Peter Shilton

Legendary goalkeeper with over 1,000 league games and 125 England caps.

Peter Leslie Shilton (born 18 September 1949) is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Shilton's 31-year career included spells at 11 clubs and he has the unique distinction of playing over 1,000 English league games, including in excess of 100 for five clubs. During his time at Nottingham Forest, he won many honours, including two European Cups, a European Super Cup, the First Division championship, and the Football League Cup. Shilton represented England at the FIFA World Cup in 1982, 1986 and 1990, and the UEFA European Championship in 1980 and 1988.

Quick Facts

Full name: Peter Leslie Shilton
Born: 18 September 1949
Birthplace: Leicester, England
Height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 1,005

Lore & Background

Shilton was a 13-year-old pupil at King Richard III Boys School in Leicester when he started training at schoolboy level with Leicester City in 1963. He made his debut for Leicester against Everton in May 1966 at age 16. In October 1967, Shilton's long punt upfield was misjudged by Southampton goalkeeper Campbell Forsyth, who let the ball spin off the pitch and fly over his head into the goal; Leicester won 5–1. Shilton later played for Stoke City, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Derby County, Plymouth Argyle, Wimbledon, Bolton Wanderers, Coventry City, West Ham United, and Leyton Orient.

Reader's Guide

Shilton's career highlights include winning two European Cups with Nottingham Forest (1979 and 1980), a European Super Cup, the First Division title, and two Football League Cups. He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 1978. He played in 17 World Cup finals matches and shares the record of 10 clean sheets in World Cup finals with Fabien Barthez. He held the all-time record for most competitive appearances in world football (1,387) until 2025. The IFFHS ranked him among the top ten goalkeepers of the 20th century in 2000.

Did You Know?

In October 1967, a clearance from Shilton at The Dell resulted in a goal when Southampton goalkeeper Campbell Forsyth misjudged the ball.
Shilton was an ever-present for Stoke City in 1975–76, playing in all 48 fixtures.
Shilton's 1,000th English league game came on 22 December 1996 for Leyton Orient against Brighton & Hove Albion.