careers in football were Mick and Ollie Kearns. Mick kept goal for Oxford United and Walsall, winning 19 caps for Eire in the process, while Ollie was a striker with Reading, Walsall, Hereford United and Wrexham.

San Jose Earthquakes and Team USA keeper David Bingham followed in the footsteps of his sister, Kimberley, who represented the United States at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

Alf Jefferies, who made over 100 appearances between 1947-54 for Brentford, had strong family connections at Griffin Park. Both his brother and son were also contracted to the Bees, although neither made a first team appearance.

Former Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Gerry Neef's daughter Melanie was a successful 400-metre runner during the mid-1990s, winning the Scottish and British titles at the distance.

Lionel Messi's grandfather, Julio Musimessi, won 14 caps in goal for Argentina and played over 100 times for both Newell's Old Boys and Boca Juniors.

Juan Valdivieso, who kept goal for Peru in the 1930 World Cup finals and in the Summer Olympics of 1936, had the pleasure of seeing his grandson, Juan Pablo Valdivieso, also become an Olympian, albeit as a swimmer, representing Peru in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Czech Republic international Petr Kouba, who kept goal in the 1996 European Championships, followed in his father Pavel's footsteps, keeping goal for both Sparta Prague and the Czechoslovakian national team.

Cardiff City, Scunthorpe United and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Ken Jones came from a rather large footballing family. His father Emlyn enjoyed a career with Southend United while uncles Shoni, Ivor, Bryn and Bert plus cousins Bryn and Cliff also played while Ivor's great grandson, Scott Neilson, later became a professional footballer. Must be something in the genes...

Father and son James and Jim Barron both enjoyed professional careers between the sticks. James' career with Blackburn Rovers was brought to a premature end by the Second World War but Jim had slightly more success with Oxford United, Nottingham Forest, Swindon Town and Connecticut Bicentennials among others.

Two of Bermudian defender Derek Bell's children followed him into the game. His daughter, Cheyra, won three international caps as a striker while his son, Tahj-Michael, won two caps for the mens' national team as a goalkeeper and enjoyed brief spells with Hitchin Town and Aylesbury United in England.

Moldova international goalkeeper Nicolae Calancea's elder brother, Valeriu, has won World and European weightlifting titles for Romania.

United States international Joe Cannon's twin brother John was a minor league baseball pitcher with the Shreveport Swamp Dragons, who were affiliated to the San Fancisco Giants. Their brother Cody played water polo with the junior national team while the youngest brother, Colt, was an amateur world champion skateboarder!

Sporting Gijón goalkeeper Jesús Castro González's brother, Enrique (who was also known as Quini), was a striker who also played for Sporting as well as Barcelona.

The Chileshe family produced three goalkeepers, all of whom carved out careers in their native Zambia. The most successful of the three was Vincent, who was named Zambian Footballer of the Year in 1977 and represented his country thirty times, while younger brother was Vincent's back-up when the pair were at Nchanga Rangers in the 1980s. The eldest brother, Richard, played for Konkola Blades in the late Sixties.

AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma older brother Antonia was also on Milan's books but failed to start a game for the Rossoneri but went on to enjoy a successful loan spell with Bari.

Former PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord goalkeeper Ton van Engelen's son Yvo was on NAC Breda's books before joining TOP Oss.

Victorian goalkeeper and England international John Maynard's son, Alfred, was also capped by his country albeit as a Rugby Union player.

Lincoln City keeper Bill Sissons' cousin, Albert, was a centre forward for Leeds United. Albert's son Graham was a defender with Birmingham City and Peterborough United among others.

Former Catania, Cagliari and Bologna goalkeeper Roberto Sorrentino's son, Stefano, followed in his father's footsteps and kept goal for Torino, AEK Athens, Chievo and Palermo.

Allan van Rankin, a Mexican goalkeeper of Dutch descent, has a twin brother, Elliot, who is a racing driver in the NASCAR Corona Series plus another brother, Josecarlos, who plays for Pumas UNAM in the Mexico league.

Former Sheffield United and Hartlepool United goalkeeper John Hope's two sons, Chris and Richard, both joined the professional ranks as defenders. Chris racked up over 500 league appearances during a career that included spells with Scunthorpe United and Gillingham while Richard made more than 350 appearances for a variety of clubs including Northampton Town and Shrewsbury Town.

Arsenal Ladies and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Emma Byrne is married to former Queens Park Rangers and Crewe Alexandra defender Marcus Bignot.

Southampton goalkeeper Harry Lewis is the grandson of former Manchester City and Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Ken Mulhearn.

The Roffey family have a strong relationship with Sutton United with both Dave Roffery and his son Trevor turning out for the club in goal. Dad Dave was part of the Sutton team that lost 6-0 to Don Revie's all-conquering Leeds United side in the FA Cup back in 1970 while Trevor was between the sticks when the club famously beat Coventry City in the same competition in 1989.

In a similar vein, Kevin and Kyle both played for Tampa Bay Rowdies but while Kevin was a goalkeeper, his son Kyle preferred a career in midfield.

Football and cricket played a big part in the lives of the Storer family. Woolwich Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Harry Storer and his brother, William, who played for Derby County, also played cricket for Derbyshire. Harry's son, Harry junior, followed in his father's footsteps, turning out for Grimsby Town and Derby and playing cricket for the same county.

Tino Lettieri, who kept goal for Canada in the 1986 World Cup as well as enjoying a career with Minnesota Kicks and Vancouver Whitecaps, married the daughter of Minnesota North Stars hockey player and general manager, Lou Nanne. Lettieri's son, Vinni, decided to follow in his grandfather's footstep and took up ice hockey, joining the New York Rangers in 2017.

Slovenia international Jan Oblak's sister, Teja, is also an international, representing Slovenia at Basketball.

Southampton and Clapton Orient goalkeeper Arthur Wood was the son of former England international striker Harry Wood.

Jimmy Maidment had the unique distinction of not only playing alongside his brother at Lincoln City but also his uncle, inside left Billy Charlton, during a spell with Newport County.

Lincoln City goalkeeper William Gresham played in the Imps first-ever league game alongside his brother James way back in 1892. The brothers were ever-present in Lincoln's debut season.

Football talent certainly ran in the Furr family, with brothers Harry, George, Vic and Willie all playing professional football during the early part of the 20th century. However only Harry was a goalkeeper, turning out for Brentford and Leicester Fosse among others. As an aside, their sisters Amelia and Miriam both married footballers too - William Grimes and George Payne respectively.

Croatian goalkeeper Miro Varvodić followed in his father Zoran's footsteps when he made his debut for Hajduk Split in 2006.

Olympic figure skating gold medalist Robin Cousins came from a sporting family. His father, Fred, had ambitions to be a professional goalkeeper and was once on the books of Millwall Football Club.

Archie Boyd played alongside his brother James for Heart of Midlothian before the start of World War One.

Roy Ironside, who kept goal for Rotherham United in the 1961 League Cup Final team, started something of a football dynasty in Yorkshire, with not only his son but also his grandson following in his footsteps and carving out a career in professional football. Son Ian was also a goalkeeper, spending the majority of his career with Scarborough but grandson Joe turned his back on the family trade and became a striker, turning out for Sheffield United.

Albania international goalkeeper Foto Strakosha, who won 73 caps for his country, was followed onto the international stage by his son, Thomas, who currently plays for Inter Milan. His eldest son, Dhimitri, was a striker who played for Albanian club KF Himara.

Tom Baddeley, who played over 300 times for Wolverhampton Wanderers before the First World War, had three brothers - Amos, George and Sam - who also played professional football, albeit as outfield players.

Former Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Finland goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen's son William is currently on the books of Crewe Alexandra, having come up through the youth ranks of his father's former club, Bolton.

Baltika Kaliningrad, Torpedo Moscow and Ukraine goalkeeper Aleksandr Pomazun watched his son, Ilya, follow in his footsteps when he made his debut for CSKA Moscow.

Oscar Wirth, who won 12 caps for Chile and was part of their 1982 World Cup squad, had the privilege of seeing his son turn out for not one but two of his former clubs - Colo-Colo and Universidad Católica.

Ex-Botafogo goalkeeper Helton Leite is the son of Brazilian international João Leite.

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Ruud Hesp played alongside his brother, defender Danny, during his three-year spell with Roda.

Father and son Agustín and Ignacio Eizaguirre enjoyed similar careers, turning out for both Real Sociedad and Spain. Agustín won a Silver Medal at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp with while Ignacio kept goal during the 1950 World Cup Finals in Brazil.

The Scottish League Cup tie between Stranraer and Clyde in July, 2018 saw Blues goalkeeper Max Currie come up against his older brother Blair, who was between the sticks at the other end of the pitch. Blair won bragging rights around the family dinner table with Clyde enjoying a 3-1 victory.

Norwegian Arild Andresen kept goal for Vålerenga alongside his brothers Thorbjørn and Ivar in the 1950s.

The Foster family of Barbados dominated the island's international football team during the 1930s. For one match, against Trinidad in November 1933, goalkeeper Collin Foster lined up alongside his Dad, Kelly, his brother, Reyn, and two cousins Seymour and Leon. His brothers, Mike and John, and a third cousin, Lisle, also later played for Barbados.

Former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Stan Hanson, who kept goal for the losing side against Blackpool in the Matthews Cup Final of 1953, came from a footballing family. His brother Alf was an Outside Left for Liverpool and Chelsea and won a cap for England.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker followed in his brother Muriel's footsteps when he graduated from Internacional's youth team to keep goal for the Colorados.

Brothers Jim and Alex Ferguson both carved out professional careers between the wars. Jim played for Brentfor and Notts County while Alex kept goal with Gillingham, Bury and Swansea Town among others.

Livingston goalkeeper Liam Kelly is the brother of St. Mirren, AFC Wimbledon and Ross County defender Sean Kelly

France's World Cup winning captain Hugo Lloris also has a brother who is a defender. Gautier, who is the younger sibling of the Tottenham goalkeeper, currently plays for Nice.

England cricketer and one-time Southampton goalkeeper Phil Mead's brother-in-law Frank Englefield was a teammate during his time at The Dell.

Old Malvernians goalkeeper Joe Mears was the son and nephew of Joseph and Gus Mears and eventually joined the board at Stamford Bridge, where he was chairman when they won their first League title in 1955.

Jürgen Klinsmann's son Jonathan decided not to follow in his father's footsteps and play upfront. Instead he saw sense and decided to go in goal instead, turning out for Hertha Berlin and FC St. Gallen as well as United States youth sides.

Peter McCloyFrench goalkeeper Jérémy Deichelbohrer, who enjoyed spells with Sochaux, Tours and Dijon, followed his father, Gilles, into the world of professional football, albeit as a goalkeeper rather than a midfielder like his dad.

Another goalkeeper to follow in his father's footsteps was Rangers legend Peter McCloy. Jimmy McCloy had enjoyed a career with St. Mirren and Bradford City before the start of World War Two.

Germany goalkeeper Frank Rost, who enjoyed spells with Werder Bremen and Schalke 04, came from a very sporting family. His father Peter won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in handball while his mother Christina, won handball silver at the 1976 Summer Olympics and bronze at the 1980 Games.

It may come as no surprise to learn that TOP Oss goalkeeper Ronald Koeman Jr is the son of former Netherlands captain Ronald Koeman. His uncle Erwin and grandfather Martin also played for the national team.

French goalkeeper Alban Lafont is another keeper to come from a sporting family. The Fiorentina keeper, who made his debut with Toulouse in 2015, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather who played for ten years in Burkina Faso while his mother was a member of the national handball team.

The Coddingtons were something of a footballing dynasty, albeit with various levels of success. Having started out at Middlesbrough, Luke Coddington enjoyed spells with Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town while his Dad Matthew was also a goalkeeper at Middlesbrough, although he never made an appearance. Luke's grandfather John was also a professional footballer who played as a defender, who captained Huddersfield Town in the 1960s.

Newcastle United's 1951 FA Cup winning goalkeeper Jack Fairbrother was the nephew of former Everton and England outside left George Harrison.

Guinea-Bissau international keeper Papa Fell's brother, Ousmane, is a FIFA referee.

Odds BK goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach is the son of former Norway international Einar Rossbach, who played for Pors Grenland, Lyn and Odd Grenland among others.

Chester City's Grenville Millington, who once snapped a goalpost during a game, was the younger brother of Peterborough and Swansea City keeper Tony Millington.

He may have lived in the shadow of his brother Johnny, who enjoyed a successful career with AZ67 Alkmaar, Real Madrid and Nottingham Forest, but goalkeeper Edward carved out a pretty decent career of his own with Haarlem and Sparta Rotterdam, winning one cap with for the Netherlands.

Argentine goalkeeper Rubén Cousillas, who enjoyed a ten-year spell with San Lorenzo and is probably best known being the assistant manager to Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City and West Ham United, has a son Agustín who is also a professional goalkeeper and on the books of Uruguayan club Rentistas.

GIF Sundsvall and AGF goalkeeper William Eskelinen decided not to become a striker like his father Kaj, who ended the 1990 Allsvenskan season in Sweden as top scorer.

Striker Roy Massey, who carved out a career with Orient, Colchester United and Rotherham United, was the grandson of former Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper James Massey.

Paraguay goalkeeper Ricardo Tavarelli sister Giselle married his international teammate Roque Santa Cruz.

Dijon and Olympiacos goalkeeper Bobby Allain's uncle Xavier Perez kept goal for French club Red Star in the 1980s.

Scottish goalkeeper Ray Allan, who enjoyed spells with Cowdenbeath and Brechin City, was the grandson of former East Stirlingshire goalkeeper George Kyle.

When Dino Ballarin was signed by Torino in 1947 he joined his brother Aldo, who was an established defender in the great Grande Torino team. The brothers both perished in the Superga air disaster after Aldo convinced the club to take Dino as reserve goalkeeper for the ill-fated friendly against Benfica.

Spanish goalkeeper Armando Ribeiro, who spent the majority of his career at Cadiz, had the pleasure of watching his son Alain play in midfield for CD Vitoria while on the coaching staff of the opposition, Athletic Bilbao's farm team CD Basconia. His youngest son Iban, is also a professional footballer.

Former Exeter City goalkeeper Ross Bellotti is the son of Derek Bellotti, who played for Charlton Athletic, Southend United and Swansea City among others during his career.

Goalkeeper Chris Weale, who played for Yeovil Town, Leicester City and Shrewsbury Town during his career, has a twin brother, Sam, a modern pentathlete who competed for Great Britain at both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.

Brothers Len and Jack Weare both carved out careers as goalkeepers. Jack played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham and Bristol Rovers while Len played over 600 times for Newport Count and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2012.

Former Twente goalkeeper Joël Drommel's father Piet-Jan was also a professional footballer and played for AZ and SC Telstar.

Wales Ladies goalkeeper Jo Price comes for a very sporting family. Her father and uncle both played rugby for St. Davids RFC while two of her brothers played for St. Davids' football team. Her elder sister Katie also played hockey.

American goalkeeper Caroline Stanley, who represented the United States at under-20, under-18, under-17, and under-15 level, is married to Baltimore Orioles pitcher John Means.

Standard Liège's Arnaud Bodart is the nephew of former Belgian international goalkeeper Gilbert Bodart.

Frank Boulton, who kept goal for Arsenal, Derby County and Swindon Town either side of the Second World War, was the cousin of rugby player Arthur H Jones, who was part of the first Welsh Rugby Union side to win at Twickenham in 1933.

Goalkeeper Willy Meisl was selected by his brother Hugo for the Austrian national team in 1920.

Hull City goalkeeper Billy Mercer's brother Peter was National Bowls champion in 1947.

Former Liverpool and Netherlands goalkeeper Sander Westerveld's son Sem also became a professional footballer, making his debut for Jong AZ in January 2021. Sem's grandfather and Sander's father-in-law Hennie Ardesch was also a keeper, carving out a career with Twente and Go Ahead Eagles among others.

Eduard and Karl Kanhäuser were both capped by Austria in the 1920s. While Eduard was keeping goal, Karl was at the opposite end of the pitch knocking them in.

Former Admira Wacker and Austria goalkeeper Wolfgang Knaller followed his brother Walter into the Wacker side. His son Marco is also a goalkeeper and kept up the family tradition by making the Admira Wacker first team.

Leeds United goalkeeper John Potts was brother-in-law of the Milburn brothers Jack, George and Jimmy, who played alongside the goalkeeper at Elland Road.

George Heppell, who made nearly 200 league appearances for Port Vale, has a strong family connection with the club. His father-in-law was Albert Pearson, who played for Port Vale and Liverpool from 1914 to 1922 and in 2018 his great-grandson, Tom Conlon, joined the Staffordshire team.

Czechoslovakian keeper Stanko Puskas, who enjoyed a minor league career in North America, was the nephew of Hungarian midfielder Ferenc Puskas.

Former Liverpool Ladies, Everton Ladies and England international Rachel Brown is married to golfer Ian Finnis.

Raith Rovers goalkeeper Robbie Thomson, who also played for Falkirk, Queen of the South and Cowdenbeath, is the son of former Forfar Athletic keeper Scott, who also enjoyed a spell with Raith during his career.

Crusaders centre half Josh Robsinson is the nephew of former Northern Ireland international goalkeeper George Dunlop.

Danish goalkeeper Bent Martin, who enjoyed a career with AGF Aarhus and Rapid Vienna, is the father of the former All England champion in badminton Camilla Martin and the former Danish footballer Ken Martin.

Twins Henrik and Niklas Moisander both enjoyed successful careers in professional football and capped by Finland's national side but only Henrik had the sense to go in goal while his brother preferred an easy life in defence!

Brothers Bob and James Crumley both enjoyed careers between the sticks. Older sibling Bob played for Dundee and Newcastle United while James turned out for city rivals Dundee Hibernian, Darlington and Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic.

Former Sweden international goalkeeper Robert Zander, who kept goal at the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics, is the great grandfather of Hammarby striker Gustav Ludwigson.

Argentina international and ex-Independiente goalkeeper Oscar Ustari is the son-in-law of former Newell's and Argentina midfielder Ricardo Giusti.

Ex-Newcastle United and Kalmar goalkeeper Ole Söderberg's brother Tom also enjoyed a professional career, albeit as a defender, turining out for BK Häcken and Elfsborg and winning one cap for Sweden.

Brothers Kenny and Emanuel Mwape both represented Zambia in goal during the 1970s and were part of the squad that played Bradford City in a friendly back in 1978.

In a similar vein, Finland fielded brothers Lukas and Matej Hradecký, although only Lukas played in goal. The Hradecky family also included a third brother, Tomas, who played professionally with IFK Mariehamn and PIF among others, and their dad, who carved out a career as a volleyball player.

Former Watford goalkeeper Reg "Skilly" Williams was the first of a long line of professional footballers within his family tree. His son, Reg jr, played as a wing-half with Watford and Chelsea, while three of his great grandsons - Danny Grieves, Darren Grieves and Grant Cornock - were all on Watford's book at youth level. Darren's son, Jack, has also carved out a career in the game and is currently a striker with - you guessed it! - Watford.

Welsh goalkeeper Bob Roberts played alongside his brother Bill for Wrexham. Both were also capped by Wales.

PAOK goalkeeper Ahmed Nader is the son of Nader El-Sayed, who won over 100 caps for Egypt in a thirteen year career between 1992-2005.

Millwall's Matija Sarkic played alongside his twin brother for Montenegro's Under-21 side.

Real Madrid B and Spain Under-17 goalkeeper Lucas Cañizares is the son of former Valencia and Spain international Santiago Cañizares.

One-time Scottish international and St. Mirren goalkeeper Campbell Forsyth's grandson followed him into the professional game. Cameron Burgess currently plays in defence with Ipswich Town and Australia.

Former Udinese, Messina and Reggiana goalkeepr Beniamino Abate is the father of AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate.

Finish brothers Pertti and Erkki Alaja both played football and handball professionally, with Pertii representing Finland at international level as a goalkeeper.

John and Henry Bonello both kept goal for Malta during their careers, albeit with different outcomes. While son Henry made a winning start with a 2¨C1 win over Liechtenstein in 2012, his dad was in goal during his side's infamous 12-1 defeat against Spain in a European Championship qualification match in December 1983.

Puerto Rico international Terry Boss's brother Kevin won a Super Bowl championship as a tight end with the New York Giants.

Scottish goalkeeper Denis Connaghan, who enjoyed two spells with Celtic and a stint with St. Mirren, saw his son Denis follow in his footsteps, albeit as a defender with Queen's Park and Partick Thistle.