Goalkeeper explains Taffarel bond as duo chase Brazil history

Alisson Liverpool news has taken a sentimental twist as the goalkeeper explained his deep connection with Claudio Taffarel, the Brazil great who became both mentor and colleague. The pair’s relationship, first forged when Alisson broke into the Seleção in 2015, has become one of the defining partnerships in modern Brazilian football.

Alisson recently surpassed Júlio César to record the most clean sheets for Brazil this century (45). Now, with at least ten games before the 2026 World Cup, he is closing in on Taffarel’s all-time record of 52 clean sheets.

“It is very good to be able to work alongside Taffarel. For me, he is a reference on and off the pitch,” Alisson told Globo Esporte, highlighting how much he values the support of his idol.

The careers of Alisson and Taffarel share uncanny similarities. Both hail from Rio Grande do Sul and began at Internacional before making moves to Serie A — Taffarel to Parma in 1990, Alisson to Roma in 2016.

Taffarel went on to become Brazil’s undisputed No.1 across three consecutive World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998), while Alisson has already been the starter in 2018 and 2022 and is on track to complete the hat-trick in 2026.

That connection was cemented at Liverpool, when Taffarel joined the coaching staff in November 2021 at Alisson’s request. Jürgen Klopp described the move as part of a “goalkeeper philosophy,” but inside the club it was also viewed as a way to give their Brazilian No.1 a trusted figure alongside him.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Taffarel’s presence has been crucial to Liverpool’s consistency:

“Goalkeepers often peak later in their careers, and Alisson’s ability to stay at the very top is no accident. Having Taffarel beside him daily ensured both technical sharpness and mental resilience. It’s a bond built on mutual respect that has directly translated into trophies.”

He adds:

“Now, as Alisson closes in on Taffarel’s clean sheet record, the narrative is almost poetic. Mentor and pupil, linked across eras, both defining what Brazilian goalkeeping means in their generations.”

Alisson is determined to be Brazil’s No.1 for the 2026 World Cup and hopes to follow Taffarel by becoming a world champion. With Ancelotti in charge and Taffarel still on the staff, the conditions are set for a historic pursuit of records.

For Liverpool, the challenge is keeping their goalkeeper at the peak of his powers deep into his thirties. With Taffarel’s influence still present in his national team work, Alisson may well extend his prime years further than many expect.

Will Alisson surpass Claudio Taffarel to become Brazil’s greatest-ever goalkeeper before the 2026 World Cup?