In a recent interview with FIFA, Italian goalkeeper Zenga congratulated Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón, who broke his 36-year record of consecutive clean sheets in World Cups.
"Talent can always recognize talent, just as people often say, records are meant to be broken."
Walter Zenga's record of 517 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal in the World Cup stood for 36 years without anyone being able to surpass it, until the emergence of Unai Simon.
This Spanish goalkeeper's outstanding performance helped his team win the 2026 World Cup. Throughout the tournament, only Belgium's Charles de Catherine scored against him. Simeone also set a new World Cup record for consecutive clean sheets, extending that number to 650 minutes.
In response to this achievement, Italian goalkeeper Zenga posted a message on his personal social media, offering his sincere congratulations to Simon.
“Records will not last forever, but memories will,” Zenga wrote.
“For many years, I have been honored to hold the record for the longest consecutive clean sheet in World Cup history. Now, that record belongs to Unai Simón. I congratulate him and the Spanish team on this extraordinary achievement.”
"Being surpassed by someone who is writing football history is by no means a failure. It's just part of the natural progression of the story. Congratulations, Unai. As a goalkeeper and as a football player, I salute you."
Zenga set this legendary record at the 1990 World Cup.
From Italy's first match to the semi-final against Argentina, he went 517 minutes without conceding a goal. His clean sheet streak was finally broken in the second half of the semi-final when Claudio Caniggia equalized with a header.
That match ultimately became a regretful memory for the Italians, as Argentina eliminated the host nation Italy in a penalty shootout to advance to the final.
In contrast, Simon's record spans two World Cups.
His consecutive clean sheet streak began in the 2022 Qatar World Cup match against Japan and continued until the quarter-final match of the 2026 World Cup when he was headed in by De Cefalare, finally ending at 650 minutes.
After conceding a goal, Simon quickly adjusted his form and kept another clean sheet in the semi-final against France. Then, in the final, the Spanish defense displayed remarkable stability, preventing Argentina from even registering a single shot in regulation time.
This performance not only reflects the success of Spain's overall defensive system, but also perfectly demonstrates the team's defensive philosophy centered on ball possession.
In this North American World Cup, Simon kept 7 clean sheets in 8 games. With his historic performance, he was ultimately named the tournament's best goalkeeper and won the Golden Glove award.
To receive this individual honor while helping his team win the World Cup is undoubtedly a perfect achievement for Simon. The high praise from legendary goalkeeper Zenga makes this honor even more special.
Unai Simon's consecutive World Cup clean sheet record
2022 World Cup
Spain 2-1 Japan: A clean sheet was kept in the final 39 minutes of the match.
Morocco 0-0 Spain (3-0 in extra time and penalty shootout): Morocco kept a clean sheet for 120 minutes
2026 World Cup
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: 90 minutes
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: 90 minutes
Uruguay 0-1 Spain: 90 minutes
Spain 3-0 Austria: 90 minutes
Spain 1-0 Portugal: 90 minutes
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Spain kept a clean sheet for the first 41 minutes before their record was ended by a goal from De Ceftrare.
Simon ultimately extended the World Cup record for consecutive clean sheets to 650 minutes, surpassing Zenga's 517-minute record held for 36 years, becoming the new "guardian" of World Cup history.
