Between the posts at Roma, the margin for error is tiny—and the weight of expectation is massive. Over the decades, the Giallorossi have seen heroes and heartbreakers in goal., DuitKick will guide you through the best Roma goalkeepers of all time—a blend of legends, modern stars, and cult favorites.
What Makes a Roma Goalkeeper Great?
Before diving into the names, it’s worth defining what “greatness” means between the sticks at a club like Roma. Here are key criteria:
- Longevity and consistency — Being reliable over many seasons.
- Big-match performances — Derbies, finals, and European nights.
- Records and clean sheets — Who delivered the numbers.
- Connection with fans / legacy — Whether a keeper becomes part of the club’s identity.
With that in mind, here are six (plus an honorable mention) to know.
Franco Tancredi: The Iconic Roman
Arguably the first name that comes to mind. Franco Tancredi arrived at Roma in 1977 and stayed until 1990, racking up nearly 290 league appearances. He won the Serie A title (1982–83) and several Coppa Italia trophies with the club.
His consistent performances, reflexes, and reading of the game made him a fan favorite. He also had the endurance to be one of only two keepers in club history to log 50+ matches in a season—something he did during the 1983–84 campaign.
Even after retirement, Tancredi remains enshrined in Roma’s history: a natural pick for any list of best Roma goalkeepers of all time.
Alisson Becker: The Modern Superstar
Though his stint in Rome was brief, he made an outsized impact. In the 2015–16 season, Alisson delivered spectacular performances that helped Roma in domestic and European campaigns. Some analyses credit him with “saving Roma many points” that season.
His reputation has only grown since moving on, but Roma fans still remember him for bringing world-class standards to the club’s goalkeeping standards. His brief but luminous Roma chapter gives him a place among the elite.
Wojciech Szczesny: The Workhorse
Following Alisson’s departure, Roma turned to Wojciech Szczesny, then on loan, and he immediately provided stability. In his Roma tenure, he posted multiple seasons with clean sheets and solid showings in both Serie A and European competition.
He had to live under the weight of expectations, but he sustained a very high level. It’s a testament to both his ability and mental resilience. For many fans, he’s a modern-era pillar and deserves inclusion among the best Roma goalkeepers of all time.
Rui Patrício: Stability After Chaos
Roma’s recent years were marked by high turnover in goal—but Rui Patrício arrived from Wolves in 2021 and brought much-needed consistency. In his debut season alone, he matched the record for most clean sheets in a debut campaign for Roma goalkeepers.
He often features in narratives about “finally settling the keeper position” and is praised for his leadership, shot-stopping, and composure under pressure. When you think of Roma’s recent goalkeeping era, his name features prominently.
Júlio Sérgio: Cult Hero of the Derby
Though not as statistically dominant as some others, Júlio Sérgio holds a special place in Roma folklore. He famously saved a crucial penalty in the Derby della Capitale against Lazio, turning the tide of that encounter.
During his Roma years under Ranieri and beyond, he was known for his passion, connection with supporters, and clutch performances. He may not lead the all-time stat charts, but he’s beloved—and that emotional bond means something in a club as temperamentally charged as Roma.
Alberto Ginulfi: The Old Guard Legend
Rewinding further back, Alberto Ginulfi was Roma’s primary kee.
He’s also remembered for an anecdote that adds to his mythos: he saved a penalty from Pelé in a friendly match—an act that lives on in Roma folklore. For historical depth in this list, Ginulfi deserves respect and remembrance.
Honorable Mention: Giovanni Cervone
Cervone succeeded Tancredi and had a solid run, including a debut season with multiple clean sheets. He may not eclipse the legends above, but in transitional eras, he provided reliable hands and helped bridge generations. Many fans still respect him for carrying the mantle after Tancredi’s departure.
Ranking Summary
|
Rank |
Goalkeeper |
Era / Key Facts |
|
1 |
Franco Tancredi |
Longest-serving legend, silverware, club icon |
|
2 |
Alisson Becker |
World-class talent in a short but brilliant stint |
|
3 |
Wojciech Szczesny |
Modern consistency and clutch performances |
|
4 |
Rui Patrício |
Stability in recent years, matching clean sheet records |
|
5 |
Júlio Sérgio |
Cult status, derby hero, emotional connection |
|
6 |
Alberto Ginulfi |
Historical anchor, loyal servant of an older Roma |
|
HM |
Giovanni Cervone |
Solid transitional figure respected by many |
Of course, personal preference and era bias play a role. Some Roma fans might rate Tancredi higher or favor Rui’s leadership. But when you combine performance, legacy, and impact, this list holds strong.
Why This List Matters
By highlighting the best Roma goalkeepers of all time, we underline how crucial that position is in defining Roma’s identity during crucial campaigns. The goalkeepers above didn’t just stop shots—they lifted belief, captured the mood, and in some cases, literally saved seasons.
Thinking of the current era: Roma’s fans have often felt the vacuum left by constant changes in goal. Having a stable, trustworthy goalkeeper is more than a tactical necessity—it’s psychological. Rui Patrício’s tenure and the way fans respond to goalkeepers like Svilar show how deeply the role connects with supporters.
Conclusion
The best Roma goalkeepers of all time are those who merge performance with legacy—Tancredi, Alisson, Szczesny, Rui, Júlio Sérgio, and Ginulfi all meet that standard in different ways. Each brought their individual magic to Roma, whether for one season or over a decade.
Now it’s your turn: which of these keepers resonates most with you? Or is there a hidden gem I missed? Drop your pick, and stay tuned—DuitKick is always ready to dive deeper into Roma’s rich history and the players who define it.
