Are goalkeepers really crazy? The psychology behind the last line of defence
PRESSINPHOTO SPORTS AGENCY / Alamy Stock Photo. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker of Liverpool FC.
Goalkeepers have always had a reputation for being the “crazy” ones on the football pitch. They’re often isolated between the posts, throwing themselves at feet and footballs without hesitation – there’s definitely something different about those who choose this position.
But is this reputation for being eccentric based on real psychological traits, or is it just a bit of football myth?
In this piece, we dive into what makes goalkeepers psychologically unique, why they’ve earned the “crazy” label, and how modern keepers use mental training to stay sharp under pressure.
Origins of the “crazy” label
The idea of the quirky goalkeeper has been around for ages. Take legendary Soviet keeper Lev Yashin, known as “The Black Spider”. He made a name for himself with his all-black kit and dramatic playing style. Then there’s Liverpool’s Bruce Grobbelaar, who used to shake his legs during penalty shootouts to mess with the shooter’s focus. And let’s not forget Colombia’s René Higuita, who invented the “scorpion kick” clearance – a move that seemed to defy all logic.
But what might seem like eccentric behaviour often has a strategic reason behind it. Take Grobbelaar’s famous "spaghetti legs" – that wasn’t just for show. It was psychological warfare, a way to throw off the penalty taker’s concentration. A lot of these seemingly odd actions are actually clever tactical moves in disguise.
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has become known as a master of the goalkeeping “dark arts” – tactics like time-wasting or unsettling opponents. But for him, it’s not calculated; it’s instinctive, part of doing whatever it takes to get a result.
“I think it’s natural,” said Martínez. “I don’t think about it, I just do it. It’s in the moment. It’s something that can happen: the adrenaline kicks in and sometimes you just can’t control it. I don’t look for it, it just comes. Sometimes when you see me from the outside, you think: ‘He looks like a show-off.’ But no, I’m just a normal guy, a family man. But when it is about winning, I try everything I can to win the game.”
“Sometimes when you see me from the outside, you think: ‘He looks like a show-off.’ But no, I’m just a normal guy, a family man. But when it is about winning I try everything I can to win the game.”
Isolated guardian
Goalkeepers work in a completely different way to their teammates. While outfield players are always part of the attack and defence, goalkeepers often find themselves on their own. And when they make a mistake, it’s hard to forget. A striker might miss 10 chances but score the winning goal and be the hero; a goalkeeper could make 10 incredible saves before one mistake leads to their team losing.
“Being a goalkeeper gives you quite a unique perspective on things,” explained former USA number one Brad Friedel. “You are part of a team yet somehow separate. There are no grey areas, with success or failure being measured in real time. And you have a physical job which you can only do well by paying attention to your mental wellbeing.”
Paris Saint-Germain and England goalkeeper Mary Earps has also reflected on the emotional demands of the role, describing the patience it requires. “It can be quite lonely. The hardest part is being unable to have an influence on the game. You can’t go chasing or force yourself into the game – you have to wait for it to come to you. And that can be really difficult.”
But for Liverpool’s Alisson, that very isolation is a source of strength. “All aspects involved in being a goalkeeper: how focused you need to be, how disciplined you have to be. Even if you’re playing in a team, it looks like you are alone. You are the last man. I love everything about the position.”
“Being a goalkeeper gives you quite a unique perspective on things.”
Different psychological demands
Research suggests goalkeepers do indeed possess different psychological characteristics from outfield players, but “crazy” isn't quite the right word. Studies have found that top goalkeepers typically exhibit:
Higher stress tolerance: Goalkeepers need to stay focused and calm, even when they spend long stretches without touching the ball, only to face intense pressure in a split second.
Greater emotional control: If they concede a goal, they have to quickly shake it off and reset mentally, instead of getting stuck on the mistake.
Comfort with isolation: They work on their own within a team, often feeling isolated in the midst of a game, and have to accept that unique dynamic.
Risk assessment skills: Goalkeepers constantly make quick decisions about when to rush out of their goal, challenge for the ball, or hold their position – it’s all about weighing the risks in a flash.
Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel discussed the mental demands of the position: “Goalkeeping is so mental – you’ve got to be focused all the time. You come off the pitch drained in a different way to an outfield player.”
“Goalkeeping is so mental – you’ve got to be focused all the time. You come off the pitch drained in a different way to an outfield player.”
Handling pressure differently
Being a goalkeeper means learning how to bounce back quickly after making a mistake. While an outfield player might have a bad moment that doesn’t get too much attention, a goalkeeper’s mistake often leads directly to a goal.
To deal with those tough moments, goalkeepers sometimes turn to little rituals – things like banging the posts, arranging their water bottle in a certain way, or adjusting their gloves. These actions aren’t just habits; they’re ways of anchoring themselves, staying focused, and regaining control.
An article in The Wall Street Journal pointed out that these rituals aren’t just quirky habits. They actually help with anxiety and keeping focus under pressure. They’ve been shown to calm players and improve performance in high-stress situations.
So, even though it might look like superstition, these routines are a big part of goalkeepers’ mental game. They help them manage their emotions and stay sharp for the big moments.
“Even if you’re playing in a team, it looks like you are alone. You are the last man. I love everything about the position.”
Modern mindset
Nowadays, top goalkeepers put a lot of work into their mental training. They practice visualisation, pressure management, and techniques to stay focused, even when they’re not touching the ball for most of the game, but need to be ready for that one crucial moment.
Look at Ederson at Manchester City and Alisson at Liverpool: their mindset is a perfect example of how goalkeeping has evolved over the years. They’re calm under pressure, technically skilled with their feet, and always composed, even in the most intense situations.
Ex-England number one Joe Hart described Alisson as a “modern day idol”. Speaking directly to the Brazilian, he explained what impresses him most about his play. “When I watch you, I know that you’ve done the hard work. I know that when you come on to the pitch, you see every situation differently.
“What really strikes me, especially in the 1v1, is your timing. Everybody thinks that “Alisson timing” is when you’re right over the top of the ball, but you also have a plan if players shoot early. You’re set; you can make reactions.”
Reframing the narrative
Rather than being “crazy”, goalkeepers are experts who’ve adapted to unique psychological challenges – like dealing with isolation, making split-second decisions under pressure, and always knowing that one mistake can completely overshadow a game full of great saves.
England and Everton’s number one, Jordan Pickford, once said: “As a goalkeeper, you’ve got to have mental toughness, and that’s one thing I’m good at.”
Goalkeepers are mentally specialised. They’ve developed strategies that help them excel in a role that’s unlike any other on the field. So the next time you see a goalkeeper doing something unusual before a match or pulling off an impossible save, remember: what might seem like madness is actually a masterclass in mental strength.
