Goalkeeper · 1990–2003 · verified
David Seaman
Safe hands and a famous ponytail. David Seaman gave Arsenal more than a decade of assurance between the posts, the last line of multiple title-winning sides and the author of one of the great FA Cup saves.
| Signed | 1990, from QPR |
|---|---|
| Fee | £1.3m |
| Honours | 3 League titles, FA Cups |
| Iconic moment | 2003 FA Cup semi save |
Before Arsenal
Seaman built his reputation at QPR after spells lower down the divisions, establishing himself as one of England's most reliable goalkeepers. In 1990 Arsenal paid £1.3m to make him their number one — then a British record fee for a goalkeeper. He went on to become a fixture for both club and country, winning a long line of England caps.
The Arsenal years
Seaman was the calm foundation behind George Graham's title side of 1990/91 and Arsène Wenger's Doubles of 1997/98 and 2001/02. His defining moment came late: an astonishing, twisting save in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United, clawing away a header that seemed certain to score, in what proved one of his final acts before leaving the club.
How he played
A goalkeeper of positional intelligence and unflappable temperament, rarely beaten by anything he could see. Commanding his area, strong on crosses and capable of the spectacular when it mattered most — the dependable presence every great defence is built upon.
Timeline
- 1990Signs from QPR for £1.3m
- 1991League champion under Graham
- 1998Wins the Double
- 2003The FA Cup semi save vs Sheffield United
Connected pages
Verification
Published as verified · checked 25 Jun 2026 · 2 retained source references.
Sources and evidence
- Arsenal.com (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)
- England Football (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)
Links and source labels are shown exactly as retained in the published record.