Top 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves of the 21st Century

Without question one of the most crucial positions on a football ground is goalkeeping. A team’s success or failure can often be determined by the vital saves made by their custodian. The goalkeeper’s job is often neglected as the forwards and midfielders often claim the limelight in the football match, despite the fact it’s the toughest role in the game which is to prevent the opposition from scoring goals by making crucial saves and blocks in between the sticks.

Although in recent times the role of keeper has evolved as they are now expected to be good with their passing and feet however the primary task of making saves has remained the same over the years. Therefore, in this article, we will be ranking the Top 10 Goalkeepers with the most Penalty Saves in the 21st century from across the top five leagues in the world ie Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and more.

What Can Make a Goalkeeper a Hero?

But before moving towards the shot-stoppers list of most with the most saves under their belt let’s us understand, what really makes a goalkeeper a hero for their team. Who wouldn’t like the suspense of a close call when watching a game? In a football game penalties present one of the most intense sensations because the chances of scoring from a penalty kick are only fifty percent. Is it not fascinating?

A goalie can become an instant hero in the game with a successful save but being a club or national hero comes with saving several penalty kicks. Samir Handanovic of Inter Milan is the most accomplished custodian in history when it comes to preventing penalties; over his career, he has saved 38 of them.

The former Juventus and Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has stopped thirty penalties and so he is ranked 2nd in the list. The goalie is 43 years old and is still competing at the highest level and is presently playing for Parma, the team from his youth. Notable goalkeepers with the most saves in the twenty-first century include the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Petr Cech, and Iker Casillas.

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In the vast history of Football, here is a list of the best ten penalty savers ever:

List of Best 10 Goalkeepers with the Most Penalty Saves All-Time

10. Frank Rost – 20 saves

Frank Rost, also referred to as “The Bremen Wall,” was an extraordinarily dependable and unwavering goalie. Strikers in the Bundesliga frequently dreamed of overcoming this strong barrier and scoring goals. Over the course of his career, the Bremen Wall successfully avoided 20 penalties, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities and steely nerves. Rost has made 426 Bundesliga appearances for various clubs across the leagues.

9. Benoit Costil – 20 saves

Despite not being widely recognized, Costil has proven himself as a penalty-saving master with 20 saves to his name. He was last active with Serie A side Salernitana, he continues to hone his skills in goal. The French goalkeeper is currently without a club, after playing 407 in the French top division for clubs like Stade Rennais FC, FC Girondins Bordeaux, Losc Lille etc.

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8. Petr Cech – 21 saves

A legendary figure in the goalkeeping realm, Cech boasts numerous records, including 21 penalty saves throughout his illustrious career. His remarkable consistency and shot-stopping abilities made him a force to be reckoned with. The Czech legend had played for two of the biggest English clubs Arsenal and Chelsea winning numerous accolades and silverware during his playing days.

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7. Mickael Landreau – 21 saves

Sharing a similar record with Cech, Landreau solidified his reputation as a penalty-saving expert with 21 saves. His composure and agility between the posts earned him acclaim throughout his career. He had lifted the Ligue 1 titles twice with FC Nantes and Losc Lille, three French cups and one league cup during his stint in France. It’s been a decade since Landreau announced his retirement from professional football and he still has most number of penalty saves to his name.

6. Manuel Neuer – 22 saves

Renowned for his innovative style and shot-stopping prowess, Neuer boasts 22 penalty saves, showcasing his excellence in traditional goalkeeping aspects as well. His performances have earned him recognition among the best and most decorated goalkeepers of all time. the German icon had recently announced his retirement from the German national team but continues to play for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

5. Iker Casillas – 23 saves

Drawing inspiration from legends like Luis Arconada, Casillas displayed remarkable composure and skill, saving 23 penalties throughout his illustrious career. Fondly known as San Iker, he remains a revered figure in the goalkeeping fraternity. Hailed as one of the greatest Real Madrid players his time was full of success at the Santiago Bernabeu and in the later stages of his career, he went on to play for Porto.

4. Andrea Consigli – 25 saves

Despite being underrated, Consigli’s exceptional goalkeeping skills earned him fame, particularly in one-on-one situations and penalty stops. He amassed an impressive total of 25 penalty saves, showcasing his reliability in crucial moments. The Italian has over 372 appearances for Sassuolo and is currently showing his goalkeeping prowess in the Serie B, the second tier of the Italian football pyramid.

3. Diego Alves – 28 saves

Securing the third spot on the list, Alves demonstrated his prowess in penalty saves with a total of 28 saves. His ability to outshine formidable opponents in penalty shootouts earned him a well-deserved place among the top penalty savers. The Brazilian shot-stopper had spells with CR Flamengo and Valencia earned a serious reputation as a top-class spot-kick denier in between the posts.

2. Gianluigi Buffon – 30 saves

With an astounding record of 30 penalty saves, Buffon’s remarkable longevity and adaptability ensured his place among the top goalkeepers of the 21st century. His achievements and contributions to the game are widely celebrated. He was a pivotal figure of Juventus in their domestic dominance and enjoyed successive Serie A league titles and lifted the World Cup as well.

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1. Samir Handanovic – 38 saves

Topping the list, Handanovic’s remarkable track record of 38 penalty saves highlights his extraordinary abilities in goal. His consistent presence and leadership have made him a revered figure in Serie A, setting him apart as one of the greatest penalty savers in football history. Last year in March 2023, the Slovenian International hung his boots to mark his official retirement from the sport after an impressive career.

Who are the top 10 goalkeepers with the most penalty saves in football history?

Player	Saves	Teams	Tenure
Sami Handanovic	38	Domzale, Zagorje, Udinese, Treviso, Rimini, Inter Milan	2003 – 2023
Gianluigi Buffon	30	Parma, Juventus, PSG	1995 – 2023
Diego Alves	28	Atletico Mineiro, Almeria, Valencia, Flamengo	2004 – 2023
Andrea Consigli	25	Atalanta, Sambenedettese, Rimini, Sassuolo	2006 – present
Iker Casillas	23	Real Madrid, FC Porto	1999 – 2020
Manuel Neuer	22	Schalke, Bayern Munich	2006 – present
Mickaël Landreau	21	Nantes, PSG, Lille, Bastia	1996 – 2014
Petr Cech	21	Chmel Blšany, Sparta Prague, Rennes, Chelsea, Arsenal	1999 – 2019
Benoit Costil	20	Caen, Vannes, Sedan, Rennes, Bordeaux	2005 – present
Frank Rost	20	Werder Bremen, Schalke, Hamburger SV, New York Red Bulls	1992 – 2011

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