Who won the first ‘Golden Glove’ award at FIFA World Cup?

First Golden Glove award in 1994

Since 1994, FIFA has given the Golden Glove award to the finest goalkeeper at each of the last seven FIFA World Cups. It was originally given the name in honor of the legendary Soviet goalie Lev Yashin, who is regarded as one of history’s greats for his fortitude and agility to save the goal.

For the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, FIFA modified the identity of the prize for the best goalkeeper to the Golden Glove. It honors the goalkeeper who made a significant contribution to his nation’s outcomes but does not preclude them from also earning the Golden Ball.

Also Read: Who won last edition’s ‘Golden Glove’ award at FIFA World Cup in 2018?

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Who won the first Golden Glove in 1994?

Michel Preud’homme in 1994 FIFA World Cup

Michel Preud’homme was among Belgium’s most prevalent goalkeepers. In addition, he was the first winner of the FIFA Golden Glove award, previously recognized as the Lev Yashin award. He clinched the Golden Glove award in the 1994 FIFA World Cup for his impressive efficiency of two clean sheets in four matches.

Michel Preud’homme possessed exceptional shot-stopping expertise, quick reflexes, flexibility, power, and fortitude. The Belgium goalkeeper was phenomenal in the goal post for the squad. In 1994, Michel Preud’homme became the 1st keeper to be acknowledged by FIFA for their endeavors at a FIFA World Cup. And although his country only finished in the last 16 in the United States before actually losing 3-2 to Germany, the Belgian garnered formerly the Lev Yashin Award.

? Michel Preud'homme was named the best goalkeeper at the 1994 #WorldCup ahead of the likes of Taffarel, Pagliuca, Illgner, Ravelli and Zubizarreta, and is a legend at Standard Liege, Mechelen and Benfica

? Sending some happy memories to the Belgium great on his birthday ? pic.twitter.com/B79l61RQqi
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) January 24, 2021

After making an appearance in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the 58-cap keeper served every minute of his 2nd World Cup. He furthermore kept clean sheets against Morocco and the Netherlands, but he couldn’t stop Saudi Arabia in a 1-0 group-stage loss before succumbing to Die Mannschaft.

Michel not only became the first recipient of this honor but also the only goalkeeper to do so up to this moment without having participated in the tournament’s semifinal round. Michel Preud’homme is regarded as one of the all-time greatest shot-stoppers thanks to his incredible timing, reflexes, and quickness. He featured for more than 50 caps for the Belgian national team.

Who was the first ever 1930 FIFA World Cup best goalkeeper?

Enrique Pedro Ballesteros in 1930 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers have been honored for their accomplishments since the 1930 World Cup, which was the first international sporting event. Before the 1994 introduction of the Golden Glove Award, there existed the All-Star Team, which of course featured a goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper Enrique Pedro Ballesteros represented Uruguay in soccer. He competed for Uruguay in the 1930 FIFA World Cup, which team they won. He participated in all four games, including the victory over Argentina in the championship match. When discussing football dynasties in international competition, little is said about Uruguay’s early footballing history.

The first two Olympic football competitions, which served as the sport’s recognized global championships, were won by them. They succeeded it by winning the first World Cup on home territory. Enrique Ballestero was the reason. In the group stage, he didn’t allow a single goal, and Uruguay ended up going on to thrash Yugoslavia in the semifinals before defeating rival Argentina in the championship game.

Ballesteros assisted Uruguay in winning the inaugural FIFA World Cup. He was included in the FIFA All-Stars squad, cementing his position as the FIFA World Cup’s top goalkeeper.