Legendary Arsenal and England goalkeeper nicknamed 'Safe Hands', renowned for his bravery, positioning and shot-stopping over a remarkable 23-year career.
David Andrew Seaman was born in Rotherham on 19 September 1963 and began his professional career at Leeds United before joining Peterborough United in 1982. After spells at Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers, he signed for Arsenal in 1990 for a then-British record fee of £1.3 million for a goalkeeper. Over 13 years at Highbury he made 564 appearances and won three league championships (1991, 1998, 2002), four FA Cups (1993, 1998, 2002, 2003), the League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1994. Internationally, Seaman earned 75 caps for England over 14 years, featuring at Euro 96, Euro 2000, and the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. His penalty saves against Scotland and Spain at Euro 96 made him a national hero. In his 1,000th career game, his miraculous save from Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final was described by Peter Schmeichel as the best save he had ever seen. After a brief spell at Manchester City, Seaman retired in January 2004 at the age of 40. He was awarded the MBE in 1997 for services to football.
Arsenal's legendary goalkeeper during their most successful era
He holds the Guinness World Record for a ball caught from the highest drop, and his iconic save against Sheffield United in his 1,000th career game was called 'the best save I've ever seen' by Peter Schmeichel.
Did You Know?How They Played
Commanding presence, excellent shot-stopper with distinctive ponytail
Lasting Impact
One of England's greatest goalkeepers who defined Arsenal's golden era
Career Honours
- Premier League 3x
- FA Cup 4x
- League Cup 1993
- European Cup Winners' Cup 1994
- Premier League 1998
- Premier League 2002
- FA Cup 1993
- FA Cup 1998
- FA Cup 2002
- FA Cup 2003
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds United | 1981–1982 | 0 | 0 | #1 |
| Peterborough United | 1982–1984 | 91 | 0 | #1 |
| Birmingham City | 1984–1986 | 75 | 0 | #1 |
| QPR | 1986–1990 | 141 | 0 | #1 |
| Arsenal | 1990–2003 | 564 | 0 | — |
| Manchester City | 2003–2004 | 24 | 0 | — |
 England | — | 75 | — | — |