Ubaldo Fillol
Awards & Honours
8
Awards Won
8
Honours
6
Rankings
7
Covers
4
Records
Fillol's career is defined by his historic achievement at the 1978 World Cup, where he became the first goalkeeper ever to win the Lev Yashin Award. He is one of only a handful of Argentine goalkeepers to have won a World Cup, and his five consecutive league titles with River Plate from 1975 to 1979 place him among the most decorated players in the club's history. His longevity, playing until age 45, is remarkable for any footballer. He was ranked 2nd in South America's Goalkeeper of the 20th Century by IFFHS, behind only José Luis Chilavert, and 8th worldwide. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires, recognizing his contributions to Argentine sports.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Inducted into the Argentine Football Hall of Fame
Honored as one of Argentina's football greats.
Inducted into the River Plate Hall of Fame
Recognized as a club legend.
Honorary Citizen of San Miguel del Monte
Awarded after the World Cup victory.
Key to the City of Buenos Aires
Awarded for World Cup triumph.
Lifetime Achievement Award
For contributions to Argentine football.
Conmebol Lifetime Achievement Award
Honored for career in South American football.
Honorary Doctorate in Sports Sciences
Recognized for his impact on Argentine sports.
Star on the Paseo de la Gloria
Honored as a distinguished Argentine sportsman.
Rankings & Lists
The 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time
Best Goalkeepers of All Time
IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper of the 20th Century
Argentina's Greatest Goalkeepers
South America's Goalkeeper of the 20th Century
Top 10 Goalkeepers in World Cup History
Magazine Covers
El Gráfico
July 1978
¡Campeones!
El Gráfico
June 1978
El Pato Fillol: El Mejor Arquero del Mundo
Sports Illustrated (Latin America)
July 1978
Argentina's World Cup Victory
France Football
August 1978
World Cup Stars
World Soccer
September 1978
Argentina's Golden Goalkeeper
Gente
July 1978
Fillol with the World Cup
El Gráfico
November 1977
Fillol: El Arquero del Año
Records & Feats
First recipient of the Lev Yashin Award
Fillol was the first goalkeeper to win the Lev Yashin Award as the best goalkeeper of a FIFA World Cup, awarded at the 1978 tournament.
Only Argentine goalkeeper to win the Lev Yashin Award
As of 2026, Fillol remains the only Argentine goalkeeper to have won the Lev Yashin Award at a World Cup.
Saved three penalties in a single match
Fillol saved three penalties in a match against Boca Juniors in 1976, a legendary feat in Argentine football.
Played professional football until age 45
Fillol retired in 1995 at age 45, an exceptionally long career for a goalkeeper, spanning 25 years.