Cláudio Taffarel was Brazil’s goalkeeper across three World Cups and the last line of a triumphant campaign, saving decisively in the shoot-out that carried his country to the 1994 title. Agile and calm under pressure, he brought a settled reliability to a position where Brazil had long sought security.
In Europe he served Parma and, most memorably, Galatasaray, where he was a key figure in the club’s UEFA Cup success. He remains among the most respected goalkeepers his country has produced.