THE KEEPER'S JOURNAL
Goalkeeper history, glove technology, training, and the science of grip.
10 Famous Goalkeeper Superstitions and Pre-Match Rituals
A top 10 list of famous goalkeeper rituals, from Laurent Blanc kissing Fabien Barthez's head to Bruce Grobbelaar's spaghetti legs, and why an unwashed lucky pair leaves salt in the foam.
Adidas Predator Gloves
Predator started as a boot in 1994. Adidas later put that name on gloves. The palm is still open-pore latex. Moisture seals the pores so the foam sucks onto the ball. Wash, air-dry, and apply KEEPER BALM.
Alexander Domínguez — Ecuador's 2014 Starter Was Not in the 2026 Squad
Alexander Domínguez started Ecuador's 2014 World Cup. He was not in the 2026 squad. Hernán Galíndez started every match, including a 2–1 win over Germany that put La Tri into the knockout round.
Alisson Becker — Brazil's Golden Glove
Alisson Becker showed what the complete modern goalkeeper looks like: stop the shot, start the attack, and give the defence no reason to panic.
Alisson Becker — Brazil's Keeper Through Another Round of 16 Exit
Alisson started every match of Brazil's 2026 World Cup. The Seleção won their group, beat Japan, and still went out in the round of 16 — the same round as Qatar, this time to Erling Haaland. Redemption did not arrive. The constant in goal was never the problem.
Andoni Zubizarreta — Spain's Iron Curtain
Andoni Zubizarreta gave Spain a last line you could plan around — Athletic titles, Barcelona's first European Cup, and 126 caps across four World Cups.
André Blake — Jamaica's MLS Starter at a Home-Region World Cup
André Blake started for Jamaica at a World Cup in CONCACAF. Jamaica beat Ecuador 2–1, then lost 1–2 to the United States in the round of 16. A decade as Philadelphia Union's No. 1 was the preparation.
André Onana — Cameroon's Starter at the 2026 World Cup
André Onana started for Cameroon at the 2026 World Cup. Cameroon beat Serbia 2–1, then lost 1–2 to France in the round of 16. Club habits — claim, sweep, play out — had to hold up in a loud national shirt.
Andreas Köpke — Germany's Euro 96 Penalty Hero
Andreas Köpke made Germany's No.1 look calm when the night was loud — Zola in the group, Southgate at Wembley, and a Euro 96 win that sat between Illgner and Kahn.