In the red-and-white fortress of the Wanda Metropolitano — and long before that, the Vicente Calderón — Atlético Madrid has boasted some of Spanish and European football’s most formidable shot-stoppers. But who truly deserves the mantle of best Atletico Madrid goalkeepers of all time? In this article, StefaKick will take you through a journey across decades of grit, record-breaking runs, and club legends between the posts. From iron-walled modern giants to nostalgic icons of yesteryear, we rank the keepers who defined Atlético’s legacy.
The Criteria Behind the Ranking
Before unveiling the names, let’s clarify how this list was built. To judge the best Atletico Madrid goalkeepers, we considered:
- Longevity and number of appearances for Atlético
- Statistical milestones: clean sheets, goals conceded, awards
- Historic records (e.g. unbeaten runs, trophies, club records)
- Influence on key matches and legacy in club lore
We focused specifically on players whose prime performances came while guarding Atlético’s goal, rather than those who merely passed through. Some names miss out due to shorter spells, but what remains are those who left indelible marks.
With that, here are our top picks —.
Jan Oblak: The Modern Colossus
No discussion of Atlético goalkeeping greatness is complete without Jan Oblak. Since arriving, he has become the backbone of Simeone’s resilient defenses.
- Oblak holds the record for most appearances by a goalkeeper in Atlético history; he surpassed Abel Resino in August 2021.
- He has won six Ricardo Zamora Trophies, more than any other kee. ético de Madrid])
- In May 2025, he clinched his sixth Zamora, conceding just 30 goals across 36 matches.
- He also overtook Abel Resino’s mark for most clean sheets for an Atlético kee.
- As of a recent match, Obrlak reached his 500th club appearance—a milestone unmatched by any kee.
Oblak combines consistency, shot-stopping, aerial command, and leadership. He is the definitive choice for #1 on this list.
Abel Resino: The King of Immaculate Runs
Abel Resino stands as perhaps the most mythic figure in Atlético goalkeeping lore. His claim to immortality came.
- Between 1990 and 1991, Resino went 1,275 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal — a La Liga record and once a European benchmark.
- Over his tenure, he notched 97 clean sheets in 264 appearances, conceding 278 goals.
- He also won the Zamora Trophy during his peak seasons, further cementing his status among Atlético’s elite keepers.
- Known by the nickname “El Gato” (The Cat) for his reflexes, Resino’s influence remains in club folklore.
His peak may have been narrower than Oblak’s, but his world-record unbeaten run gives him a permanent seat in Atlético’s pantheon.
Miguel Reina: Legacy and Class, Miguel Reina defended the Atlético goal with flair, class, and pivotal contributions.
- Reina made 155 league appearances for Atlético between 1973 and 1980.
- He played a starring role during Atlético’s 1977 La Liga win and also reached the 1974 European Cup final (a dramatic match that Atlético lost after a replay).
- Reina also won the Zamora Trophy in 1976–77 while at Atlético.
- Interestingly, his son is Pepe Reina — another renowned goalkeeper — forging a generational tie to the profession.
Miguel Reina may not boast the longevity of modern keepers, but his contributions in Atlético’s formative European era are unforgettable.
Honorable Mentions and Other Greats
While not making the top 3, several other Atlético custodians deserve mention.
- Thibaut Courtois: Before moving to Real Madrid, Courtois starred for Atlético, claiming Zamora trophies and clinching key matches for Diego Simeone’s side. dosporelfutbol.com])
- Jose Francisco Molina: Instrumental in Atlético’s successful 1995–96 season, Molina was among the keepers who helped lead the club to a domestic double. )
- Others like Marcel Domingo or older names: Occasionally cited in retrospectives, they shaped early club history but lack modern statistical backing.
These keepers enriched Atlético’s tapestry, even if they lacked the time or platform to sit among the absolute best.
Comparative Snapshot: At a Glance
|
Keeper |
Atlético Appearances / Period |
Key Records & Achievements |
Legacy Notes |
|
Jan Oblak |
300+ and counting |
6 Zamoras, most appearances, record clean sheets |
Modern fortress, near all-time |
|
Abel Resino |
264 matches |
1,275 min unbeaten run |
Mythic status, unmatched record |
|
Miguel Reina |
~155 league matches (1973–80) |
League title, Zamora with Atlético |
Pre-modern class, European era |
|
Thibaut Courtois |
Shorter spell on loan |
Zamoras, pivotal matches |
Bridge to modern era |
|
José Francisco Molina |
Moderate appearances |
Double-winning goalkeeper |
Key role in club success |
Why These Names Define the Best Atletico Madrid Goalkeepers Of All Time
Being Atlético’s goalkeeper requires more than reflexes; it demands resilience, leadership, and the ability to triumph under pressure. Atlético Madrid is a defensive-minded club, relying heavily on its last line of defense. The names selected here combine consistent excellence, match-winning performances, and iconic legacies.
- Oblak offers sustained dominance in the modern era, dictating games and collecting hardware.
- Resino gave Atlético a global record that resonated beyond Spain.
- Reina anchored a formative chapter, bridging Spanish tradition and European ambition.
Together, they map the evolution of goalkeeping at Atlético —.
Final Thoughts
Best Atlético Madrid goalkeepers of all time — that phrase reverberates with echoes of past glories and current brilliance. Jan Oblak holds the torch in the modern age, while Abel Resino’s feats remain etched in legend. Miguel Reina symbolizes the noble heritage that shaped the club’s identity.
StefaKick invites you to tell us your picks: Who would you include? Who do you feel got snubbed? Share your thoughts, and keep returning — we’ll keep bringing history, stats, and stories, and superhuman stretch at Atlético Madrid.
